It was probably 14 meters long and weighed 15 tons, and towing it to land would be a challenge, but Sau and the other fishermen decided to do it anyway. It took them nearly seven hours to bring it to Mui Ne in Phan Thiet town on the south-central coast. Locals organized a funeral for the animal, placed it in a shroud and buried it with respect. After a period of time the bones will be dug up, carefully cleaned and placed in a temple for worshiping. Why these solemn rituals for a dead animal? To fishermen in Vietnam, especially on the central and southern coasts, the whale is not just any animal; it is worshiped as Ca Ong, or "Lord Whale", who protects them at sea. Ca Ong is a deity who helps them overcome all hazards at sea, and so fishermen pray to the whale for a safe trip every time they go fishing. This is a practice that has been in vogue for generations. A whale skeleton preserved in a temple on Phu Quy Island in south central province of Binh Thuan. Photo by Dang Le … [Read more...] about Venerating the whale, Vietnamese fisherman’s best friend
Cultural heritage best practice
Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage
Nha Nhac - Vietnamese court music (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam possesses an array of intangible cultural heritages that have been recognized by UNESCO. 1. Nha Nhac - Vietnamese court music Inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2003), Nha Nhac, meaning “elegant music” refers to a broad range of musical and dance styles performed at the Vietnamese royal court from the 15th to the mid-20th century. Nha Nhac was generally featured at the opening and closing of ceremonies associated with anniversaries, religious holidays, coronations, funerals and official receptions. Among the numerous musical genres that developed in Vietnam, only Nha Nhac can claim a nationwide scope and strong links with the traditions of other East Asian countries. Nha Nhac performances formerly featured numerous singers, dancers and musicians dressed in sumptuous costumes. Large-scale orchestras included a … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage
Technology should inspire people to protect heritage
Seul Ki Lee, Sejong University’s Department of Hotel and Tourism Management, director of Tourism Industry Data Analytics Lab in the Republic of Korea. — VNS PhotoViet Nam News ASEAN has so far a total of 38 World Heritage sites which have contributed significantly to tourism development of each country and offered socio-economic, cultural benefits to local communities. In the digital era, preservation of ASEAN heritage values plays a key role in maintaining tourism sustainability. Việt Nam News reporters Hồng Vân and Khánh Dương talk to delegates at ASEAN Tourism Forum which is taking place in Hạ Long, the city of a World Heritage site, in northern Quảng Ninh Province about how technology can be best used in tourism. Technology has been widely applied in various aspects of life. What is its role in tourism? Peter Debrine, senior project officer of World Heritage Nature, Sustainable Tourism and Outreach Unit: … [Read more...] about Technology should inspire people to protect heritage
Cultural heritages in Danang City
The Marble Mountains have become a special national historical relic (Photo: Phuong Cuc/VOV) Danang has 2 special national relic sites, 18 national-level and 51 city-level relics, and 4 national intangible heritages. Cultural and historical sites include the Danang Museum, the Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture, the revolutionary base K20, and the Marble Mountains. Some of the intangible cultural heritages are “Bai choi” (folk singing practice of the central region that resembles a game, using playing cards and village huts), “Tuong” (Vietnam’s classical opera), the Whale worshipping ritual, and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva festival. The Marble Mountains are among the best known destinations thanks to a system of majestic stalactite caves. The mountains used to welcome tourists only during the festival but are now open all year round. Nguyen Van Hien, head of the management board of the Marble Mountains, said “The Marble Mountains are … [Read more...] about Cultural heritages in Danang City
Nhan Dan Newspaper picks out top 10 culture, sports and tourism events of 2018
1. The Government issued Decree No. 133/2018 / ND-CP amending and supplementing several articles of Decree No. 90/2014 / ND-CP dated September 29, 2014, on "Ho Chi Minh Prize" and “State Prize" for literature and art field. The new Decree provides detailed regulations, adjusting the inappropriate points of the old Decree, keeping abreast of the actual situation, of the author's creative activities, artistic value and ideology of the works and its effects in education; building new people; improving the aesthetic level of the people. It contributes to the construction and defense of the Fatherland; creating fairness and consensus in public opinion and artists. 2. The Central Council for the Theory and Criticism of Literature and Arts organised a seminar to review the process of socialisation of literary and artistic activities in Vietnam since the promulgation of the policy up to now ". The results achieved in more than 20 years of socialisation of literary and artistic activities … [Read more...] about Nhan Dan Newspaper picks out top 10 culture, sports and tourism events of 2018