# data[].attributes.body
This website's main goal is to influence and spread the near-extinct cultures or those overshadowed by more dominant and globalised cultures. Vietnam is one of the numerous victims. Vietnam was conquered and influenced by mainly Chinese culture, after the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, American culture due to the Vietnamese War from 1955 to 75, and French culture due to French colonies which made Vietnam part of the colony known as French Indochina. All those cultures impacted the Vietnams’ origin and roots of their traditions. Hence this endangered culture needs to be preserved and protected by sharing iconic and prominent customs, with the most peculiar and unique ones.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is the concept of “cultural imperialism”?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is the concept of “cultural imperialism”?

# data[].attributes.body
Numerous factors and reasons may have led to a world culture but the main ones include cultural flow, trade, and communication. For instance, the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America thinking it was India brought a large variety and diversity of culture to this land. First of all, he was born in Italy but he travelled under the Spanish flag which concluded that he spoke fluently Spanish. Till now, several countries on the southern area of the American continent have Spanish as their official language such as Argentina, Columbia, Peru, Uruguay, and more. Another cultural flow brought by this navigator was religion. Christopher was Christian and when arriving in this new land, he introduced it to the natives and in some instances employed force to convert some to the religion. They also built churches and had missionaries who were religious members known as Dominicans and Franciscans to come and convert the indigenous people.

Trade was one of the most significant and iconic events that happened when Christopher arrived in America. Trading horses, sugar for spices, small amounts of gold, and other crops. Another famous trade between Europe and America was the Triangle Trade but this time included Africa. The main trade was America sending to Europe and Africa raw materials such as iron ore, cotton, and coal, while Europe and Africa sent back completed objects and goods. Additionally, Africa also sent American slaves and enslaved people. This majorly influenced diversity and social hierarchy in America. Even to this day, racism, discrimination, and other inequities all affect American society.

And lastly, communication. Without communication, where would we be today? Without communication; society, community, or any kind of social relationships would come to an end. Hence communication is essential for a world culture because it is what makes us share different ideas and opinions. The most modern example is the Internet. With the arrival of the Internet, communicating and sharing information became way more accessible for everyone. Therefore, this generated a huge amount of diverging perspectives which influenced cultures. Due to social media, this communication form has become even more vast and popular. Word cultures such as trends and memes could be considered one of the most iconic ones.

# data[].attributes.headline
What factors contributed to a “world culture”?

# data[].attributes.subject
What factors contributed to a “world culture”?

# data[].attributes.body
Cultural imperialism is a concept about how a certain culture is or may be dominating over another, culturally speaking. Culture such as beliefs, traditions, religion and language can be examples of cultural imperialism a country or nation would impose. For instance, the United States being globally dominant both economically and politically has an immense influence over the rest of the world. In terms of culture, cinema, fashion, music, food, and brands, are all influenced by the USA. A simple example would be the food. KFC and McDonald's are popularised worldwide and present in almost every country around the globe. In terms of brands, the most popular ones included Adidas, Nike, Amazon, Apple, and Coca-Cola all originate from the same country, the United States.

# data[].attributes.body
Vietnamese food is known for using various natural materials and ingredients with unique textures. The Google slide above will present three unique traditional dishes from Vietnam that may or may not impact your view on Vietnamese's gastronomical reputation.

# data[].attributes.body
Ao Dai is the most iconic traditional dress in Vietnam. Dating from centuries ago, the design kept evolving and changing to better fit the population's habits and convenience. The historical roots, symbols, and traditional origins make this silk tunic momentously part of the country's patriotism.

For more detail and information about dresses in Vietnam, the slide above is just what you need.

# data[].attributes.body
Legends and tales have meaningful implications in Vietnam. From explaining natural causes to moral lessons, legends in Vietnam shape their cultural identity and inspire the habitants and population with ancient stories dating from decades and centuries ago.

# data[].attributes.body
Chau Van is a singing/dancing performances meant to worship and extol Mother Goddesses. This worship is popularly present in Vietnam's beliefs and people in the Central to the Southern area tend to extol Y A Na, goddess of floods and storms. The oldest and biggest shrine to worship is known as Ngoc Tran where a river is part of the shrine. But the water's dept is known to be extermely deep, even the best fisherman cannot reach its ground. Hence a lot of boats come to show their gratitude by passing by silently the shrine's river.

# data[].attributes.body
This controversial book is written by Bao Ninh which talks about a delicate subject, war. It is such a controversial subject that the book got banned for 15 years.

The story is about a soldier named Kien collecting bones of his comrades after the Vietnamese War against the Americans passed and recalls memories and events from the past during this tragic and terrifying war.

The Sorrow of War main message is about how trauma can impact a person's thinking mind and process forever.

Here is a basic summary of the book (Do not click verify if I'm robot. Simply scroll down and read the pdf)

https://jimdo-storage.global.ssl.fastly.net/file/bf02dbff-edd4-48cd-b901-268fe6db02d4/84373394942.pdf?dclid=CN_k87PQgYIDFXoHaAgdUjYLOg

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Bảo Ninh's The Sorrow of War. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Brief Biography of Bảo Ninh

Bảo Ninh was born in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi in 1952. He experienced the early effects of the Vietnam War, since American air raids started to disrupt everyday life in Hanoi in the mid-1960s. Ninh was directly impacted these air raids, since his school had to be relocated for safety reasons. This experience encouraged him to join the North Vietnamese Army against his parents' wishes, since they wanted him to go to college instead of putting his life at risk as a soldier. Still, Ninh was set on joining the army, wanting to be admirable and honorable by defending his country. He ended up joining the Glorious 27th Youth Brigade in 1969 and was one of only 10 soldiers from the brigade to survive the war-out of 500. He turned to writing in the aftermath of the war, penning The Sorrow of War as part of his studies at the Nguyen Du Writing School. The book circulated throughout Vietnam as a limited-run, underground publication before it was translated into English. It was eventually published abroad, but the novel was banned in Vietnam by the Communist Party of Vietnam until 2006.

Historical Context of The Sorrow of War

The Sorrow of War examines what life was like in Vietnam before, during, and after the Vietnam War. The war began in 1955, but Kien's life in the novel isn't intensely impacted by the conflict until the mid-1960s, when the United States became more involved. In 1965, the President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, launched Operation Rolling Thunder-a three-year bombing campaign targeting North Vietnam. The U.S. was allied with South Vietnam because of its anti-communist agenda, whereas pro-communist North Vietnam was allied with the Soviet Union. This meant that North and South Vietnamese people were fighting against each other, and though it's certainly the case that many American soldiers died (more than 58,000, to be precise), the toll the war took on Vietnam was considerably larger: more than one million soldiers died, and the civilian death count was north of two million. Despite this massive loss of life, North Vietnam emerged victorious, at least insofar as it succeeded in reunifying the country and ensuring that Communist forces could take control of not just Vietnam, but also Laos and Cambodia.

Other Books Related to The Sorrow of War

There are many famous books about the Vietnam War, but most Western readers are relatively unfamiliar with works that approach the conflict from the Vietnamese perspective (like The Sorrow of War does). To that end, it's worth considering The Sorrow of War alongside books like Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram, Andrew X. Pham's Catfish and Mandala, and Truong Nhu Tang's A Viet Cong Memoir-all of which give insight into real-life accounts of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese point of view. In terms of more contemporary literature, Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel The Sorrow of War even though it's told from an American perspective. The Sympathizer also features a North Vietnamese protagonist during the Vietnam War. And, of course, it's worth mentioning the most famous American novel about the Vietnam War: Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, which explores a similar kind of wartime horror as

Key Facts about The Sorrow of War

Full Title: The Sorrow of War

When Published: 1990

Literary Period: Contemporary

Genre: Historical Fiction, War Novel

Setting: Vietnam during the Vietnam War

Climax: Having been separated from his unit, Kien tries to catch up with his fellow soldiers by hopping on a freight train with Phuong during an intense air raid carried out by American bombers.

Antagonist: The violence and trauma of war

Point of View: Third Person

Extra Credit for The Sorrow of War

Triumph. Even though The Sorrow of War was banned in Vietnam at the time, Bao Ninh won the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize for the novel in 1994.

Translations. The version of The Sorrow of War that is most widely known throughout the world is not a direct translation of Ninh's work-rather, it's a newer version based on an earlier, rougher translation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The best study guide to The Sorrow of War on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.

# data[].attributes.body
Nguyen Du is the author of this book often considered as the heart of Vietnamese literary.

The synopsis of the book is about a young but engaged woman named Kieu who, due to a merchant and another Chinese individual who decided to ruin him, sold her body and got into prostitution. She hence endures pain, suffering and inequality for 15 years till she is finally able to save her Father from the conspiration lead against him.

