(VOVworld) - A ceremony was held in Phu Day historical and cultural relic site in Nam Dinh province on Sunday to formally accept UNESCO's recognition of the Vietnamese people's practice of Mother Goddess Worship as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The practice, which began in the 16^th century in Vietnam, is the worship of the incarnation of nature goddesses.

A UNESCO representative hands over the certificate of recognition for Vietnam on April 2, 2017

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said: “This recognition is Vietnam’s honor and demonstrates its contribution to world culture. The honor gives Vietnam a responsibility to protect the heritage. All of us need to support the national plan of action to preserve and uphold the value of Mother Goddess Worship.”

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam

At the ceremony, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced a national plan of action to promote Mother Goddess Worship. Activities will recognize the value of this heritage, restore related rituals, and honor individuals and communities who have contributed to preserving, practicing, upholding, and promoting the heritage.

An art performance at the ceremony in Phu Day to accept UNESCO's recognition of Mother Goddess Worship on April 2, 2017

Mother Goddess Worship worships three Mother Goddesses, who represent the three realms of the universe: Heaven, Water, and the Mountains and Forests.