Hat Xoan dossier built for UNESCO’s recognition

How to build a dossier and collect documents on Hat Xoan to be submitted to UNESCO for recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection was discussed at a symposium on October 13.
The symposium also focused on cultural history, performance, customs, costumes, music and artists of Hat Xoan (a kind of folk song of northern Phu Tho Province).
Deputy Director of Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Thi Minh Ly warned that Hat Xoan that is falling into oblivion needs urgent protection.
To finalise Hat Xoan dossier, northern mountainous Phu Tho Province must prove Hat Xoan value and its preservation strategy with the community’s strong support, she added.
Hat Xoan is believed to have been created more than 500 years ago. It is not only popular in 18 communes around the Lo River in Phu Tho Province, but it is also sung in midland and northern regions.
Hat Xoan has some similarities with the lullaby. Like Quan Ho, many of the songs are about love, but it is also a kind of folk music that worships a village genie.
There are many forms of Hat Xoan: dialogue, group singing accompanied by several kinds of dances.
Hat Xoan festivals are often held in spring in village temples. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the artists often sing it at the Hung Temple Festival.