The main message is to perseverance your lute and how to master over human's cruelty and win over it.

Here is the translated version of this book

https://www.google.com.tw/books/edition/The_Tale_of_Kieu/95isiQ3ZhN4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Tale of Kiều is an epic poem in Vietnamese written by Nguyễn Du (1765-1820), considered the most famous poem and a classic in Vietnamese literature. The original title in Vietnamese is Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh (斷腸新聲, "A New Cry From a Broken Heart"), but it is better known as Truyện Kiều (傳翹, IPA: [t͡ɕwiən˧˨ʔkiəw˨˩] , lit. "Tale of Kiều").

In 3,254 verses, written in ("six-eight") meter, the poem recounts the life, trials and tribulations of Thúy Kiều, a beautiful and talented young woman, who has to sacrifice herself to save her family. To save her father and younger brother from prison, she sells herself into marriage with a middle-aged man, not knowing that he is a pimp, and is forced into prostitution. While modern interpretations vary, some post-colonial writers have interpreted it as a critical, allegorical reflection on the rise of the Nguyễn dynasty.

Illustration of Thúy Kiều meeting Kim Trọng (19th century painting)

1894 Royal Manuscript of "Truyện Kiều".

Nguyễn Du made use of the plot of a seventeenth-century Chinese novel, Jīn Yún Qiào ( Chinese: 金雲翹), known in Vietnamese pronunciation of Chinese characters as Kim Vân Kiều. The original, written by an otherwise unknown writer under the pseudonym Qīngxīn Cáirén ( Chinese: 青心才人 "Pure-Hearted Man of Talent"), was a straightforward romance, but Nguyễn Du chose it to convey the social and political upheavals at the end of the 18th century in Vietnam.

Vietnam at that time was ruled nominally by the 300-year-old Lê dynasty, but real power rested in the Trịnh lords in the north and the Nguyễn lords in the south. While the Trịnh and the Nguyễn were fighting against each other, the Tây Sơn rebels overthrew both the Nguyễn and then the Trịnh over the span of a decade. Nguyễn Du was loyal to the Lê Dynasty and hoped for the return of the Lê emperor. In 1802 the Nguyễn lord Nguyễn Ánh conquered all of Vietnam forming the new Nguyễn dynasty. Nguyễn Ánh, now Emperor Gia Long, summoned Nguyễn Du to join the new government and, with some reluctance, he did so. Nguyễn Du's situation in terms of conflicting loyalties between the previous Lê king and the current Nguyễn emperor is partially analogous to the situation of the main character in The Tale of Kiều who submitted to circumstances but her heart longed for her first love.

Depiction of sex work

It is believed that contains the earliest depiction or mention of sex work in Vietnam. The poem depicts a form of sex work that resembles Chinese courtesan culture. Although the poem is fictional, it reveals a view of sex work in 19th century Vietnam as a kind of performative and affective, not simply sexual, labor.

Painting depicting scenes of Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân in Tết Thanh Minh (Qingming Festival)

A painting depicting a scene from The Tale of Kieu at the Independence Palace

The story takes place during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in Ming China. The entire plot in the Tale of Kiều spans over fifteen years. At the beginning of the story, set in Peking, Vương Thuý Kiều ( Wang Cuiqiao) (王翠翹) - a beautiful and educated girl - visits her ancestors' graves with her younger sister Thuý Vân (王翠雲) and brother Vương Quan (王觀). On the way she identifies with the grave of a dead performer-Đạm Tiên (淡仙), who was said to be as beautiful and talented as she is but lived a life full of grief. There, she meets and later promises to marry Kim Trọng (金重), a young and promising scholar, but their marriage is delayed because Trọng has to go back home to mourn his uncle for half a year.

During that time misfortune begins to befall Kiều. Her family is framed by a silk dealer and has all their wealth taken away by the government: her father and brother facing imprisonment. Kiều decides to sell herself to Scholar Mã (Mã giám sinh; 馬監生) to free her family, while asking Thúy Vân to fulfil the marital promise with Trọng. Mã turns out to be a pimp who is in charge of finding girls for a brothel run by Madam Tú (Tú Bà; 秀婆). He rapes Kiều and takes her back to the brothel in Lin-Tzu (modern day Xindian in Shandong), but she refuses to serve any guests and attempts to commit suicide when she is forced to do so. Madam Tú concocts a plan to crush Kiều's dignity by hiring Sở Khanh, a playboy and con artist, to meet Kiều and coerce her into eloping with him, and then lead her to Tú. With nothing left to hold on to, Kiều finally submits and becomes a prostitute. Kiều's beauty attracts many men, including Student Thúc (Thúc Sinh; 束生), who uses his wealth to buy Kiều out of the brothel and marry her, although he already has a wife named Lady Hoạn (Hoạn Thư; 宦姐), who is the daughter of prime minister Hoạn. Upon learning of this, Hoạn burns up with jealousy and secretly tells her henchmen to kidnap and force Kiều to become a slave in her house when Thúc is on the way to visit her. Thúc is shocked at the sight of Kiều as a slave, but never dares to reach out to her in front of his first wife.

Kiều runs away from the estate, stealing some valuable decorations on the altar in the process. She goes to a Buddhist temple, where nun Giác Duyên (覺緣) graciously accepts her. However, after realizing that Kiều is carrying stolen property, Giác Duyên sends Kiều to Madam Bạc's (Tú Bạc; 薄婆), whom Giác Duyên thinks Kiều will be safe with. However it turns out that Madam Bạc runs a brothel, so Kiều gets tricked into the brothel again where she meets Từ Hải, leader of a revolution army. Từ Hải and Kiều get married and live together for five years, together reigning over a temporary kingdom. Later tricked by Hồ Tôn Hiến, Kiều convinces her husband to surrender all in favor of amnesty. This eventually leads to the invasion of Từ Hải's kingdom, and the death of Từ Hải himself. Mesmerized by Kiều's beauty, Hồ Tôn Hiến forces her to perform in his victory banquet, where he rapes her. To avoid bad rumors, he hurriedly marries Kiều off to a local official. Feeling devastated, she throws herself into the Qiantang River. Once again, Giác Duyên saves her, as she knew about Kiều's fate when she consulted with Tam Hợp, who is believed to be able to see into the future, long ago. Meanwhile, Kim Trọng, Kiều's first love, becomes an official and is providing housing for Kiều's parents. He has been searching for Kiều, and eventually finds her with the buddhist nun Giác Duyên. Kiều is reunited with her first love and her family, thus ending her cycle of bad karma. She is married to Kim Trọng, but refuses to have a physical relationship with him, finally honoring all her vows of young age.

There have been at least five English translations of the work in the last half century. Kim Van Kieu by Lê Xuân Thuy, presenting the work in the form of a novelette, was widely available in Vietnam in the 1960s. The Tale of Kiều, a scholarly annotated blank verse version by Huỳnh Sanh Thông (1926-2008), was first published in the US in 1983. In 2008, a translation by Arno Abbey, based on the French translation by Nguyễn Khắc Viện (1913-1997), was published in the US.

There have also been two verse translations in recent years. One of these, another bilingual edition called simply Kiều published by Thế Giới Publishers, Hanoi, in 1994, with a verse translation by Michael Counsell (born 1935), is currently the English version most widely available in Vietnam itself, and the English version alone, called Kieu, The Tale of a Beautiful and Talented Girl, by Nguyễn Du, is now available worldwide. A second verse translation, The Kim Vân Kiều of Nguyễn Du (1765-1820), by Vladislav Zhukov (born 1941), was published by Pandanus books in 2004.

A new translation by Timothy Allen of the opening section of the poem was awarded one of Stephen Spender prizes for Poetry Translation in 2008; further extracts from Allen's translation have appeared in Cosmopolis, (the Summer 2009 edition of Poetry Review.) and in Transplants, the Spring 2010 edition of Modern Poetry in Translation. Allen's translation was published in its entirety in 2019 as The Song of Kieu.

An English translation by Dương Tường, which took more than two years, was published in 2020 by Nhã Nam. In 2021, a translation by twenty-year-old Nguyễn Bình from the Vietnamese into heroic couplets was published by the Vietnamese Writers' Association Publishing House. A student pursuing an astronomy degree in the United States, Bình cited homesickness as a motivation for the translation and cited being influenced by English translations of Greco-Roman epics by Alexander Pope and John Dryden. In January 2022, the translation won first prize in the Young Authors' Award of the Vietnamese Writers' Association in the Translation category.

