Thai ethnic group’s Xip Xi festival recognised as national heritage

Tet Xip Xi' (Xip Xi festival) of the White Thai ethnic minority group in Phu Yen district of the northern province of Son La has been named in the national intangible cultural heritage list by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Xip Xi Festival is held annually on the 14th day of the 7th lunar month in the leisure time before the fall harvest (Xip Xi means 14). Along with rituals to pay tribute to the deities, land genies and the ancestors for providing protection, a peaceful life and bumper crops, the festival is an opportunity for White Thai people to give special care to younger generations. The festival is also considered the one for children as they receive much care and new clothes from their parents on this occasion. Source: Vietnam News Agency