Vietnam’s Xoan singing has entered the world’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritages in need of Urgent Protection.

The Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) voted for the recognition on Nov. 23.

Xoan singing, a vocal art of villages in the ancestral land of Phu Tho, is usually performed in front of the communal house during village festivals in the spring. Based on legends and historical, archaeological and social records, researchers say that Xoan singing first appeared from the time when the Hung Kings established the nation.

Xoan singing has some similarities with the lullaby. Many of the songs are about love, but it is also a kind of folk music that praises a village genie.

There are many forms including the duet and group singing accompanied by several kinds of dances.

Xoan festivals are often held in spring in village temples. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, these traditional songs are performed at the Hung Temple festival. (Source: VNA)