The Tale of Kiều adapted the Chinese novel Jin Yun Qiao into Vietnamese lục bát verses. Thus, there has been many works that compare the two in both Vietnamese and Chinese. The first person to do the work is Đào Duy Anh, who wrote in his book: "Nguyễn Du preserved the Chinese story without cutting or adding anything. But the original is redundant, detailed, presented in a simple way, while Nguyễn Du calculated and rearranged [the story] to be more organized and coherent." Researcher Phạm Đan Quế said: "...Nguyễn Du's story, characters, order of events, morality, philosophy and even details are mostly from the original by Qingxin-caizi. However, he selected main events and cut redundant parts, and sometime summarized long paragraphs into a few sentences. The main different is that: the events in Jin Yun Qiao are analytical, while [the events] in Tale of Kiều are organic [...] Through comparisons, we can see that Nguyễn Du preserved the order of events from the original story. However he cut the entirety of chapter 5 and 6, and instead scatter them between previous chapters. It's worth noting that Nguyễn Du told chapter 20, which is about the reunion with Kim Trọng, in 526 sentences, equal to 1/6 of the work." However Nguyễn Hữu Sơn noted that what Đào and Phạm believed to be "redundant" in Jin Yun Qiao is actually its strong point, as prose requires different storytelling technique from rhymed poetry. He also believes that the Tale of Kiều is more emotional than the original.

The original text was written in Vietnamese using the vernacular chữ Nôm script. Below are the first six lines of the prologue written in modern Vietnamese alphabet and several translations into English.

Original text

The first six lines of the prologue.

English translations

Within the span of hundred years of human existence,
what a bitter struggle is waged between genius and destiny!
How many harrowing events have occurred while mulberries cover the conquered sea!
Rich in beauty, unlucky in life!
Strange indeed, but little wonder,
since casting hatred upon rosy cheeks is a habit of the Blue Sky.

Blank verse translation by Huỳnh Sanh Thông (1983):

English translation by Michael Counsell (1994):

What tragedies take place
within each circling space of years!
'Rich in good looks' appears
to mean poor luck and tears of woe;
which may sound strange, I know,
but is not really so, I swear,
since Heaven everywhere
seems jealous of the fair of face.

English translation by Vladislav Zhukov (2004):

English translation by Phan Huy MPH (2010):

English translation by Timothy Allen (2019):

It's an old story: good luck and good looks
don't always mix.
Tragedy is circular and infinite.
The plain never believe it,
but good-looking people meet with hard times too.

It's true.
Our ending is inevitable:
long years betray the beautiful.

Heroic couplet translation by Nguyễn Bình (2021):

English translation by Vuong Thanh (2022):

Recitation of a portion of the poem from a 1931 recording.

A pamphlet for the 1924 film Kim Vân Kiều (金雲翹).

A scene from the film Kim Vân Kiều (金雲翹) in 1924.

As an integral part of Vietnamese literature for 200 years, The Tale of Kiều had been the inspiration for numerous works. The poem had been adapted into numerous other art forms, including cải lương, chèo, pantomime and Western-style operas.

The first theatrical film created in Vietnam, in 1924, was Kim Vân Kiều. The film followed closely the plot of the poem. The 30 or so actors in the film were traditional opera performers, and so the film was not a critical or commercial success.

The musician Phạm Duy adapted The Tale of Kiều into an epic song cycle entitled Minh họa Kiều ("Illustrating Kieu") in 1997.

The Tale of Kieu was the inspiration for the 2007 movie Saigon Eclipse, which moved the storyline into a modern Vietnamese setting with a modern-day immigrant Kiều working in the massage parlor industry in San Francisco's Mission District to support her family back in Vietnam. Additionally, Burton Wolfe directed a musical adaptation which premiered September 10, 2010 in Houston.

Trịnh Thăng Bình's 2020 music video entitled Bức bình phong ("Folding screen") is set in a researcher of ancient works living in modern times, while reading The Tale of Kiều, happened to be lost in Wang Cuiqiao's timeline.

A film released in April 2021, entitled Kiều, generated controversies when it released its first teaser clip in September 2020. At issue was the use of the modern Latin-based Vietnamese alphabet in signage in a film based on a poem written in chữ Nôm and set in Ming China. Near the official premiere date, the film has been evaluated as a disaster, "ruined" The Tale of Kieu. The film performed poorly at the box office, grossing only VND 2,696,659,000) and later turned into a web film.

Renowned Vietnamese Intellectuals prior to the 20th Century (essay on Nguyễn Du by the Vietnamese historian Nguyen Khac) published by The Gioi Publishers, 2004.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Tale of Kiều is an epic poem in Vietnamese written by Nguyễn Du (1765-1820), considered the most famous poem and a classic in Vietnamese literature. The original title in Vietnamese is Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh (斷腸新聲, "A New Cry From a Broken Heart"), but it is better known as Truyện Kiều (傳翹, IPA: [t͡ɕwiən˧˨ʔkiəw˨˩] , lit.

# data[].attributes.body
Duong Thu Huong is the author of numerous books that got banned due to her idealogies towards the government. Paradise of the Blind is the story is about a young girl named Huang who, during the post-war communist who has to endure and survive the harsh life-style of the country due to the communism put in place by the government. The book dives deep into political ideas which influences society and personal identity.

The title itself has a deep meaning. It refers to the paradise the communist side "created" and how it basically blinds the citizen to actually realise how harsh the lifestyle and regime is.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Paradise of the Blind, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.

Traditional Values and Sacrifice

Paradise of the Blind centers on the life of the young protagonist, Hang, as she grows up in North Vietnam between the 1950s and 1980s. In the book, Duong depicts some of the key values of Hang's culture: women's deference to men, young people's deference to their elders, and loyalty to one's family over all else. Hang observes how the two central figures in her life (her mother, Que, and her Aunt Tam...

read analysis of Traditional Values and Sacrifice

Communism, Hypocrisy, and Corruption

In Paradise of the Blind's North Vietnam setting, communist ideology is central to the society. The protagonist, Hang, understands firsthand the ideas of communism from her uncle Chinh, who is a key leader of the communist reforms in her mother Que's village. At first, communist ideology-with its emphasis on ending exploitation and its aim of benefitting the poorest workers-helps liberate Vietnam from the French colonialist government. But as the book goes...

read analysis of Communism, Hypocrisy, and Corruption

Growing up, Hang has few connections with adult figures who love her. Her two primary caregivers are her mother, Que, and her Aunt Tam, both of whom use money and food to try and express their affections. But while Hang appreciates the things that she is given, she longs for them to support her emotionally, not just materially. Ironically, Que views Aunt Tam's monetary gifts as an insult to her ability to take...

read analysis of Love and Wealth

Beauty, Disillusionment, and Coming of Age

Paradise of the Blind is filled with rich imagery conveying the beauty of the villages and cities in which Hang spends her childhood. But because most of the book is told as a flashback while Hang is on a train to Moscow, these recollections take on both a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of disenchantment. In addition to recognizing the beauty in her childhood, Hang also understands how that beauty frequently masked the poverty...

read analysis of Beauty, Disillusionment, and Coming of Age

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Need help on themes in Duong Thu Huong's Paradise of the Blind? Check out our thorough thematic analysis. From the creators of SparkNotes.

# data[].attributes.body
This painting is considered to be one of the most famous and iconic Vietnamese art due to its influence by the French movement of impressionism.

As observable, this painting mainly uses whitish and bright colours to emphasise both the women's and the lily's purity and grace.

Ngoc Van painted this by mixing both the French Impressionist while utilising Vietnamese traditional supplies which is one of the main reason for it to become such an iconic paiting.

https://vietnamnet.vn/en/paintings-transform-history-of-vietnamese-art-776486.html

# data[].attributes.body
This Northern traditional kind of art style has over 300 years of history behind it. The material required is from the bark of a specific tree known as "Dzo".

The traditional way to colour these tree barks is using only natural ingredients and steps. For instance burnt bamboo makes black and to get a blue colour you need rusted copper. The enthralling part of this art style is that it can which can have both a humorous and romantic side. For instance "Catching Coconuts" and "Teacher".

https://vietnamdiscovery.com/culture-arts/dong-ho-painting/#:~:text=Dong%20Ho%20Painting%20has%20produced,Yang%20circles%20on%20the%20bodies.

# data[].attributes.body
This artwork represent a toad like society where the main toad is the teacher. The description above is about how a student should always thank and be grateful towards the teacher to have taught him so much things which made me the individual I am today.

The toad is also the God's uncle. As it seem extremely ridiculous and absurd, that's the whole point of these type of art style; being humorous and comical.

# data[].attributes.body
The Hung Kings festival happens annually during the third lunar month for a week long glorifying and thanking Gods or more precisely, their ancestors. Accommodate weather and food are all part of the prayer accompanied with dancing and magnificent costumes parading in the streets along with offering food including rice and all sorts of cakes made with different ingredients.

