Manas is a local traditional folk literature and one of the world intangible cultural heritages in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.
Manas was born in the 9th 9- 10/0th century. During its spread, Manas became fuller and more legendary after being polished and refined by Kirgiz singers of different generations.
It began to spread in the16th 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, leading the Kirgiz people to fight against foreign invaders and various evil forces and fighting for freedom and happiness.
In the process of word of mouth for thousands of years, 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 is vast and grand in scale, but before the founding of New China, there was no written record and it was passed down from generation to generation only by "Manaski" (people's name for the folk singer who sang Manas).
Manas researchers believe that there are two traditions in the inheritance of the epic Manas: teaching and dream teaching. Most researchers tend to teach, and think that Manasseh is passed down from the previous singers through two ways of teaching: family inheritance and teacher inheritance.
Kirgiz is a nomadic people who once lived in the Tekes River valley in history. They are all 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". For festive occasions, the singer "Manaski" will be invited to sing Manas's poems. Singing without instrumental accompaniment, the tune is high or low, and the melody is tight and fast. Some "Manaski" can sing from night till dawn, and even sing for days and nights when singing competitions.
Manas created the glorious image of Manas and entrusted Kirgiz people with their 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, with the heritage number I-25.
On September 28th, 2009, it was selected into UNESCO's "Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".