These are some of the old traditions that you might not know about

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been the beacon of hope and conservation. The organization, which is part of the United Nations, has been marking and preserving ancient sites and structures with historical value. In fact, UNESCO has also been conserving the various ancient traditions and techniques that have an outstanding universal value. It was in 2003 that UNESCO established a convention in order to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage that includes knowledge and practices, objects, artefacts, and cultural spaces. The criteria were made keeping in mind what the groups consider part of their cultural heritage and identity. So here are the experiences that have been preserved by UNESCO.

Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum

The drummers of Burundi who bring forth the traditional ritual dance of the royal drum were inscribed in 2014 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This dance is a combination of powerful, synchronized drumming with dancing, heroic poetry, and traditional songs. The Burundi population recognizes the Royal Drum ritual dance as a fundamental part of its heritage and identity. The symbolism of the dance is to call for at least a dozen or so drums, always in an odd number, which is arranged in a semicircle around a central drum. The dance begins with several drums being beaten in a continuous rhythm, while others keep to the beat set by the central drum. Slowly then two or three drummers then perform dances to the rhythm.

Royal Ballet of Cambodia

Inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia is renowned for its graceful hand gestures and spectacular costumes. This dance is also known as Khmer Classical Dance as it has been closely associated with the Khmer court for over one thousand years. The history of this dance is that during the Kingdom, performances would traditionally accompany royal ceremonies and observances such as coronations, marriages, funerals, or Khmer holidays. This is an art form that is infused with a sacred and symbolic role. The dance is said to embody the traditional values of refinement, respect, and spirituality.

Shrimp Fishing on Horseback

Inscribed in 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this oldest tradition is practised religiously in Belgium. It is performed by 12 households in Oostduinkerke who are actively engaged in shrimp fishing. With each having its own specialities, such as weaving nets or an extensive knowledge of Brabant draft horses. There also is a two-day Shrimp Festival that includes street theatre, costumes, a shrimp parade, and a contest involving children in shrimp catching.

The other UNESCO experiences are Toquilla Weaving of Ecuador, Culture of JejuHaenyeo of South Korea, Scissors Dance of Peru, Tinian Marble Carving of Greece, Shadow Puppetry of China, and Tango of Argentina and Uruguay.