The festival reflects their origins, their culture, and their legends for over thousand of years

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Everything you need to know about: the Hùng Kings Festival

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of Vietnam’s biggest celebrations is an homage to its ancient past The Hùng Kings Festival (also known as the Death Anniversary of the Hùng Kings) is one of Vietnam’s largest annual celebrations.…

# data[].attributes.body
Ho An is a festival happening every month where the main attraction is about the countless lanterns floating on the river and hung all across the city, emitting all sorts of colourful lights while it follows the stream. Brighting the entire city of rich colours and warm atmosphere.

The origins date back from the 16th century when China's and Japan's people came to settle down in Ho An. They would hang a lantern to remember of their hometown. And after a while, the Vietnamese people also started to hang lanterns, believing it to give hope and improve their wealth.

It has now became a tradition and a symbol to have lanterns all over the city every month.

# data[].attributes.body
Khau Vai Love Market is one of the most arousing curiosity traditional festival in Ha Giang, situated in the Nothern part of Vietnam. This festival welcomes couples to recall once a year their past relationship.

This tradition has been going on for over a century now where the origins came from a love story between two lovers who were unable to stay together due to ethnicity and family issues. However their love was stronger than all those barriers and each year, on the 27th day of the third lunar month, they decide to meet to show that their love is still there, stronger than ever.

Therefore to honour them, the market got named "Khau Vai" after their love and embrace.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Come and experience a one-of-a-kind cultural celebration at Khau Vai Love Market in during your Vietnam travel. This unique Vietnam love market allows former lovers to reunite and reminisce annually. Don't miss out on this mesmerizing event, especially if you are a traveler seeking authentic cultural experiences!

1. An overview of Khau Vai Love Market Vietnam

Ha Giang is a mountainous district in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, where various unique cultures of different ethnic groups converge. Among them, Khau Vai Ha Giang Love Market stands out as one of the most renowned Ha Giang markets, offering insights into the local people and their cultural beauty.

1.1. Location of Khau Vai Love Market

The Khau Vai Love Market festival is held annually in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, about 180 kilometers away from the city center of Ha Giang. Despite being far from the city center, when the festival arrives, this place attracts a large number of local people and tourists to visit.

1.2. Legend and significance of Khau Vai Love Market

According to some documents, this is one of the longest-standing "Vietnam love markets", with a history of over 100 years. The Khau Vai Love Market festival originated from an ancient love story between a young man and a young woman from two different ethnic groups. Despite their deep affection, they were unable to be together due to wealth disparities, local customs, and family interference. Although they parted ways, their love remained unchanged, and they agreed to meet annually on the 27th day of the third lunar month to satisfy their yearning. To honor the beauty of love, the locals named the market "Khau Vai", which, in the local dialect, symbolizes the attachment and embrace of couples.

What sets this love market apart is that it is not just a simple trading fair, but a place for young men and women, both married and unmarried, to meet and interact freely. Unmarried couples can come here to meet and chat without any hindrance. For married couples, it's an opportunity to see their past lovers and share their life experiences. Here, there is no jealousy, only respect. Khau Vai Love Market is highly regarded as a profound cultural expression with deep values.
>>> Read more: Vietnam markets: TOP 10 exotic places for authentic local experiences
2. When does the Khau Vai Love Market festival take place?

The local people used to mark the 27th day of the third lunar month as the date to hold the Khau Vai Ha Giang Love Market festival. However, for convenience, the festival now spans three days, from the 25th to the 27th of the third lunar month annually.

The festival comprises two parts: the ceremonial one and the festive one. During the ceremonial part, the people of Khau Vai offer prayers to honor their origins and celebrate the love between couples. In the festive part, participants can engage in various remarkable activities to gain a deeper understanding of the beautiful culture, savor Ha Giang's specialties, and create unforgettable memories.
>>> Explore: Best time to visit North Vietnam: Identify when to start your adventure
3. The festivities and rituals of Khau Vai Love Market

There are many interesting things about the festivities and rituals of this Vietnam love market.

The first day is dedicated to a special ceremony, where people dress in their finest clothes to celebrate the festival, pray, and enjoy fun activities until late at night.

The second day involves offering boiled rice to Buddhist monks. People also build sandy mountains to wish for happiness and luck, which is inspired by an ancient legend symbolizing their desire for rain.

On the third day, people burn incense and make offerings to show their respect and gratitude to the Buddha. They also seek blessings for the New Year and forgiveness for any mistakes made in the past.
>>> Read more: Northern Vietnam: 12 top-rated destinations to add to your 2023 bucket list
4. Things to experience at Khau Vai Ha Giang Love Market

There are plenty of things to do in Ha Giang when you visit Khau Vai Love Market.

4.1. Embrace the local culture

When you visit Khau Vai Love Market, don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by meeting the local people and witnessing the lively market scene. The most remarkable highlight of this love market is witnessing the reunion of former lovers from various ethnic groups, making it truly captivating and emotionally moving. Moreover, engaging with the local people will allow you to learn more about their customs, traditions, and way of life.

4.2. Join in the celebration

Khau Vai Love Market is vibrant with ethnic folk songs, the soulful sounds of the Mông flute calling for loved ones, along with various traditional performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. Here, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere as talented performers entertain the crowd with their vibrant costumes and captivating rhythms.

4.3. Enjoy delectable delicacies

Treat yourself to the delightful tastes of the local cuisine offered at the market. Sample traditional dishes and delicacies prepared by local vendors, which often feature regional ingredients. Don't pass up the chance to relish the authentic flavors of the region.

4.4. Shop for traditional products

The market is a fantastic spot to wander and shop for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local products. Explore the stalls and uncover unique items like handmade crafts, embroidered fabrics, traditional clothes, and local snacks.

5. How to get to Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang?

You can choose to drive a private vehicle or take a passenger bus to get from Hanoi to Ha Giang. The distance from to Ha Giang is 320 kilometers, then it is another 170 kilometers to Meo Vac. The total travel time can take around 10-12 hours.

If you opt for the bus, there are several departures all day, with ticket prices ranging from 130,000 to 180,000 VND per person, which will take you to Ha Giang. From there, you can rent a motorbike or take a local taxi to reach Khau Vai Love Market.
>>> Discover: North Vietnam itinerary: A great customizable plan for first-time visitors
To have an exciting Ha Giang trip, don't forget to visit other tourist spots like Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, Dong Van Market, Lung Cu Flag Tower, and Quan Ba Heaven Gate.

In addition to Ha Giang, Vietnam also offers many other famous destinations with fascinating cultural traditions and beautiful natural landscapes, such as , , , , and . In these destinations, you can choose 's hotels and resorts for a comfortable and luxurious stay.

At Vinpearl, you can enjoy various international-standard amenities, including rejuvenating spas, golf courses, shopping malls, restaurants, and conference centers. Furthermore, to enjoy endless fun with your family and friends, make sure to visit the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, which offer a wide array of cultural activities, thrilling games, and much more.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Da Nang, and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for the best vacation ever!
Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang is a captivating celebration of love and cultural diversity. Its unique tradition of reuniting former lovers from different ethnic groups adds a touch of romance and nostalgia to the festivities. As you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere here, you will gain a deeper insight to the region's rich cultural heritage. A visit to this market promises an unforgettable experience, leaving travelers with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of love.
>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Da Nang to get the best discounts!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang: A BEAUTIFUL cultural event

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang hosts a unique cultural gathering in Vietnam, where ex-lovers reunite and reminisce about their past romances.

# data[].attributes.body
Burning paper or more precisely fake money is really common in Vietnam and other country in Asia. The tradition is a ritual and a moment which is often during the defunct day of death where a yellowed colour stack of paper is being burned as a way to honour the dead and to remind them that they are not forgotten.

The intriguing thing about this paper is that once burned, barely a bit of ash is left, just as if the paper was never there, or as if the paper actually got received and hence took away to the underworld.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Joss papers and effigies consumed my experiences before I began to even question their meaning. On the anniversary of my grandfather's death (giỗ), my grandmother routinely set up a large pot in our tiny front yard and burned a stack of replica paper money. It is quite a scene to watch - the fire turned the paper to smoke and ash, and within minutes it was as if the paper never existed.

Burning joss paper is a ritual offering of money and wealth to the dead which is most popular during death anniversaries, Tet, and the ghost month festival. People who grew up or live in Vietnam, or other parts of Asia such as China and Japan know it well. Its popularity hasn't seemed to wane: just stroll through any market in Saigon - from small, local markets to the biggest and most claustrophobic like Binh Tay, and you'll pass at least one shop selling joss paper and incense.

People burn joss paper as a standalone activity or incorporate it into larger occasions. One of the most popular times to do so is during the Hungry Ghost Festival ( rằm tháng 7 or xá tội vong nhân), a month dedicated to giving offerings to wandering ghosts who had no families or homes while alive. Paper replicas of currency and other effigies are accompanied by fruits, sugarcane, sweets, and incense, arranged on a round tin tray. They await immolation while the host murmurs prayers. The ritual is called cúng cô hồn, and halfway through the process, it is likely that a number of young kids from the neighborhood have already arrived at one's house gate, anticipating the goods ( giật cô hồn) that remain after the ritual is complete.

