The sixth national festival of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups officially opened in Ha Giang city, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, on May 13. (Photo: VNA) 
The sixth national festival of Then singing and Tinh gourd lute of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups officially opened in Ha Giang city, the northernmost province of Ha Giang, on May 13. (Photo: VNA) 
One of the art troupes from 14 provinces performs Then singing accompanied by Tinh lute. Such performance is deeply imbued with traditional cultural identities of Tay, Nung and Thai ethnics. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) 
Then singing is practised in many northern provinces, including Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Quang Ninh, Son La, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Bac Giang and Yen Bai, and the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) 
According to researchers, the word “Then” originates from “Thien”, which means sky or heaven. Therefore, Then singing is regarded as a tune of the Gods. (Photo: VNA) 
The most important figures in a Then singing performance are “Ong Then” and “Ba Then” who can sing, dance and play a musical instrument at the same time during rituals while presenting offerings to the Gods, helping the ethnics ask for good health, bumper crops, happiness and longevity. (Photo: VNA) 
Last year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a dossier on Then singing for submission to UNESCO asking for the recognition of this form as part of world intangible cultural heritage. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) 
A performance at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: VNA) VNA
