The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts.[1]
Background
The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003[2] and took effect in 2006.[3] Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.[4]
Thailand ratified the convention on 10 June 2016.[5]
Intangible Cultural Heritage elements
Representative List
| Name | Image | Year | No. | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand | 
|
2018 | 01385 | The Khon Masked Dance Drama is a performing art that combines musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual, and handicraft elements. Khon performances – which involve graceful dance movements, instrumental and vocal renditions and glittering costumes – depict the glory of Rama, the hero and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who brings order and justice to the world. |
| Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage | 
|
2019 | 01384 | Nuad Thai is regarded as part of the art, science, and culture of traditional Thai healthcare. As a non-medicinal remedy and manual therapy, it involves bodily manipulation in which the practitioner helps rebalance the patient's body, energy and structure to treat illnesses believed to be caused by the obstruction of energy flow along ‘sen’, lines understood to crisscross the human body. |
| Nora, dance drama in southern Thailand | 
|
2021 | 01587 | Nora is a lively and acrobatic form of dance theatre and improvisational singing from southern Thailand. Performances normally include a long oral invocation, followed by a presentation by a lead character who dances with vigorous and elaborate movements of the legs, arms, and fingers. The main Nora performers – whether male or female – wear colourful costumes with crowns or headdresses, beads, bird-like wings tied around the waist, ornate scarves, and swan tails that give them a bird-like appearance. |
| Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival | 
|
2023 | 01719 | In Thailand, Songkran refers to the sun's annual passing into the Aries constellation, the first sign of the Zodiac, which marks the traditional start of the new year. Occurring in mid-April after the rice harvest, it is a time when people reunite with their families and pay their respects to older adults, ancestors, and sacred Buddha images. Pouring water is a significant act during Songkran, symbolizing cleansing, reverence. and good fortune. The tradition is passed on through participation in the festivities. |
See also
References
- ^ "What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Text of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "The States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003)". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Functions of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Thailand". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
External links
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Thailand: Official site
This page was last edited on 31 May 2024, at 07:04