I asked a random person in a market and was showered with advice on how to burn spiritual money correctly: "You have to make sure that everything is well-burned, in order for them [the ancestors] to be able to receive them," said a lady in a local market in Phu Nhuan.

There is no single philosophical or moral explanation for the practice. People, however, often claim that the afterlife resembles the world of the living. Anthropologist Heonik Kwon explains that Buddhism spread the idea that life is a type of bank loan and when a person dies, it is up to their descendants to pay their debts. Kirsten Endres and Andrea Lauser connect this notion to the concept of filial piety ( hiếu). In Confucian philosophy, it is the duty of one's descendants to repay a person's moral debts ( trả ơn). Kwon suggests that wealth retains relevancy in the afterlife, and thus can be given to those who cross over.

Although it is hard to pinpoint a particular period when such practices emerged in Vietnam, researchers attribute it to Chinese colonization, since the money offerings date back to the country's feudal period.

The names giấy vàng mã or giấy vàng bạc refer to the traditional form of replica paper money which is made from white coarse bamboo paper and features a thin edge of gold or silver, which gives it the name vàng (gold) and bạc (silver). Effigies such as horses and clothes are other popular forms of spiritual money. Today, one can easily find these types of paper money in standard joss paper shops, adjacent to more modern and foreign replicas.

In Burning Money, Fred Blake, while comparing historical joss paper examples with contemporary ones, laid out two main differences: one being the emergence of foreign currencies such as dollars and euros; and two being the inclusion of modern commodities such as smartphones.

Such diversification of votive commodities can be seen in shops throughout the country. Besides the ubiquitous replica dollar bank notes ( đô la âm phủ), a walk around the outer rim of Tan Dinh Market revealed a mass of Ipad paper effigies; and while wandering through Binh Tay market, I spotted houses, and clothes with superimposed luxury brand names. The second most popular type of items besides the đô la âm phủ is pre-made packets that include all necessities a typical middle-class earner would own: modern clothes, smartphones, perfume, credit cards, and watches.

Despite being associated with a tradition dating to feudalism, money burning only regained its popularity after the late 1980s. The practice was banned in the 1970s for being wasteful and ideologically opposed to the building of a socialist society. However, the socialist project that involved a centrally-planned economy was quickly abandoned in favor of a capitalist market-based economy. After Doi Moi, money burning became legal and it resurfaced alongside many ritual practices. In The Country of Memory, historian Hue-Tam Ho Tai called this turn a "commemorative fever," and explained how public memory is reconstructed as part of a larger framing narrative in which is "embedded a sense of progression and vision of the future for which the past acts as prologue."

Gates described the plethora of spiritual currencies today as "a material symbol of the penetration of the religious imagination by petty commodity capitalism." Fred Blake also touched upon this notion of commodity capitalism pointing out the differences between the traditional way of producing these effigies (handmade gold silver) as a symbolic reconstruction of money or wealth compared to the printed and mass-produced bank notes that resemble the real things being no longer a symbolic reconstruction, but a simulation. In Vietnam, these replicas looked so realistic that in 2010, the state bank of Vietnam had to ban all varieties of Vietnamese dong replicas to prevent forgery.

Current discourses surrounding the practices place a great emphasis on framing burning money, or at least, the excessive forms of this practice, as superstitious. The term superstition, despite its pan-Asian equivalence ( mê tín in Vietnamese, mixin in Chinese, meishin in Japanese), is a neologism adopted from a European phrase coined at the turn of the 20th century. Mê means being deluded or illusory, and tín refers to beliefs and religions, so m ê tín refers to a deluded or wrong religion, which therefore suggests that there is a proper and legitimate religion. The term finds itself at paradoxical odds with a society arguing for modernity, science, and secularization.

After Doi Moi, the nationalistic discourse in Vietnam turned its focuses simultaneously to "modernity" and "tradition." Thanks to the move towards a market economy, "modernity" became a term referring to development and wealth. Authorities, however, feared that modernization would invite Western influences. Thus, in the hope of counterbalancing these forces, there has been a call to return to the Vietnamese traditional culture, including a consistent national identity amidst the inevitability of opening up to global markets. The ubiquity of ritual commodities involved in modern Tet celebrations now seems like an embodiment/reflection of such conditions: a range of social and political forces at odds with each other.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
In Vietnam, Joss Papers Link Life and Death, Modernity and Tradition | Saigoneer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Joss papers and effigies consumed my experiences before I began to even question their meaning. On the anniversary of my grandfather's death (giỗ), my grandmother routinely set up a large pot in our tiny front yard and burned a stack of replica paper money.

# data[].attributes.body
Also known as Hanoi, ancestor worship has a central place in traditions in Vietnam and other Asian country due to the influence of Confucianism and the patriarchy had over Vietnam's culture.

On the altar, the relatives or close people deposit an bowl of incense representing the universe with two candles on each side of the altar. The left represents the sun, while the right represents the moon.

This is the normal ritual but on special occasions such as the defunct's birthday, they even try to communicate with the dead.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone co-chaired a Vietnam-Laos investment cooperation conference in Hanoi on January 7, as part of the latter's ongoing visit to Vietnam.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ancestor worship reminds people of their roots | Culture - Sports | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ancestor worship, an ancient Vietnamese tradition, is a ritual practice paying tribute to deceased family members and reminding people of their roots. ​

# data[].attributes.body
In Vietnam, when a newborn reaches a month old, it is custom to celebrate it as a way to introduce a healthy and fresh baby due to families ensuring that the baby has a strong immune system and not a sick and weak baby to their relatives and families.

The mother is also required to do the least for three to four month after giving birth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pregnancy and birth customs and rites are very important. In fact, it marks the beginning of a human being so you should pay extreme attention. Below are some details you should know.

Pregnancy And Birth Believes

Except among young moderns, one of the greatest desires of the Vietnamese is to have a large family. Boys are more desired than girls and are especially important to carry on the family line and ancestral worship. A couple having only girls are looked upon by many as having done something wrong in their lives and are, therefore, being punished.

Traditional customs dictate that the mother-to-be must follow strict rules and observe certain customs and taboos in order to have a good healthy baby. She should eat only nourishing foods, but not so nourishing that they would cause the baby to become too big before birth. The mother must carry on prenatal education with her baby, acting and talking as if he was in her presence at all times, guiding and counselling him in physical, intellectual, and moral activities. Alcohol and cigarettes are considered undesirable for the expectant mother.

Pregnant women are often discouraged from undertaking heavy work and getting involved intense situations. In some lower economic strata, this is impossible, but still desirable.

An expectant mother should not go to weddings and funerals as it is believed that her presence could bring bad luck to the families concerned. It is also considered bad luck for a pregnant woman to meet people about to set out on a trip. The mother-to-be should not step over a hammock lest their child is born lazy. They should not walk too much, reach for things high up, take long uncomfortable rides, or frequent places of worship.

Midwives generally deliver babies and cut the umbilical cord with a piece of earthenware or a bamboo knife. The baby is then washed and dressed in old-handed-down clothes of his brothers and sisters. Vietnamese people fear that the evil spirits will be jealous of new clothes and cause the baby to become ill. The father may see the child only after the baby has been cleaned and dressed.

Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets. The baby's hair and nails must never be cut during the first month of life.

Whatever possible, the mother is encouraged not to do any strenuous work for at least two to three months. Among the peasantry, they are often back at work within a few days, because of necessity.

After approximately one month, the newborn baby's parents have a large party to celebrate the baby's first month's birthday. Offerings are presented at this time to the "Holy Godmother" who is thought to be the protector of the new child. They also believe that the Holy Godmother teaches the baby to smile and that crying means the child is being punished for stubbornness. During the ceremony, a flower that has been wet with special water from the altar is held over the baby, and the water is allowed to drip into the infant's mouth. This is to ensure that the child will learn to speak in sweet-scented words.

After the prayers and ceremonies, guests have a happy party at which they eat the offerings of food from the ceremony. At this time, it is considered correct to put new clothes on the baby, but care is still observed in not mentioning the good health of the child lest the evil spirits become jealous and make him ill.

The baby has another celebration after one lunar year. It is called "quitting the cradle." This is a much larger party with numerous guests. The baby is placed on a bed in a sitting position. Several things are spread around him including scissors, flowers, books, pencils, etc. The item the baby picks up first is supposed to determine his future avocation. If he takes the scissors, he may become a tailor; the book, a learned man, etc.

