Manas is a local traditional folk literature in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, and it is one of the intangible cultural heritages in the world.
Manas was born in the 9th 9- 10/0th century. In the process of spreading, "Manas" has become fuller and more legendary after being refined by Kirgiz singers in previous dynasties.
/kloc-began to spread in the 0/6th century and has been passed down from mouth to mouth for thousands of years. Folk singers play an important role in the creation and inheritance of epics.
Manas is a famous hero and leader in Kirgiz legend. He is the embodiment of strength, courage and wisdom.
It describes the heroic deeds of Manas and his seven generations of descendants who led the Kirgiz people to fight against foreign invaders and various evil forces and strive for freedom and happiness.
In the process of thousands of years of word of mouth, Kirgiz people have integrated their knowledge and understanding of the surrounding things and their spiritual and cultural heritage into Manas from generation to generation. Manas has a vast territory and a large scale, but before the founding of New China, there was no written record, and it was only handed down from generation to generation by "Manaski" (people's name for the folk singer who sang Manas).
The researchers of Manas believe that there are two traditions in the inheritance of the epic Manas: teaching and dream teaching. Most researchers tend to teach, believing that Manasseh was passed down by previous singers through family inheritance and teacher inheritance.
Kirgiz is a nomadic people who once lived in the Tekes Valley in history. Men, women and children, regardless of spring, summer, autumn and winter. After work, they always get together to play the national epic Manas.
Manas is a great literary work, which has been sung among the people for a long time. In Kirgiz, the folk singer who sings Manas is called "Manaski". On festive occasions, the singer "Manaski" will be invited to sing Manas's poems. Singing without instrumental music, the melody is high and low, and the melody is tight and fast. Some "Manaski" can sing from night till dawn, and even sing for days and nights during singing competitions.
Manas created the glorious image of Manas, entrusted the Kirgiz people's yearning for a better life and indomitable spirit of struggle, and was regarded as the national soul of Kirgiz.
On May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage, and the heritage number was I-25.
On September 28th, 2009, it was selected into UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.