NAM DINH -- A dossier gathering scientific research on chau van, a

traditional singing style of Vietnamese people in the northern province of

Nam Dinh, will be recognised as a national intangible heritage.

Once approved by the Prime Minister, it will be submitted to UNESCO to

be recognised as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity.

Chau van is a kind of spiritual singing accompanying the hau dong

(mediumship) ritual of the Mother Goddesses religion. It's popular

throughout the country, but Nam Dinh Province is considered its

birthplace.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Nam Dinh Province

owns 287 vestiges relating to the Mother Goddesses religion, with 470

people participating in the rituals: 246 mediums, 245 cung van (chau van

singers) and 162 musical instrumentalists.

The folk performance art was created during the Tran dynasty (1225-1400)

and became popular at festivals and rituals. It was performed at temples

and pagodas as people believed that it was a useful way to connect to the

Mother Goddesses and other gods.

Mediums dance to the melody of chau van singing to honour the gods. --

VNS