THE ROLE OF CAODAISM IN PRESERVING AND ENHANCING SOUTHERN VIETNAMESE FOLK MUSIC HERITAGE

This study examines the role of Caodaism in preserving and enhancing Southern Vietnamese traditional music. Using a qualitative ethno musicological approach, the research is based on field observations at the Tay Ninh Holy See and the analysis of musical structures within ritual practices. The study focuses on three core dimensions, including repertoire, modal systems, and instrumentation. The findings indicate that Cao Dai ritual music functions as a cultural mechanism that not only preserves traditional musical elements but also restructures them within a formalized liturgical system. Through regular ritual activities, Caodaism creates a stable environment for the continuous performance and transmission of Southern Vietnamese folk music. The study also identifies current challenges related to intergenerational transmission and documentation, and proposes solutions such as digital preservation and community-based educational initiatives. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between religion and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in contemporary Vietnam. This study provides an analytical framework for understanding the role of religious institutions in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.