The event was organized by the Vietnam Centre for Research and Conservation of Culture and Belief under the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam, and also joint by Professor Ngô Đức Thịnh, Director of the Vietnam Centre for Research and Conservation of Culture and Belief, Professor Đặng Văn Bài, Chairman of the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam, and representatives from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.

Professor Ngô Đức Thịnh introduces worship of Mother Goddess and its Hau dong practice

According to Professor Ngô Đức Thịnh, Hau dong ritual, also known as ‘Chau van’, is a spiritual practice combining folk singing and dancing with solemn rites. Mother Goddesses worship has been practiced in Vietnam for a long time, and is a unique cultural characteristic of Vietnam.

Ambassador David Saperstein (middle) speaks at Hau dong performance

Interested in watching the performance, Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein also shared “The practice is very interesting and attractive, this is the first time I have seen such an interesting form of belief practice, from music to dancing”.

Actor Nguyễn Tiến Nghĩa performs Hau dong ritual

Actress Nguyễn Bích Loan plays at Hau dong ritual

It’s reported that Vietnam has sent the dossier of “Mother Goddesses Worship of Vietnam” for the UNESCO’s recognition as part of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The UNESCO will consider in December, 2016 at the 11^th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003 (the 2003 Convention) in Ethiopia.

Ambassador takes memorable photo with artists and participants.

TP