Having something or someplace recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world cultural heritage is worth boasting for any nation. But beyond boasting rights, UNESCO recognition comes with greater visibility, which in turn can lead to increased governmental and tourist attention and a steady flow of economic stimulus to the locality for growth and development. Ha Long Bay, a natural heritage, and the Imperial City of Hue, a cultural heritage, are two Vietnamese sites on the World Heritage List that have received such benefits.
However, aside from physical locations, UNESCO also recognizes intangible heritages. These “World Intangible Cultural Heritages” come in one of two categories: They may be representative of a culture or they may be cultural heritages that need urgent preservation because they are in danger of disappearing.
Below are the five Vietnamese intangible heritages featured at the World Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition from May 27th to June 3rd of this year.
Royal Court Music of Hue (Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue)
Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands
(Khong Gian Van Hoa Cong Chieng Tay Nguyen)
Folk Music of Bac Ninh (Quan Ho Bac Ninh)
Giong Festival (Hoi Giong)
Chamber Music (Ca tru)
Are these five intangible heritages representative of Vietnamese culture? Are five too few or too many? It is, of course, difficult to determine that one heritage is more valuable than another. What may even be more important are the effects of these heritages being recognized as intangible by UNESCO. Will the government take on measures to preserve these heritages? Will there be more people taking part in these heritages? Will people view these heritages with a different perspective? Will tomorrow’s youth be proud of these heritages? Or, will they view these heritages as outdated and insignificant? What about the heritages that do not receive the title of “world’s intangible heritages”? Is the world heritage title necessary?
Jenny. I think there are more than five because as I know there are more than 30 festivals in the North, and a fewer than that in the Middle part, and South. The world heritage title is important because that would make the people proud and keep their festival, or tradition to preserve their way of life, their heritage, and attract tourists…..that really earns them a lot of money 😀 !!