How to build a dossier and collect documents on “Hat Xoan” to be submitted to UNESCO for recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection was discussed at a symposium on October 13.

The symposium also focused on cultural history, performance, customs, costumes, music and artists of “Xoan” (a kind of flok song of northern Phu Tho province).

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Cultural Heritage Department Le Thi Minh Ly warned that “Hat Xoan” that is falling into oblivion needs urgent protection.

To finalise “Hat Xoan” dossier, the northern mountainous province of Phu Tho must underscore the value of “Hat Xoan” and the need to preserve it with the community’s strong support, she added.

“Hat Xoan” is believed to have been created more than 500 years ago. It is not only popular in 18 communes around the Lo River in Phu Tho province, but it is also sung in midland and northern regions.

“Hat Xoan” has some similarities with the lullaby. Like “Quan Ho”, many of the songs are about love, but it is also a kind of folk music that worships a village genie.

There are many forms of “Hat Xoan”: dialogue and group singing combined with dance performances.

Xoan festivals are often held at village temples in spring. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the artists often sing it at the Hung Temple festival.