Phu Tho province gains four additional national intangible cultural heritages

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has officially announced the updated List of National Intangible Cultural Heritages. Following the recent administrative merger, Phu Tho province is honored to have four more heritages newly inscribed. Among them, two originate from the former Hoa Binh province.

Artisans from Muong Bi commune, Phu Tho province exchange knowledge and perform the Bo meng melody in a traditional stilt house.

The two newly recognized heritages from the former Hoa Binh province include: the art of creating decorative patterns on the waistbands of Muong women’s skirts in Tan Lac, Lac Son, and Yen Thuy districts, categorized under folk knowledge and traditional craftsmanship. This traditional art represents a rich and distinctive body of folk design and decoration, demonstrating refined aesthetic sensibility. The waistband decoration technique, a fundamental component of the Muong people’s traditional costumes, originated long ago and is closely intertwined with the history and cultural identity of the ethnic group.

The second heritage is Thuong Rang and Bo meng singing of the Muong ethnic group in the former Hoa Binh province, classified under folk performing arts. With deep historical roots, this genre constitutes a core part of the lyrical folk music repertoire created and preserved by the Muong community throughout their daily lives and production activities. It plays a vital role in their spiritual and cultural life, as well as in community customs and traditions.

Decorative patterns on the waistband of a traditional Muong skirt.

From the former Phu Tho province, two more elements have also been added to the national list: the Cuop Ken Festival in Di Nau commune (now Tho Van commune), and the Doi Tet celebration of the Muong people in Thu Cuc commune. Thus, the newly merged Phu Tho province now has four more elements recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritages. To date, the province is home to a total of 39 nationally recognized intangible cultural heritages.

The inscription of these heritages affirms their historical and cultural significance and highlights their role in the spiritual life of the local community. It also contributes to raising awareness and enhancing the responsibility of all levels, sectors, and people in preserving and promoting the enduring values of these cultural heritages.

Cam Le