Ritual performances take place in sacred spaces, reflecting beliefs and practices upheld by the community. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Ritual spirit mediumship performac involves the coordinated efforts of spirit mediums, ritual singers and assistants, from preparing costumes and props to conducting the rites. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Traditional props and ritual singing accompany expressive movements, contributing to the distinctive beauty of the ceremony. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Ceremonial costumes are an important element of the ritual’s distinctive cultural identity, preserving traditional folk art and decorative motifs. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)The blend of music, costumes and movement creates distinctive forms of expression in the traditional ritual. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Ritual spirit mediumship performac is a collaborative ritual involving spirit mediums, ritual singers and assistants. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Traditional costumes, ritual movements, singing and the sacred setting combine to create the distinctive character of mediumship performace, an integral part of Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship inscribed by UNESCO in 2016. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)Ceremonial costumes are a distinctive feature of ritual spirit mediumship performance. (Photo: Pham Tuan Anh/VNA)
Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship marks 10 years on UNESCO heritage list
2026 marks a decade since the practice of Mother Goddess worship in Vietnam was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its cultural values continue to be upheld through traditional ceremonies, ritual singing (hat van), elaborate costumes and ritual spirit mediumship performances (hau dong).
