Vietnam’s ‘Then’ singing honoured as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The practices of Then reflect concepts about human beings, nature and the universe. Then ceremonies describe a journey in which the Master controls ghost soldiers travelling from earth to heaven to present items of worship and prayers for peace, good crops, and good health.

During the practice, the Then Master sings and plays a ‘tinh’ lute, wearing ceremonial dress. Then is always transmitted orally while the rituals are conducted, reflecting its succession across the generations.


The ritual practice is mostly observed by Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic communities in the north-western and north-eastern provinces, including Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Dien Bien and Lai Chau, among others.

It was honoured as Vietnam national intangible heritage in 2012.

UNESCO’s recognition to the practice of Then has reaffirmed the cultural diversity of ethnic groups in Vietnam, and encouraged dialogues between individuals, community and nations towards tolerance, love and humanity.

Source: nhandan.org.https://en.nhandan.org.vn/