A baby is considered to be one year of age at birth and becomes two years old when the next lunar New Year arrives. It is possible, therefore, for a child to become two years old when he is just one day old if he is born on New Year's Eve.

Other Popular Customs, Traditions And Rites In Vietnamese Daily Life

- Greeting People
- Introductions
- Taboos in Personal Relationships
- Confusing Personal Traits of Vietnamese
- Superstitions, Very Popular In Vietnam & Asia
- Hospitality, Different Way (Oriental)
- Marriage, Wedding
- Funerals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pregnancy And Birth. Customs And Rites - Offroad Vietnam

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pregnancy and birth. Customs and rites in Vietnam, Southeast Asia collected by Offroad Vietnam Motorcycle Tours. Let's go into detail.

# data[].attributes.body
Water puppetry is a unique traditional entertainment that started from a folk art to being presented to royalty. This tradition is over 1000 years old and started by being performed in the rice harvest area which is above water (hence the name of this performing art) although nowadays, it is being carried out within an interior pool, decorated with backgrounds, colourful flags, and other objects to give an impression of the inside of a traditional Vietnamese communal house.

The materials used to create these puppets are also extremely specific. Buoyant fig wood and a shining coating known as lacquer are the main materials to create this iconic puppet for this show.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You don't have to be a child to be entertained by water puppets. Vietnam's water puppetry opens a window into local culture, and is a fully realised art form enjoyed by young and old. Watch scenes of village life on an ever-changing stage, learn about festivals and traditions, and get to know quirky characters inspired by Vietnamese personalities. Here's a brief introduction to Vietnam's wonderful water puppets.

A short history

Every year during the annual rice harvest, farmers in Vietnam's Red River Delta region would gather for folk singing and dancing at village festivals. About one thousand years ago, water puppets were added to the list of performances at these festivals. The first shows were hosted in the harvested rice fields, which could be filled with water to create a watery stage.

Water puppetry as a folk art form evolved from serving everyday people to a show for royalty. Under the reign of the Lý Dynasty in the 12th century, the country's best water puppet troupes were chosen to entertain the king and guests, marking a new high for the art's social status. Many centuries later, water puppetry ( múa rối nước) still fascinates audiences, and is a cherished intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Setting the stage

Múa rối nước is a physically demanding craft. Puppeteers stand in water throughout the show, and use the movement of the water to create drama, perfect the illusion, and tell a story. The puppeteers' secret lies in the material of the puppets themselves, which are made of buoyant fig wood and painted with lacquer. The puppeteers skillfully maneuver the puppet's arms using bamboo sticks and strings. It takes decades to become a master water puppeteer.

Today in Vietnam, water puppet shows are not presented in flooded rice paddies but in pools of water. These pools are decorated with red tiered roofs, flags, and parasols to resemble an altar inside Vietnamese communal houses. On both sides of the stage sit the musical ensemble who bring the stories to life using their voices and traditional instruments.

A water puppet show

A traditional show always starts with an introduction to Tễu, the comedic host. Tễu is an iconic character, a whimsical storyteller who will lead you through different scenes and stories as they unfold on stage. The brightly coloured puppets recreate daily life in Vietnam's northern villages, including duck herding, fishing, rice planting, boat rowing, and royal parades. Some shows include depictions of Vietnamese folktales, which always carry a moral.

Where to watch

For a deeper understanding of the Vietnam's water puppets, visit Đào Thục Village on the outskirts of Hanoi. Here you will find one of the last remaining water puppet workshops in Vietnam and learn about the making of the puppets. A beautiful outdoor stage hosts fantastic shows worthy of the village's 300-year-old tradition.

Within the cities, you can find several water puppet theatres presenting traditional and modern performances. Below are some of the best places to enjoy a show across the country:

Want more Vietnam travel ideas? Sign up for our newsletter to receive our best stories in your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You don't have to be a child to be entertained by water puppets. Vietnam's water puppetry opens a window into local culture, and is a fully realised art form enjoyed by young and old. Watch scenes of village life on an ever-changing stage, learn about festivals and traditions, and get to know quirky characters inspired by Vietnamese personalities.

# data[].attributes.body
Ca Tru is a combination of poetry and music in the Nothern part of Vietnam. It requires three performers. A singer and two instrumentalists producing rather deep and profound sound using a drum or a three-stringed flute. The purpose of this performance include worshipping, entertainment, or even for royalty.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ca trù singing - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Website of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

# data[].attributes.body
Dau Vat is a traditional wrestling sport which originally came from a province in the northern part of Vietnam centuries ago. To win the game, you need to lift your opponent up with their belly facing the ceiling and both their feet must not touch the ground. This traditional wrestling has a deep cultural symbolism. It represents both courage and strength which reflects the spirit of a fighter and hence symbolises the Vietnamese people's determination and martial art's beauty.

https://vietnamdiscovery.com/culture-arts/vietnamese-traditional-wrestling/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Đội tuyển đấu Vật thi đấu bùng nổ, giành trọn 6 HCV SEA Games 32 | TV24h

# data[].attributes.body
Ho Chi Minh (born the 19th of May 1890 and died the 2nd of September 1969) is the founder of a political party known as the Indochina Communist Party as well as the president of Vietnam from 1945 to 69.

He is one of the most famous individuals due to his anti-colonial ideologies and movement in Asia during World War II.

He fought against the Japanese, French, and later on the Americans for his country's independence.

The audio above is a spoken interview by him. He is speaking english but due to the technology and his accent, it is practically impossible to understand what he is muttering. There was no subtitles however, a comment underneath the youtube video described in three sentences what the interview was about.

"When Bernard Fall interviewed Ho Hi Minh in 1962, Ho said that if America became involved in a long war with North Vietnam, in the end America would be defeated. He said that America was making a big mistake in underestimating the will and the determination of the Vietnamese people. Ho was 100% right." (@joepalooka2145, 2 years ago

1960s Interview with Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

And here is the link to his biography

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ho-Chi-Minh

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
1960s Interview with Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

# data[].attributes.body
This complex word designate a traditional musical theatre performance. It was largely influence by the french during their colonial period over the country from 1862 to 1954 which practically replaced the original theatre known as "hat tuong". It blends both dialogue and talking with music and song, telling all kinds of different fantasy stories with extravagant clothing and costumes to entertaining their public and audience.

The link for more information:

https://www.vietnam.com/en/culture/art/theater/cai-luong-a-traditional-vietnamese-musical-performance-art.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cải Lương singing – A modern folk opera of Vietnam (256  kbps) (convert2mp3.us)

# data[].attributes.body
Vo Co Truyen is a Vietnamese martial art that was supposed to help improve health and both physical and mental strength. The apparition to martial arts was due to Vietnam's aggressors hence Vo Co Truyen's arrival was to both enforce their strength against their oppressors and maintain their mental capacity to stay strong during tough times.

https://www.everythingwingchun.com/DOWNLOAD-Patrick-Levet-Vo-Co-Truyen-Vietnamese-p/pp-mpd_budointl-voc.htm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Vietnam Vocotruyen Group Performance - Chungju Festival 2017

# data[].attributes.body
Le Duc Tho (born the 14th of October 1911 and passed away the 13th of October 1990) was a Vietnamese politician known and famous to have declined the offer of a Nobel Prize. He too was a founder of the Indochinese Communist Party along side with Ho Chi Minh.

He is also well known for his cease-fire agreement in 1973 with Henry Kissinger which occurred during the Vietnamese War. They both had gotten a Nobel Prize for peace although Le Duc Tho refused it because he felt that it breached the cease-fire.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This article was most recently revised and updated by

Le Duc Tho, (born October 14, 1911, Nam Ha province, Vietnam-died October 13, 1990, Hanoi), Vietnamese politician who, acting as an adviser to North Vietnam, negotiated a cease-fire agreement with U.S. official Henry Kissinger during the Vietnam War. The two men were jointly awarded the 1973 Nobel Prize for Peace, but Tho declined it.

Le Duc Tho was one of the founders of the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930. For his political activities, he was imprisoned by the French in 1930-36 and 1939-44. After his second release he returned to Hanoi in 1945 and helped lead the Viet Minh, the Vietnamese independence organization, as well as a revived communist party called the Vietnam Workers' Party. He was the senior Viet Minh official in southern Vietnam until the Geneva Accords of 1954. From 1955 he was a member of the Politburo of the Vietnam Workers' Party, or the Communist Party of Vietnam, as it was renamed in 1976. During the Vietnam War (1955-75) Tho oversaw the Viet Cong insurgency that began against the South Vietnamese government in the late 1950s. He carried out most of his duties during the war while in hiding in South Vietnam.

