The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list includes traditions, expressions, skills, and knowledge that are transmitted from generation to generation, considered important and meaningful by the communities that practice them. In 2016, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list got bigger and more diverse, including traditions from South Korea to Mexico.
Let’s take a look at some of the newly added intangible cultural heritage of 2016:
South Korea’s Tradition of Buddhist Temple Stay
South Korea’s traditional temple stay is a unique program where people can experience monastic life, Buddhist teaching, and Korean temple culture. The program provides a peaceful environment for people to contemplate and find inner peace. To participate, visitors must abide by strict rules like observing silence, eating vegetarian food, and waking up early for morning prayer. Buddhist temple stay is not only a cultural experience but also a spiritual journey that people can embark on.
Belarusian Heritage of Strawa€™ska€™s Damask Weaving
The Strawa€™ska€™s Damask Weaving is a technique of creating delicate and intricate fabric patterns, characterized by small geometric figures and floral motifs. The tradition of Damask Weaving originated in the 17th century in Belarus, and it has been kept alive by generations of weavers. The technique requires a lot of patience, skill, and precision, as weavers must use different colors and create a uniform pattern. The Belarusian Heritage of Strawa€™ska€™s Damask Weaving is not only a cultural asset but also an example of an important artisanal skill kept alive over centuries.
Mexicoa€™s Tarahumara Indigenous Rite of the Spring Equinox
The Tarahumara indigenous people of Mexico celebrate the Spring Equinox by performing the Rite of the Fertility of the Soil. During the ceremony, the community asks for the blessing of the earth and the growth of crops. The ritual includes music, dance, and offerings of food and drink. The Tarahumara people have been practicing this rite for hundreds of years, and it is considered a crucial part of their cultural identity.
Conclusion
The addition of these traditions to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list sheds light on the diverse and rich cultural heritage of different communities worldwide. From the spiritual journey of South Korea’s Buddhist temple stay to the artisanal skill of Belarusian Damask Weaving and the Tarahumara indigenous people’s fertility rite in Mexico, the 2016 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list celebrates traditions that highlight the importance of preserving heritage for future generations.
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