Chau Van was created duringthe Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) and Nam Dinh province is considered itsbirthplace.
The highlyrhythmic and trance-oriented form of singing often takes place duringrituals to honour the Mother Goddesses and connect to other gods. It isperformed mostly at temples and pagodas.
The music and poetry performed in the folk art are mingled with avariety of rhythms, pauses, tempos, stresses and pitches. The genre hasalso adopted folk songs from the highlands of the north, centre andsouth.
Last year, Chau Van singing wasrecognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is seekingUNESCO recognition as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.-VNA