PI00007631

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007630

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007629

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007628

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007627

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007626

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007625

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007624

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007623

Phi Ta Khon is a three-day mask festival held every year between March and July in Dan Sai District in Loei Province, Thailand, which includes a ceremony to express respect to the gods and rituals to protect the village and pray for abundant rain during the farming season. Young men wear colorful, fluttering costumes and Phi Ta Khon masks. The mask, representing spirits of the dead, is adorned with a long nose in vibrant primary colors. It consists of three main components: a hat, a face, and a nose. The mask is crafted using a traditional bamboo container known as a Huat, traditionally used for containing boiled glutinous rice.

PI00007691

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007692

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007687

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007654

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007688

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007678

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007705

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. Batil is the most important tool used in a performance of awang batil. The batil used is made of copper. Batil is a container used to store water.

PI00007664

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001805

Performance of the Six Spirits at the Spring Festival

PI00007689

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007679

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007706

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. Batil is the most important tool used in a performance of awang batil. The batil used is made of copper. Batil is a container used to store water.

PI00007665

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001806

Acting Champa in the Festival

PI00007653

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007652

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007690

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007676

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007707

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. Batil is the most important tool used in a performance of awang batil. The batil used is made of copper. Batil is a container used to store water.

PI00007666

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001807

Practice before the festival

PI00007683

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007677

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007708

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. Batil is the most important tool used in a performance of awang batil. The batil used is made of copper. Batil is a container used to store water.

PI00007667

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001808

Practice before the festival

PI00007651

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007650

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007684

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007670

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007698

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of Wak Nujum. It is painted in red and white.

PI00007668

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001809

The film crew took pictures with Bui Van Hung's family

PI00007685

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007671

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007699

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of Wak Nujum. It is painted in red and white.

PI00007669

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00001810

Filming of Xuan Pha Mask Dance

PI00007649

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007648

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007686

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007672

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007700

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of Wak Nujum. It is painted in red and white.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Mr. Bui Van Hung teaches neighbors of Thuong village

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Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

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Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007695

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of hulubalang. It is painted in red and white.

PI00007663

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007646

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007681

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

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Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007696

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of hulubalang. It is painted in red and white.

PI00007657

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007682

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007675

Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung listed in the National ICH List in 2017 The Lion Dance of the Tay and Nung of Lang Son City, Viet Nam, is usually performed during New Year celebrations. Villagers wearing lion masks perform dances to wish for a prosperous life and to ward off evil. The lion dance has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Tay and Nung communities by combining local cultural elements, traditional martial arts, and folk dances through migration and cultural exchange between ethnic groups in the border region. A Lion Dance team typically consists of 12 to 14 performers. Members of the team perform lion dance, martial arts dance, acrobatics, and monkey dances. Additionally, they play drums, gongs, and cymbals. The dance embodies humanistic values and promotes community solidarity, fostering harmonious interaction with the natural environment.

PI00007697

Awang Batil is a storyteller only found in the state of Perlis. He narrates a story by tapping a Batil (copper water container). In addition to the Batil, the storyteller also plays various instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana, and gendang terinai. His performances are predominantly held in homes during wedding feasts and can sometimes span several days. Throughout his narration, he wears two masks representing the characters of a 'Hulubalang' (soldier) and the 'Wak Nujum' (fortune teller). These masks, typically made of wood and painted in red and white, add depth to his storytelling. Today, with the advent of digital media, the Awang Batil’s role has diminished, but the Perlis-based storyteller still entertains people with his delightful wit. This mask is made from 'tui' wood. This mask is used when awang batil is telling stories about the character of hulubalang. It is painted in red and white.

PI00007658

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00007645

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Introduction In Malaysia, there is a living traditional art where a storyteller develops the oral tradition, otherwise known as oral literature. Oral tradition is the original source of Malay literature and translated into written literature. One of the practitioners of this oral tradition is known as 'Awang Batil'. Apart from specialised storytellers such as Awang Batil, there are other transmissions of oral literature throughout the country, especially in villages through folk stories or stories of elders that are collected, rewritten and made into collections for children to read. Awang Batil Awang Batil is a storyteller who provided entertainment and education to the people, especially to the villagers and local community. Awang Batil entertains and educates the community through many classic stories that he inherited. Through those stories, the community is entertained and educated. Once upon a time, Awang Batil functioned as a story book, novel, radio, television, movie or video as it is now. He would travel from house to house, village to village, state to state including the state of Kedah, Penang and some areas in the Southern Region of Thailand, especially the Setol Region.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00002156

