Recognising people who sustain a tradition
UNESCO representative Jonathan Wallace Baker thanked artisans, ritual practitioners, spirit mediums and the wider community. He highlighted the transmission of knowledge and skills, chầu văn singing and continuing communal practice.
The certificates recognise individuals' contributions. They are not the addition of 41 new heritage elements to a UNESCO list. Recipients mentioned in the report include Trần Thị Huệ, Phạm Hải Hậu, Lưu Hải Trường and Vũ Thanh Bình, alongside other ritual and musical practitioners. The individual awards also acknowledge a broader collective effort.
Transmission remains the continuing task
Community representative Trần Thị Huệ, custodian of Phủ Chính Tiên Hương, said the recognition honoured people maintaining the heritage in daily life. She referred to the work behind traditional singing, clothing, music, folk knowledge and associated values.
Both UNESCO and community representatives encouraged cooperation, teaching younger generations and greater understanding of the heritage's cultural and spiritual significance. The Ninh Bình preservation association was recognised for connecting practitioners and sharing experience. These are continuing responsibilities following the ceremony, not blanket approval for every commercial activity associated with the tradition. The emphasis remains on living practice and respect for its communities.