Vietnamese belief recognized as intangible cultural heritage of humanity

PANO - The practice of the belief of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms worship by Vietnamese was officially recognized by UNESCO as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on December 1 at UNESCO’s ongoing 11^th session of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

The good news was revealed by the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism the same day.

The practice of the belief of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms worship

According to the Inter-Governmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, the dossier on the practice met all criteria set by UNESCO to be listed in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The belief in Mother Goddess worship reflects people’s desire for health, wealth and fortune.

Under the dossier, this heritage has been importantly contributing to strengthening the spiritual link among the worshiping communities.

In terms of social aspect, the heritage, with its open nature, helps promote the tolerance among ethnic groups and religions and has been handed down to younger generations since the 16^th century via continuous practice and lessons.

As this heritage is shared by different ethnic groups of Vietnam, the practice helps boost dialogues and respect for cultural diversity, contribute to promoting creativity and enriching culture. It plays an important role in festivals and arts including dances and music.

Since the 1990s, practitioners of this belief have raised and donated money to maintain festivals and restore relics relating to Mother Goddesses. The State has also issued a number of policies on managing festivals, heritage and protecting as well as promoting the heritage’s values.

UNESCO’s recognition of this practice proves great efforts of different sectors of Vietnam at all levels and communities to preserve the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.

Vietnam is home to world’s intangible cultural heritage such as nha nhac (royal court music), the space of gong culture in the Central Highlands, quan ho (love duets singing), ca tru (ceremonial singing) and Hung King worshipping rituals.

Translated by Mai Huong