Xoan singing in Phu Tho province

According to cultural researchers, Phu Tho province has preserved 31 ancient Xoan songs in four original Xoan wards in Viet Tri city.

These ancient songs are associated with the historical and cultural relics where the singing takes place.

In ancient communal houses, lyrics, dances and beats are combined to touch the most respectful minds of each person when enjoying Xoan singing performance.

Xoan singing performances

Closely linked to the worship of Hung Kings, Xoan singing is a religious practice rooted in the ancestor worship custom of the Vietnamese people. It is traditionally performed during the first two months of the lunar calendar in holy places such as temples, sanctuaries and communal houses.

There are three forms of Xoan singing: worship singing for the Hung kings and village guardian spirits; ritual singing for good crops, health and luck, and festival singing where villagers alternate male and female voices in a form of courtship.

The performing art was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011 by UNESCO.

Historically, people in Phu Tho province organized Xoan singing performance to commemorate the Hung Kings who have built and kept the country. (Photos by The Duong)

It was transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017 in recognition of efforts by the local communities and the national authorities to reinforce the viability of Xoan singing./.