Culture highlights

Vietnam Showcases Then Ritual Practices in Laos

An exhibition and performance programme featuring the practices of Then by people of the Tay–Thai ethnic language family opened in Vientiane on August 17 on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Vietnam's August Revolution and National Day (September 2) and the 10th anniversary of the Vientiane Declaration on Reinforcing Cultural Heritage Cooperation in ASEAN (2016–2026).
Vietnamese and Lao delegates cut the ribbon to open the exhibition and performance programme themed “Practicing Then Beliefs among the Tay-Thai Language Group” in Laos. Photo: VNA

The programme, jointly organised by the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups and the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Lao, aims to promote the value of an intangible cultural heritage of humanity while strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Attending the opening ceremony were Lao Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Phakhanxay Sikhanxay, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam and his spouse, along with representatives of agencies and research institutes of both countries, Vietnamese representative missions in Laos, local residents, and international visitors.

Addressing the event, To Thi Thu Trang, Director of the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups, said the Then practices by the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in Vietnam represent a unique folk art form embodying moral values, profound philosophies of life, and community solidarity.

Delegates visit the Then cultural exhibition space themed “Practicing Then Beliefs among the Tay-Thai Language Group” at the event. Photo: VNA
Beyond being rituals, Then harmoniously combines music, lyrics, dance, and traditional handicrafts. The sounds of "dan Tinh" (a traditional musical instrument) and Then melodies convey prayers for favourable weather, bumper crops, and peaceful lives while serving as a bridge connecting people with nature and the past with the present.

On December 12, 2019, the practices of Then by Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups in Vietnam were inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Au Viet Hung, Director of the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Laos, said some cultural values could touch people’s hearts without the need for language. Listening to the Tinh lute and simple melodies, Lao people can find echoes of the Baci ceremony and other traditional rituals that have long shaped their spiritual life. These shared humanistic values inspire people to pursue goodness, respect their ancestors, and aspire to a peaceful and prosperous life.

Artisans tie wrist threads to wish good luck to Lao delegates attending the event. Photo: VNA
A performance featuring the distinctive heritage of Vietnamese Then at the event. Photo: VNA
The exhibition features 54 valuable photographs, 119 representative artefacts, and 12 excerpts from distinctive Then rituals. The exhibits are organised around five themes: traditional settlement and farming practices; weaving, brocade and traditional costumes; the cultural story of Then practices; the preservation and promotion of Then singing and Tinh lute traditions; and performances of ancient Then pieces.

Visitors can explore similarities among eight ethnic groups of the Tay–Thai language family in Vietnam, namely Tay, Thai, Nung, Lao, Lu, Bo Y, San Chay, and Giay, who mainly reside in valleys in the northeastern and northwestern regions. Their traditions include stilt houses, indigo-dyed brocade weaving, and irrigation systems known as “muong, phai, lai, lin”.

Traditional weaving is also displayed, highlighting similarities with Lao brocade weaving traditions.

A performance featuring the distinctive heritage of Vietnamese Then at the event. Photo: VNA
A view of the Then cultural exhibition space themed “Practicing Then Beliefs among the Tay-Thai Language Group” at the event. Photo: VNA

A highlight of the programme is a series of ancient Then ritual performances by Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Van Tho, the Doi Hoa Club, and other folk artisans. Through the deep sounds of the Tinh lute, rhythmic percussion, and melodious singing, they recreate the spiritual atmosphere of the heritage.

The exhibition and performances will remain open to the public at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Vientiane through August 19./.

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