Hanoi builds up policies for Chau Van singing cultural heritage preservation

Opinions from Chau Van singers and music players expressed at a recent seminar are an important basis for the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports to build up policies for Chau Van singing protection and promotion within the city of Hanoi in particular and nationwide in general, a culture ministry official has said. 

An overview of the seminar for upholding Chau Van singing was held on November 23. Photo: Thanh Truc

At the seminar for upholding Chau Van singing on November 23, Ms. Bui Thi Huong Thuy, deputy head of Cultural Heritage Management Division under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, said that the Vietnamese intangible cultural heritage, the Chau Van singers and music players had the opportunity to discuss and share about advantages and disadvantages in the passing down, preservation and promotion of the values of this intangible cultural heritage in Vietnam.

Chau Van singing or so-called Hat van or Hat bong was originated in the Red River Delta in the North around the 16th century and subsequently spread nationwide. Combining music and poetry, the unique Vietnamese singing is usually performed for extolling the merits of beneficent deities or deified national heroes. 

Chau Van is an important part of Mother Goddess of the three Realms practice, which was officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The seminar was part of events to celebrate the 16th anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day which was held by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Hanoi Cultural Club.

At the seminar, many opinions from members of the Xu Doai Chau Van singing club have been acknowledged by the organizers, in order to further promote the value of Vietnamese legacy.