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 the 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.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
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.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
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.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
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)
