A ceremony to welcome Dong Ho folk woodcut paintings’ new national intangible cultural heritage status was held in the northern province of Bac Ninh on March 15.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has added the craft to the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Located 40 km east of Hanoi, Dong Ho village is well-known for its folk woodcut paintings, which date back to the 16th century. Their unique value is depicted through materials, colours and familiar themes closely connected with nature and the life of Vietnamese people.

The paintings are not only for decorating homes but are lessons of moral principles. Each painting is like a page of a book that older generations use to pass down ethics and experiences to younger generations.

At the event, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu asked the province to continue preserving and bringing into play other cultural heritages and help its artisans pass on the crafts to younger generations.

The participants had a chance to enjoy quan ho (love duets) singing at the event.-VNA