Introduction to intangible cultural heritage
Intangible cultural heritage is not the physical objects or structures that we can see or touch, but the spiritual values, cultural traditions, beliefs and customs that have been passed down through many generations. These are precious assets of humanity, contributing to the identity and cultural diversity of each country.
According to UNESCO’s definition, intangible cultural heritage includes oral traditions, performing arts, festivals, social practices, traditional crafts and nature-related knowledge. All of these elements play an important role in preserving and promoting the precious cultural values of communities, while contributing to building a diverse and rich culture.
The importance of intangible cultural heritage
Intangible cultural heritage plays an important role in shaping the cultural identity of a community or a nation. Unlike tangible heritage such as monuments, architectural works or treasures, intangible cultural heritage exists in the consciousness, memory and activities of people. These values cannot be measured in material terms but are extremely precious because they are the bridge between the past and the present.
Intangible cultural heritage not only helps preserve historical memories but also serves as a means of transmitting moral values, knowledge and skills to future generations. In particular, in the context of increasing globalization, these heritages contribute to maintaining cultural differences, enriching the common culture of humanity.
Preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage not only helps to preserve traditional values but is also a way to develop cultural tourism, bringing economic benefits to the community. Festivals, performing arts and customs are factors that attract tourists, and at the same time help the world understand more about the culture of each nation.
Types of intangible cultural heritage
Intangible cultural heritage includes many diverse forms, reflecting human life and creativity. Below are some common types of intangible cultural heritage:
1. Oral traditions and performing arts
Oral stories, legends, folk songs, proverbs and sayings are all part of the intangible cultural heritage. They are not only a means of transmitting knowledge but also a way to maintain the language and cultural identity of a people. Performing arts such as dance, singing and folk music are also an important part of this heritage, providing a way for communities to express their feelings and beliefs.
2. Traditional festivals and rituals
Traditional festivals and rituals are occasions for communities to come together to remember and honor gods, ancestors, or important historical events. Each festival bears the cultural imprint of each region and ethnic group. For example, the Gong Festival of the Central Highlands, or the Hung Temple Festival of the Vietnamese, are all important events that contribute to community unity and the maintenance of national identity.
3. Social customs and beliefs
Social customs and beliefs are the spiritual values that characterize each community, expressed through daily activities, worship rituals, and customs in life. Mother Goddess worship, Buddhism, and Taoism are examples of religious beliefs that have existed for thousands of years in Vietnam. These customs not only express beliefs but also the way people treat nature and the universe.
4. Traditional crafts
Traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, hat making, and wood carving are not only a means of livelihood but also a way to preserve knowledge and skills passed down through generations. Each handicraft product carries within it a story, a part of the history of the land and its people.
Intangible cultural heritage in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country rich in cultural traditions with many intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO. Each heritage carries unique historical, cultural and artistic values, contributing to the diversity and richness of national culture.
1. Ca Tru
Ca Tru is a unique traditional art form of Vietnam, which appeared in the 15th century. It is a combination of music, poetry and performance, performed in festivals, temples and royal courts. Ca Tru not only has high artistic value but also has been a means of cultural communication of the Vietnamese people for many centuries.
2. Hue royal court music
Hue Royal Court Music is a type of music performed in ceremonies of the Nguyen Dynasty, dating back to the 13th century. Nha Nhac is not only royal music but also a symbol of power and solemnity. Hue Royal Court Music was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2003, marking an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of traditional artistic values.
3. Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space
The Central Highlands Gong Culture Space is one of the outstanding intangible cultural heritages of Vietnam. Gong culture is not only music but also the soul of the Central Highlands ethnic groups, a means of communication with gods and ancestors. The sound of gongs represents the solidarity, attachment and belief of the community in the spiritual world.
4. Hung King worship
The Hung King worship is a typical belief of the Vietnamese people, dating back to the time when the Hung Kings founded the country. The Hung Temple Festival is held annually to commemorate the Hung Kings, the founders of Van Lang. This is an opportunity for descendants everywhere to express their respect and gratitude to their ancestors, and at the same time show their pride in their national origin.
Challenges in preserving intangible cultural heritage
Despite its important role in preserving cultural identity, intangible cultural heritage is facing many challenges. The development of industrialization and modernization has changed many social practices, causing some cultural heritages to gradually fade away. Today’s young generation is less interested in and learns less about traditional values, leading to the risk of losing the continuity of these heritages.
In addition, urbanization and economic development also accelerate the disappearance of traditional craft villages, where intangible cultural values are preserved and developed. To preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage, the joint efforts of the government, the community and international organizations are needed. Raising awareness of the community, especially the younger generation, about the importance of cultural heritage is one of the important solutions to maintain and develop these values.
Invisible but indispensable value
Intangible cultural heritage is an intangible value but plays an extremely important role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of each nation. These heritages are not only cultural assets but also bridges between generations, helping to maintain cultural connections in the community.
Preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage is not only the responsibility of the authorities but also of each individual in the community. We need to cherish and maintain these precious cultural values, so that intangible cultural heritage continues to exist and develop in the future, contributing to the diversity and richness of human culture.
