(VOVworld) – Paperwork nominating Xoan singing for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity must be submitted to UNESCO before March 31. 

Singers are performing "Xoan singing", a traditional art form originating in northern Phu Tho province. (Photo: VNA)

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to prepare all necessary paperwork for the nomination. Xoan singing originated in Phu Tho province and is performed in communal halls during spring festivals. For this reason, it is also called “hat cua dinh” (singing in front of the communal house). 
It is believed to date back to the time of the Hung Kings 2,000 years ago. It is a form of entertainment, but it also honors the Hung kings, the founders of the nation, and village guardian spirits; appeals for good health, weather and harvests; and celebrates daily life in rural areas. On November 24, 2011, Xoan singing of Phu Tho province was officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection at a meeting in Bali, Indonesia.