In Thai culture,Xoe danceIt's not just a dance, but also the "soul," the thread that binds the community together, and a symbol of solidarity.

1. Meaning and Importance

Xoe dance (or "Xe") represents the beauty of the soul and creativity of the Thai people in the Northwest region. The Thai people have a saying:"If the rice doesn't spread out, it won't grow well; if it doesn't spread out, it won't form a couple."good"Without the traditional dance, there is no joy; without the dance, the rice plants will not bloom; without the dance, boys and girls will not become couples."This confirms that Xòe dance is an essential part of life, closely associated with festivals such as the Hoa Ban Festival, the Hết Cháng festival, or housewarming celebrations.

2. Typical traditional Xoe dances

Xòe dance has dozens of different styles, but six ancient Xòe dances are considered the foundation:

• Khắm khen (Holding hands):A symbol of unity, the spreading circle unites people.
• Traditional Vietnamese opera (Offering wine):Show hospitality and sincerity.
• Marriage by mistake (Movement forward and backward):It reminds people to always look forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
• Tossing the handkerchief (Tossing the handkerchief):Joy and celebration of a new life.
• Phá xí (Four-part dance):Demonstrating solidarity among communities from all four corners of the world.
• Raising a handkerchief to offer wine:Demonstrate subtlety and politeness in communication.

3. Musical Instruments and Costumes

• Musical instrument:The drums, gongs, bamboo flutes, and stringed instruments are the soul that guides the rhythm of the dance. The music, sometimes soft, sometimes loud, urges everyone to join in the circle dance.
• Skin:Thai women, dressed in traditional Com blouses, black skirts, butterfly-shaped buttons, and vibrant Piêu scarves, create a graceful and elegant image when they dance.

4. World cultural heritage

In 2021,Thai Xoe DanceIt has been officially inscribed by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is international recognition of the humanistic value and vibrant vitality of this dance over the centuries.

Today, Xoe dance is not only for the Thai people but has become a unique tourism product, inviting tourists to Northwest Vietnam to join hands in the circle dance and connect with each other.