Awang Batil is a story-teller only found in the state of Perlis. Originally he was known with the name ‘Awang Belanga’ because he used the ‘belanga’ or cooking pot as his music accompaniment. As cooking pot is covered with charcoal, it was then replaced with ‘batil’ that is copper water container. Thus the story-teller is called ‘Awang Batil’. The storyteller also plays other instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana and gendang terinai. In yesteryears, Awang Batil travelled village to village and from house to house, especially houses that held wedding feasts, to tell his stories. Awang Batil inherits lots of folk stories. A story is in series and with continuities that drags to many evenings. Comedy elements are inserted in his story-telling while beating the copper water container with his fingers. The most commonly told stories of the Awang Batil are Raja Dewa Lok, Raja Bersiung, Raja Berdarah Putih, Anak Lang Pak Belang, Jabat Jabit, Abu Nawas, Cerita Angan-Angan and Awang Ada Duit Semua Jadi. At certain Acts Awang Batil wears a mask to relate the character of a ‘Hulubalang’ (Soldier) and the ‘Wak Nujum’ (Fortune Teller). Both are used when suitable characters appear in the stories to attract the audiences’ attention. The mask is made of wood and usually painted red and white. At a house that holds wedding feast Awang Batil performs in a small hut with a height of three to four meters. The audiences sit encircling the hut listening to his stories with laughter.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00002093

Awang Batil is a story-teller only found in the state of Perlis. Originally he was known with the name ‘Awang Belanga’ because he used the ‘belanga’ or cooking pot as his music accompaniment. As cooking pot is covered with charcoal, it was then replaced with ‘batil’ that is copper water container. Thus the story-teller is called ‘Awang Batil’. The storyteller also plays other instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana and gendang terinai. In yesteryears, Awang Batil travelled village to village and from house to house, especially houses that held wedding feasts, to tell his stories. Awang Batil inherits lots of folk stories. A story is in series and with continuities that drags to many evenings. Comedy elements are inserted in his story-telling while beating the copper water container with his fingers. The most commonly told stories of the Awang Batil are Raja Dewa Lok, Raja Bersiung, Raja Berdarah Putih, Anak Lang Pak Belang, Jabat Jabit, Abu Nawas, Cerita Angan-Angan and Awang Ada Duit Semua Jadi. At certain Acts Awang Batil wears a mask to relate the character of a ‘Hulubalang’ (Soldier) and the ‘Wak Nujum’ (Fortune Teller). Both are used when suitable characters appear in the stories to attract the audiences’ attention. The mask is made of wood and usually painted red and white. At a house that holds wedding feast Awang Batil performs in a small hut with a height of three to four meters. The audiences sit encircling the hut listening to his stories with laughter.

PI00007661

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

PI00002094

Awang Batil is a story-teller only found in the state of Perlis. Originally he was known with the name ‘Awang Belanga’ because he used the ‘belanga’ or cooking pot as his music accompaniment. As cooking pot is covered with charcoal, it was then replaced with ‘batil’ that is copper water container. Thus the story-teller is called ‘Awang Batil’. The storyteller also plays other instruments such as the violin, serunai, rebana and gendang terinai. In yesteryears, Awang Batil travelled village to village and from house to house, especially houses that held wedding feasts, to tell his stories. Awang Batil inherits lots of folk stories. A story is in series and with continuities that drags to many evenings. Comedy elements are inserted in his story-telling while beating the copper water container with his fingers. The most commonly told stories of the Awang Batil are Raja Dewa Lok, Raja Bersiung, Raja Berdarah Putih, Anak Lang Pak Belang, Jabat Jabit, Abu Nawas, Cerita Angan-Angan and Awang Ada Duit Semua Jadi. At certain Acts Awang Batil wears a mask to relate the character of a ‘Hulubalang’ (Soldier) and the ‘Wak Nujum’ (Fortune Teller). Both are used when suitable characters appear in the stories to attract the audiences’ attention. The mask is made of wood and usually painted red and white. At a house that holds wedding feast Awang Batil performs in a small hut with a height of three to four meters. The audiences sit encircling the hut listening to his stories with laughter.

PI00007656

Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.

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Make a mask for Xuan Pha Dance

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Performance of the Six Spirits at the Spring Festival

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Xuan Pha Dance listed in the National ICH List in 2016 The Xuan Pha performance is a Vietnamese folk tradition held every lunar February in Xuan Pha village. It serves as a blessing to the people and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity who watches over farming activities. Legend has it that Dinh Bo Linh achieved peace with the help of the deity Xuan Pha when chieftains were trying to divide the country. This became the origin of the village festival. The performance includes five different dance segments, each simulating the dances of five nations, paying tribute to the King of Dai Viet (modern-day Viet Nam). Most of the props used in the performance are made from materials obtained from nature, and the performers sing of a peaceful, happy, and idyllic life.