Le Thi Minh Ly (vietnam)

Summary

In this presentation, Lee from the Vietnam C Heritage Association discusses the country's efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage, focusing on festivals and intangible cultural practices. Lee highlights the evolution of heritage laws in Vietnam, including significant amendments made in 2024, and shares successful case studies of multinational collaborations for UNESCO nominations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community involvement in preserving cultural traditions and outlines the country's work with international partners, such as Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines, to ensure sustainable heritage protection and development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vietnam has a long history of cultural heritage policies, with laws dating back to 2001 and the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
• 😀 The 2009 heritage law was updated in 2024 to allow for continuous adjustments and improvements, fostering opportunities for heritage safeguarding.
• 😀 The 2024 law includes a dedicated chapter on intangible cultural heritage, with 12 articles focusing on its protection.
• 😀 Vietnam recognizes six domains for intangible cultural heritage, including festivals, which are a significant part of Vietnamese culture.
• 😀 There are over 1,000 festivals held annually in Vietnam, with significant cultural practices tied to community traditions.
• 😀 One notable multinational cultural heritage nomination is the 'Talking Ritual and Game,' which was added to the UNESCO Representative List in 2015, alongside Korea, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
• 😀 Vietnamese communities, such as those in Bac Ninh, are actively involved in safeguarding their cultural practices, with large community participation in festivals.
• 😀 Vietnam has expanded its international cooperation with countries like Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines, to protect shared cultural heritage and improve practices.
• 😀 A successful experience from Vietnam's safeguarding efforts includes identifying valuable cultural elements, expanding the involved communities, and fostering sustainable partnerships.
• 😀 The practice of worshipping the Mother God of the Three Realms was recognized in 2016 as part of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage, showcasing the country's rich belief and ritual traditions.

Q & A

What is the role of Lee in the Vietnam C Heritage Association?

Lee works for the Vietnam C Heritage Association and has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage.

What was the purpose behind revising the heritage law in Vietnam?

The revision of the heritage law was prompted by the need to align with international standards, especially following the 2003 UNESCO Convention, and to enhance the safeguarding of cultural heritage in Vietnam.

How many festivals are held annually in Vietnam, and why is this significant?

Over 1,000 festivals are held annually in Vietnam. This highlights the country's rich cultural heritage, particularly in folk traditions, and the importance of festivals in preserving and celebrating Vietnamese culture.

Why is the festival domain categorized separately in the Vietnamese heritage law?

Festivals are considered vital to Vietnam's cultural identity and heritage. The law includes them as a separate domain because of their significant role in Vietnamese society, with statistics showing over 1,000 festivals annually.

What is the significance of the multinational nomination involving Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines, and Cambodia?

This multinational nomination, involving practices like the talking ritual and game, was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. It strengthens international cooperation and recognizes the shared cultural practices across these countries.

How has the Vietnamese government supported the safeguarding of cultural heritage?

The government has implemented better policies and laws to protect cultural heritage, such as the revised 2024 law, which includes provisions for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

What role does the community play in safeguarding cultural heritage in Vietnam?

The community plays an essential role by actively participating in cultural practices and rituals. These community-led initiatives help in the preservation and transmission of traditional cultural practices.

How has international cooperation enhanced Vietnam's cultural heritage preservation efforts?

International cooperation, particularly with Korea, has allowed for cultural exchange, joint festivals, and a deeper understanding of shared cultural practices. This collaboration helps safeguard intangible cultural heritage through mutual support and knowledge-sharing.

What is the practice of watching the mother god of the three realms, and why is it important?

The practice of watching the mother god of the three realms is a significant ritual in Vietnam, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List in 2016. It has cultural, spiritual, and artistic value, involving music, singing, dancing, and a variety of belief-related practices.

What challenges were faced in recognizing and preserving the practice of watching the mother god of the three realms?

The practice was initially regarded as outdated and suspicious. However, with sustained efforts by local communities, researchers, and the Vietnamese government, it was successfully recognized as an important part of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage.