VI00000138

Dong Ho folk painting is produced in a village on the southern bank of the Duong River, about 25 km, northeast of Hanoi, Dong Ho paintings are printed using woodblocks on do paper, which is handcrafted from do tree bark growing in the forests of Vietnam. The tough, firm, and durable do paper plays a vital role in producing Dong Ho folk paintings. Imbued with refined natural colors, these paintings are created basted on the values and techniques that have been transmitted for generations, which is why they are still beloved by many people.

00:23:42
Vietnam 2019

VI00000119

Kieu Ky Village is located on the northern bank of the Red River about 15km from Hanoi. The village is known in Vietnam as the only place that handcrafts thin, sophisticated gold leaves. The master artisan credited with passing on the craft, Nguyen Quy Tri, is honored by the villagers of Kieu Ky as the father of gold craft. Gold craft is primarily used to elevate the sanctity of temples and communal houses and further to elaborately decorate daily objects, such as furniture, painting, and other lacquered items. This video shows the process of crafting gold leaves and gilding in Kieu Ky Village.

00:25:47
Vietnam 2019

VI00000134

Kin Pang Then is a traditional ritual of the Tai ethnic group in the northwest region of Vietnam to welcome and thank the deity known as Then. In the ritual, Then comes down to grant blessings on villagers and heal those whose souls are sick. The beneficiaries of the ritual are obliged to participate in the next Kin Pang Then ritual. The whole process of greeting and sending off the deity is intended to bring harmony and unity to all community members who participate in and enjoy the ritual. This video shows the spiritual life of the Tai people and a master performing the ritual to bring good luck and wellbeing to the local people.

00:24:55
Vietnam 2019

VI00000120

Worshiping the Mother Goddesses of the three realms-heaven, water, and mountains (or forests)-has been a cultural activity since the sixteenth century, significantly influencing the lives of Vietnamese people. In worshiping Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh (the "Mother of the World") and other spirits of legendary heroes, followers practice spirit possession rituals and traditional festivals. These cultural expressions combine traditional costumes, music, and dance to help maintain the community's cultural heritage. Through interviews with spirit mediums, this video shows how belief in the Mother Goddesses have united and healed the community.

00:24:43
Vietnam 2019

VI00000176

The Yao, one of Vietnam's fifty-four ethnic group, primarily reside in the north. According to Red Yao tradition, a prospective bridegroom is required to go through a twelve-lamp initiation ritual with his bride ahead of their wedding. Through this rite of passage, a man is recognized as a member of the community and granted a religious title and spiritual privileges. He is then allowed to participate as a ritual practitioner in religious events for his family and community. This video depicts a twelve-lamp ritual performed by the Red Yao people in Ban Khoang Commune, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province, near the border with China.

00:27:40
Vietnam 2019

VI00000103

Phu Dong Village in Vietnam holds a traditional festival to celebrate Saint Giong from the seventh to the ninth days of the fourth lunar month every year. One of the most important figures in the festival is Hieu, the Flag Commander. It is the Flag Commander's responsibility to select young men of good character from decent families in the village to serve the saint. Those selected are honored by the local residents after taking part in the festival. This video shows the social and religious aspects of the lives of local people who worship their local god, as well as the spiritual life of the local community reflected in the festival.

00:24:15
Vietnam 2019

VI00000105

A proverb about the culture of soy sauce-making recounts that all a farmer needs to make a living anywhere is rice, water spinach, soy sauce, and eggplants. Throughout the ages, soy sauce has been closely linked to the lives of Duong Lam villagers as a condiment that adds special flavor to their meals. The Duong Lam soy sauce is made with the finest soybeans clean water, and hot weather, thereby reflecting the lifestyle and culinary culture of the local people. This video introduces the story of an old couple in Duong Lam Village who continue to brew soy sauce in strict accordance with the traditional recipe.

00:29:52
Vietnam 2019

VI00000108

Every year, the people of Nam Giang Village organize a traditional festival at Dai Bi Buddhist temple to commemorate Zen master Tu Dao Hanh. Starting from New Year's Eve to the festival period from the twentieth to the twenty-forth days of the second lunar month, a variety of Buddhist rituals mixed with fold beliefs are performed. In particular, the sacred puppet theater serves to convey spiritual enlightenment to the people and deliver their wishes to the Buddha and saints through music and dance. This video tells the story of the members of a Buddhist puppet theater troupe who pray for the wellbeing and happiness of their community.

00:26:22
Vietnam 2019

VI00000129

The water puppet theater troupe of Hong Phong formed in Bo Duong Village, about 60 km east of Hanoi. Hong Phong water puppet theater is believed to have begun in the late seventeenth century-the shapes of the puppets used in this art were found carved on the pillars of the village temple. The troupe performs for visitors to the village's traditional festivals, recounting various stories about farmers' lives and the village through puppetry accompanied by music. This video demonstrates the connection between the puppet theater and communal worship, in addition to the significance of the performance in Hong Phong Commune.

00:24:57
Vietnam 2019

VI00000114

Xuan Pha Village has retained its tradition of ancient and mystic folk performances to the present day. The origin of the village festival is a legend in which the king of Vietnam repressed a rebellion with the help of the local god of Xuan Pha Village. During the festival period, people from neighboring countries would comes to present various offerings as a tribute to the king, and villagers welcomed them with mast dances. This video demonstrates the efforts of the people of Xuan Pha Village to maintain and transmit this traditional performance to the next generation.

00:23:44
Vietnam 2019