The ceremony took place within the annual traditional festival of Tran Vu temple.

On this occasion, Nguyen Van Se, who has greatly contributed to preserving the folk games and rituals, was presented with the President’s decision recognising him as an outstanding artisan.

Tug-of-war is typically held near a communal house or shrine, two teams on either end of a rope try to tug it from the other.

Apart from Vietnam, tug-of-war games and rituals of Cambodia, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines also won UNESCO recognition.

A Vietnamese delegation is scheduled to visit the RoK in mid-April to engage in exchanges with local tug-of-war teams.

Tug-of-war rituals and games are prevalent in the rice-farming cultures of East Asia and Southeast Asia as a form for communities to pray for abundant harvests and prosperity. They mark the start of the agricultural cycle and often begin with commemorative rites to local deities.

Typically held near a communal house or shrine, two teams on either end of a rope try to tug it from the other. The practice is non-competitive, strengthening community solidarity and identity, UNECO said on its website.

Additional 17 national intangible cultural heritage announced

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien has recently signed a decision announcing 17 new national intangible cultural heritage. 

 

Xoe Thai seeks title of intangible cultural heritage

Authorities in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien will implement a plan to promote the recognition of xoe Thai dance as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

 

Raglai ethnic people’s ceremony recognized as national intangible heritage

The “Bo ma” (farewell to the dead) ceremony of the Raglai ethnic minority people in the south central province of Ninh Thuan has been recognized as the national cultural intangible heritage.

 

Ho Chi Minh Trail listed as prominent national heritage

The Ho Chi Minh Trail has been listed among 11 prominent national heritage sites, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

 

San Chay’s ritual recognised as national intangible heritage

"Le hoi cau mua” (bumper-crop praying ceremony) of the San Chay ethnic minority group in the northern province of Thai Nguyen was granted the status of national intangible cultural heritage at a ceremony held in Tuc Tranh commune, Phu Luong district on January 5.

 

Source: VNA