Tho is best known for his part in the cease-fire of 1973, when he served as special adviser to the North Vietnamese delegation to the Paris Peace Conferences in 1968-73. He eventually became his delegation's principal spokesman, in which capacity he negotiated with Kissinger, the U.S. national security adviser, the cease-fire agreement that led to the withdrawal of the last American troops from South Vietnam. It was for this accomplishment that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Tho oversaw the North Vietnamese offensive that overthrew the South Vietnamese government in 1975, and he played a similar role in the first stages of Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia in 1978. He remained a member of the Politburo until 1986.

Amy Tikkanen.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Le Duc Tho | Biography, Nobel Prize, Vietnam War, & Facts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Le Duc Tho, Vietnamese politician who, acting as a special adviser to North Vietnam, negotiated an agreement with U.S. official Henry Kissinger that resulted in a cease-fire (1973) in the Vietnam War. The two men were jointly awarded the 1973 Nobel Prize for Peace, but Tho declined the honor.

# data[].attributes.body
This painting represent the daily life of citizen of Vietnam while showing the beauty of the women from Hanoi. As observable, they are in the lower upper class. Due to their fashion and clothing sense. The room has a deep yellow colour and the two young ladies seems to be having a confidential discussion while the woman in the yellow dress is holding a gentle pink flower.

Painted by Ngoc Van, his description about this painting was by comparing the life of a women to a flower. Gentle but wearies away and fades away quickly after it blooms.

https://hanoitimes.vn/national-treasure-of-hanoi-womens-painting-by-to-ngoc-van-322194.html#:~:text=Prof.,All%20create%20a%20peaceful%20atmosphere.

# data[].attributes.body
Cheo Theatre is a type of stage art traditional to Vietnam. It dates back to the 10th century while utilising folkish music.

It combines singing, music, dancing, and a specific storyline. The singing can be performed solo, in a duet with someone or a whole choir.

The entire Cheo theatre often lasts to at least 2 hours which requires immense energy and skill to be able to perform for 2 hours straight. The musician at the back also are required to masterise a minimum of instruments due to every melody and music being done on scene without any auto-tune.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cheo is a form of traditional Vietnamese stage art which holds an important position in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Originated in the 10th century from folk music and dance, this Vietnamese traditional opera is popular in areas around the Red River Delta. With every passing year, the art has gradually spread to the Northern midland and mountainous regions and the North Central Coast. With unique artistic values, a dossier for Cheo is being compiled to seek UNESCO recognition as a cultural heritage of the world.

A Cheo performance at the Kim Lien communal house (Dong Da, Hanoi). Photo: VNP

From the Cheo San Dinh Stage to the Cheo Modern Stage
According to many documents, Cheo originated in the capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) in the 10th century and was founded by Pham Thi Tran, a famous dancer in the Dinh royal palace.

From Hoa Lu, the art of Cheo flourished throughout the Northern Delta, especially in Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Ha Nam, Hung Yen and Hanoi. Then it gradually spread to the northern mountainous regions and the North Central Coast.

Khuoc has been one of seven popular Cheo regions in the north since the 19th century. In the past, the Khuoc village artists performed Cheo in the royal palace and in many other regions across the country.

According to Bui Van Ro, chairman of the Khuoc Village Traditional Cheo Club, during the subsidized period when the economy was still in difficult times, most families could only listen to Cheo singing through the Voice of Vietnam. It was very difficult to have a chance to watch live performances of professional Cheo troupes. During their leisure time, the villagers often spread mats in the middle of the communal house to sing Cheo to satisfy their passion. These amateur Cheo artists have contributed to the preservation and development of the traditional Cheo art of Khuoc village in particular and Vietnam's traditional Cheo in general.

Different from other folk-art forms, imbued with the national characteristics of a unique combination of singing, dancing, music and drama. Cheo is a form of Vietnamese traditional stage art Cheo is a singing style which can be solo, a duet or a choir. The melody of Cheo plays is very suitable for the natural voice and language of the Vietnamese people. A Cheo play often lasts about 2 hours. A performance requires the artists to have the skills of singing, dancing and performing with background music of drums, mo ( wooden tocsin), sao (bamboo flute) and nhi ( two double-stringed instruments) .

The content of the plays often describes the simple life of farmers, herdsmen, craftsmen, and landowners . It praises virtues, criticizes bad habits and vices, fights against injustice and shows love and compassion, tolerance and forgiveness.

When watching Cheo, one not only enjoys relaxing moments full of laughter, but also has the opportunity to experience and think of life. In Cheo, characters are often conventional and highly literary. There are also clowns, a supporting but quite important role.

Cheo clowns or buffoons often comment on the action in an amusing or satirical way as well as mocking pompous, ridiculous or dishonest characters like kings and mandarins.

Throughout its long history, the Cheo stage has also gradually changed. Today, Cheo is not only performed on a small stage of communal houses, but also on large stages with the support of modern sound and light systems.

The theatrical trend has also led to the formation and development of modern Cheo plays with contents of hot topics and showing modern life that make it easier to attract viewers.

The 2022 National Cheo Festival was an example of having many quality plays in both content and art, attracting audiences by its creativity and novelty.

Efforts to Make Cheo Recognized as Cultural Heritage of the World

Facing the impact of

The Faculty of National Drama and Theater of Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema is the cradle of training Vietnamese Cheo artists such as Xuan Hinh, Quoc Truong, Thanh Ngoan, Tu Long and Thu Huyen. This is the place to train the art of Cheo methodically and professionally. Students majoring in Cheo singing will be trained for four years to have enough basic knowledge and foundation for Cheo performing such as singing, dancing, and acting techniques. Cheo musicians will learn the basics of musical instruments and perform with the play. It is the place to train and provide the main actors and artists for Cheo troupes and Cheo theaters across the country.

Along with the training of the next generation of Cheo artists, the introduction of Cheo art into the contemporary cultural space to help more people understand and love the art has also received a lot of attention. Recently, a group of young people who love traditional Vietnamese theater experimented with some community projects for Cheo. For example, the project of "The sound of Cheo drums" at Kim Lien communal house (Hanoi) was organized by a group of young people who share the same passion for traditional Vietnamese culture and the artists of Vietnam Cheo Theater.

In addition to the above projects, some other young people have also brought Cheo closer to contemporary life through the application of digitization in the design of paintings of Cheo characters with a modern artistic style.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thai Binh province, the unit assigned to coordinate with other agencies to create the dossie r for Cheo arts of the Red River Delta, said that it will complete the work to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a world cultural heritage by 2025.

To promote the popular traditional of Cheo, it needs the attention of the State and the active participation of the people in singing, performing and preserving. It is a great effort to show that Vietnam is willing to do its best to make Cheo soon be recognized by UNESCO and honored as a world cultural heritage./.

.

Story: Ngan Ha - Photos: Khanh Long - Translated by Hong Hanh

Cheo is a form of traditional Vietnamese stage art which holds an important position in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Originated in the 10th century from folk music and dance, this Vietnamese traditional opera is popular in areas around the Red River Delta. With every passing year, the art has gradually spread to the Northern midland and mountainous regions and the North Central Coast. With unique artistic values, a dossier for Cheo is being compiled to seek UNESCO recognition as a cultural heritage of the world.

A Cheo performance at the Kim Lien communal house (Dong Da, Hanoi). Photo: VNP

From the Cheo San Dinh Stage to the Cheo Modern Stage
According to many documents, Cheo originated in the capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) in the 10th century and was founded by Pham Thi Tran, a famous dancer in the Dinh royal palace.

From Hoa Lu, the art of Cheo flourished throughout the Northern Delta, especially in Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Ha Nam, Hung Yen and Hanoi. Then it gradually spread to the northern mountainous regions and the North Central Coast.

Khuoc has been one of seven popular Cheo regions in the north since the 19th century. In the past, the Khuoc village artists performed Cheo in the royal palace and in many other regions across the country.

According to Bui Van Ro, chairman of the Khuoc Village Traditional Cheo Club, during the subsidized period when the economy was still in difficult times, most families could only listen to Cheo singing through the Voice of Vietnam. It was very difficult to have a chance to watch live performances of professional Cheo troupes. During their leisure time, the villagers often spread mats in the middle of the communal house to sing Cheo to satisfy their passion. These amateur Cheo artists have contributed to the preservation and development of the traditional Cheo art of Khuoc village in particular and Vietnam's traditional Cheo in general.

Different from other folk-art forms, imbued with the national characteristics of a unique combination of singing, dancing, music and drama. Cheo is a form of Vietnamese traditional stage art Cheo is a singing style which can be solo, a duet or a choir. The melody of Cheo plays is very suitable for the natural voice and language of the Vietnamese people. A Cheo play often lasts about 2 hours. A performance requires the artists to have the skills of singing, dancing and performing with background music of drums, mo ( wooden tocsin), sao (bamboo flute) and nhi ( two double-stringed instruments) .

