Vietnam’s spiritual singing bewitches international friends
More than 20 ambassadors and representatives of international organisations in Vietnam enjoyed a performance of Chau Van singing and Hau Dong (trance ritual) in Nam Dinh on Feb 26.
Nam Dinh (VNA) – More than 20 ambassadors and representatives of international organisations in Vietnam enjoyed a performance of Chau Van singing and Hau Dong (trance ritual) in the northern province of Nam Dinh on February 26.
The show is part of a programme highlighting Buddhism, Christianity and Mother Goddess worship – initiated by the UNESCO Vietnam. It aims to shed light on the Vietnamese spiritual life and local freedom of religious practice.
Chau Van singing and Hau Dong are pivotal parts of a ceremony to worship Mother Goddess. Followers perform the spiritual singing and dancing to entertain and praise deities. During the performance, they dress up like the deities they sing for.
The Mother Goddess worship was created during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) and has become part of the Vietnamese spiritual life as a reminder of national history and the great contributions of predecessors and national heroes.
The ritual combines music, singing, dancing, martial arts, cooking and fashion. During the associated trance ritual, mediums serve as ambassadors connecting the material world with the genies.
After the performance, US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said he read about the ritual, and found it fascinated to watch it being performed live.
UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Katherine Muller-Marin stated the Mother Goddess worship lay stress on the women’s roles in society.
Combining different cultural and artistic values, it promotes humanity through demonstrating respect for ancestors, and national contributors, she noted.
In March 2014, Vietnam submitted a dossier on the Mother Goddess worship to seek UNESCO recognition of the art as invaluable cultural heritage. The file is expected to be assessed in December 2016.
Nam Dinh is among Mother Goddess worship centres nationwide, possessing 287 temples and vestiges relating to t♎he belief.-VNA
Outstanding mediums in the Mother Goddess worship have been awarded the “folk artisan” title in recognition of their contributions to preserving the age-old belief.
A spiritual and cultural space opened in the northern province of Nam Dinh on December 25 to provide an insight into the distinctive features and values of the ritual of worshipping Mother Goddesses.
The practice of Mother Goddess worship in the modern society was the topic of an international symposium held in the northern province of Nam Dinh on January 6.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
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This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
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The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
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Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
A Chau Van singing peformance (Photo: VNA)
