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Chapter 12

Protecting: Cultural Traditions

UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization—wants to protect cultural traditions around the world.

These traditions include types of dance, music, festivals, cooking, and more. Every year, UNESCO adds more traditions to the list. UNESCO calls these traditions “intangible cultural heritage.” Big Ben is a tangible example of British heritage—you can see it and touch it. But what are some examples of intangible heritage? Here are three of our readers’ favorite intangible traditions.

In Korea, we have a beautiful tradition called ganggangsullae, or the Korean round dance. This tradition is 5,000 years old. Under a full moon, women dance in a circle, sing, and play games all night. The songs and dances are easy to learn, so everyone can join in. Many years ago, people celebrated the harvest with the round dance. Today, this tradition brings friends together, and it is an important part of Korean culture.

Sang—mi, Korea

Every June, there is an oil wrestling festival in Edirne, Turkey. The first Turkish oil wrestling festival was almost 650 years ago. It is the oldest wrestling competition in the world. Men wear leather pants and put oil all over their bodies. Then they wrestle. The winner gets a golden belt 20 and a lot of money. At the festival, there is also food, music, and dancing.

Every year, thousands of people of different ages, cultures, and regions come together for this exciting event.

—Adem, Turkey

Croatia has a gingerbread tradition. In the 1500s, people in Croatia started making gingerbread (a sweet bread), and it is still very popular today. Making gingerbread is not easy, so gingerbread makers need to be very skillful. They make gingerbread in many shapes; hearts are the most popular. Then they decorate the gingerbread with pictures and words.

People often give gingerbread on holidays and for special events such as weddings. Today, gingerbread is an important part of local festivals and other special events. Gingerbread is beautiful and delicious, and it connects Croatian people to their past.

___Ivana,Croatia