The content of the plays often describes the simple life of farmers, herdsmen, craftsmen, and landowners . It praises virtues, criticizes bad habits and vices, fights against injustice and shows love and compassion, tolerance and forgiveness.

When watching Cheo, one not only enjoys relaxing moments full of laughter, but also has the opportunity to experience and think of life. In Cheo, characters are often conventional and highly literary. There are also clowns, a supporting but quite important role.

Cheo clowns or buffoons often comment on the action in an amusing or satirical way as well as mocking pompous, ridiculous or dishonest characters like kings and mandarins.

Throughout its long history, the Cheo stage has also gradually changed. Today, Cheo is not only performed on a small stage of communal houses, but also on large stages with the support of modern sound and light systems.

The theatrical trend has also led to the formation and development of modern Cheo plays with contents of hot topics and showing modern life that make it easier to attract viewers.

The 2022 National Cheo Festival was an example of having many quality plays in both content and art, attracting audiences by its creativity and novelty.

Efforts to Make Cheo Recognized as Cultural Heritage of the World

Facing the impact of

The Faculty of National Drama and Theater of Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema is the cradle of training Vietnamese Cheo artists such as Xuan Hinh, Quoc Truong, Thanh Ngoan, Tu Long and Thu Huyen. This is the place to train the art of Cheo methodically and professionally. Students majoring in Cheo singing will be trained for four years to have enough basic knowledge and foundation for Cheo performing such as singing, dancing, and acting techniques. Cheo musicians will learn the basics of musical instruments and perform with the play. It is the place to train and provide the main actors and artists for Cheo troupes and Cheo theaters across the country.

Along with the training of the next generation of Cheo artists, the introduction of Cheo art into the contemporary cultural space to help more people understand and love the art has also received a lot of attention. Recently, a group of young people who love traditional Vietnamese theater experimented with some community projects for Cheo. For example, the project of "The sound of Cheo drums" at Kim Lien communal house (Hanoi) was organized by a group of young people who share the same passion for traditional Vietnamese culture and the artists of Vietnam Cheo Theater.

In addition to the above projects, some other young people have also brought Cheo closer to contemporary life through the application of digitization in the design of paintings of Cheo characters with a modern artistic style.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thai Binh province, the unit assigned to coordinate with other agencies to create the dossie r for Cheo arts of the Red River Delta, said that it will complete the work to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a world cultural heritage by 2025.

To promote the popular traditional of Cheo, it needs the attention of the State and the active participation of the people in singing, performing and preserving. It is a great effort to show that Vietnam is willing to do its best to make Cheo soon be recognized by UNESCO and honored as a world cultural heritage./.

.

Story: Ngan Ha - Photos: Khanh Long - Translated by Hong Hanh

Cheo is a form of traditional Vietnamese stage art which holds an important position in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Originated in the 10th century from folk music and dance, this Vietnamese traditional opera is popular in areas around the Red River Delta. With every passing year, the art has gradually spread to the Northern midland and mountainous regions and the North Central Coast. With unique artistic values, a dossier for Cheo is being compiled to seek UNESCO recognition as a cultural heritage of the world.

A Cheo performance at the Kim Lien communal house (Dong Da, Hanoi). Photo: VNP

From the Cheo San Dinh Stage to the Cheo Modern Stage
According to many documents, Cheo originated in the capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) in the 10th century and was founded by Pham Thi Tran, a famous dancer in the Dinh royal palace.

From Hoa Lu, the art of Cheo flourished throughout the Northern Delta, especially in Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Ha Nam, Hung Yen and Hanoi. Then it gradually spread to the northern mountainous regions and the North Central Coast.

Khuoc has been one of seven popular Cheo regions in the north since the 19th century. In the past, the Khuoc village artists performed Cheo in the royal palace and in many other regions across the country.

According to Bui Van Ro, chairman of the Khuoc Village Traditional Cheo Club, during the subsidized period when the economy was still in difficult times, most families could only listen to Cheo singing through the Voice of Vietnam. It was very difficult to have a chance to watch live performances of professional Cheo troupes. During their leisure time, the villagers often spread mats in the middle of the communal house to sing Cheo to satisfy their passion. These amateur Cheo artists have contributed to the preservation and development of the traditional Cheo art of Khuoc village in particular and Vietnam's traditional Cheo in general.

Different from other folk-art forms, imbued with the national characteristics of a unique combination of singing, dancing, music and drama. Cheo is a form of Vietnamese traditional stage art Cheo is a singing style which can be solo, a duet or a choir. The melody of Cheo plays is very suitable for the natural voice and language of the Vietnamese people. A Cheo play often lasts about 2 hours. A performance requires the artists to have the skills of singing, dancing and performing with background music of drums, mo ( wooden tocsin), sao (bamboo flute) and nhi ( two double-stringed instruments) .

The content of the plays often describes the simple life of farmers, herdsmen, craftsmen, and landowners . It praises virtues, criticizes bad habits and vices, fights against injustice and shows love and compassion, tolerance and forgiveness.

When watching Cheo, one not only enjoys relaxing moments full of laughter, but also has the opportunity to experience and think of life. In Cheo, characters are often conventional and highly literary. There are also clowns, a supporting but quite important role.

Cheo clowns or buffoons often comment on the action in an amusing or satirical way as well as mocking pompous, ridiculous or dishonest characters like kings and mandarins.

Throughout its long history, the Cheo stage has also gradually changed. Today, Cheo is not only performed on a small stage of communal houses, but also on large stages with the support of modern sound and light systems.

The theatrical trend has also led to the formation and development of modern Cheo plays with contents of hot topics and showing modern life that make it easier to attract viewers.

The 2022 National Cheo Festival was an example of having many quality plays in both content and art, attracting audiences by its creativity and novelty.

Efforts to Make Cheo Recognized as Cultural Heritage of the World

Facing the impact of

The Faculty of National Drama and Theater of Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema is the cradle of training Vietnamese Cheo artists such as Xuan Hinh, Quoc Truong, Thanh Ngoan, Tu Long and Thu Huyen. This is the place to train the art of Cheo methodically and professionally. Students majoring in Cheo singing will be trained for four years to have enough basic knowledge and foundation for Cheo performing such as singing, dancing, and acting techniques. Cheo musicians will learn the basics of musical instruments and perform with the play. It is the place to train and provide the main actors and artists for Cheo troupes and Cheo theaters across the country.

Along with the training of the next generation of Cheo artists, the introduction of Cheo art into the contemporary cultural space to help more people understand and love the art has also received a lot of attention. Recently, a group of young people who love traditional Vietnamese theater experimented with some community projects for Cheo. For example, the project of "The sound of Cheo drums" at Kim Lien communal house (Hanoi) was organized by a group of young people who share the same passion for traditional Vietnamese culture and the artists of Vietnam Cheo Theater.

In addition to the above projects, some other young people have also brought Cheo closer to contemporary life through the application of digitization in the design of paintings of Cheo characters with a modern artistic style.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thai Binh province, the unit assigned to coordinate with other agencies to create the dossie r for Cheo arts of the Red River Delta, said that it will complete the work to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a world cultural heritage by 2025.

To promote the popular traditional of Cheo, it needs the attention of the State and the active participation of the people in singing, performing and preserving. It is a great effort to show that Vietnam is willing to do its best to make Cheo soon be recognized by UNESCO and honored as a world cultural heritage./.

.

Story: Ngan Ha - Photos: Khanh Long - Translated by Hong Hanh

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
cheo - a traditional vietnamese stage art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cheo - A Traditional Vietnamese Stage Art

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cheo is a form of traditional Vietnamese stage art which holds an important position in the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Originated in the 10th century from folk music and dance, this Vietnamese traditional opera is popular in areas around the Red River Delta.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is the eventual creation of a world culture inevitable? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is the eventual creation of a world culture inevitable? 

# data[].attributes.body
Personally, I think that the world will always possess some kind of difference in terms of culture. For instance, the opposition between individualism and collectivism. America and Western countries often tend to emphasize independence, personal agency, and freedom of speech. This can be seen in the politics of most of the countries, having democracy as their government system. While Asia however, seems to be more concentrated on collectivism. Family and community often seem more emphasized than the person itself. This can be confirmed historically by the concept of Confucianism. A famous thought and idea is the philosophy of “The five constant relationships” (五伦). It talks about the main and base of human relationships. Sovereign towards the subject, father and son, husband and wife, elder brother and younger brother, and lastly, friend and friend. Hence by referring to this philosophy. It can be noticed that the idea of “relationship” has quite its value and place in the culture.

Therefore I believe that the world will be subjected to cultural diversity and hybridity rather than a complete single and unique culture. These ideas of individualism and collectivism have centuries of history and blending them all into one single culture would be destroying an entire continent’s beliefs and ideas.