By: Cheryl Lu, Social Media Coordinator
As we wrap up the month of May, the month dedicated to celebrating Asian Heritage, it is imperative to recognize the profound depth and diversity of cultures and traditions that encompass the vast continent of Asia, a land with a rich history that nourished some of the most ancient civilizations and the most remarkable intangible cultural heritage.
The intangible cultural heritage of humanity, defined by UNESCO, are practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, instruments, objects, artefacts and associated cultural spaces that communities, groups and individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage. Many of these cultural heritages not only serve to preserve traditions and history but also demonstrate an ability to adapt and thrive in the modern age, remaining relevant and useful.
Yoga / योग – India
Yoga, an ancient practice with its origins deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent, is probably one of the most internationally known and popular intangible cultural heritage in Asia. As a sport, yoga involves performing various postures and breathing techniques with precision, strength, and endurance. Transcending mere physical exercise, it involves a comprehensive system of philosophy, meditation and self-realization. Today, yoga has been modernized and is practiced globally, particularly gaining popularity among young people as it has come to symbolize a balanced, healthy and active lifestyle.
Khoomei / Хоомэй – Mongolia
Mongolian Khoomei, also known as throat singing, is an extraordinary vocal art form. This unique tradition involves producing multiple pitches simultaneously, allowing a single singer to create a harmonious blend of sounds, often mimicking sounds found in the natural environment, such as animals, mountains, wind and water. Practiced traditionally by herders, Khoomei was used as a tool to communicate with nature and soothe and lure animals. As a form of musical expression, Khoomei continues to captivate audiences worldwide through festivals, ceremonies, performances and educational initiatives.
Suzhou embroidery / 苏绣 – China
(An embroidered golden retriever, from Embroidery Cultural Creations @scottyaki9u)
One of the oldest and most renowned styles of embroidery in China, Suzhou embroidery dates back over 2000 years and is celebrated for its craftsmanship, intricate designs and vibrant use of color. Made with fine silk threads and sewn by hand, Suzhou embroidery is known for creating stunningly realistic images, often incorporating complicated techniques such as double-sided embroidery, where stitching takes place on both the front and back of a single transparent silk fabric, revealing either the same or completely different designs on both sides without showing any extra threads. Traditional patterns of Suzhou embroidery often depict flowers, birds, koi fish and landscapes. However, adapting to modern trends, this ancient form of art is now embraces a wider range of topics such as pets and even manga themes.
Velvet flowers / 绒花 – China
(Velvet flower tutorial, uploaded by @handmadefineart)
A three-dimensional art piece made with silk and copper wires, velvet flowers are a traditional Chinese craft that originated during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.) and flourished in the Qing Dynasty (1936 – 1912 A.D.). Crafted to resemble real flowers, the making process involves dyeing the silk, shaping petals and leaves and assembling them into exquisite arrangements. Historically used to adorn the hair of nobility and as decorative elements in imperial courts, velvet flowers have become a symbol of elegance and refinement in Chinese culture. Today, velvet flowers are cherished for their artistic value and are used in fashion and home décor, and are extremely popular among hobby vloggers and small business owners on social media.
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Ikebana / 生け花 – Japan
Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, literally means “making flowers alive.” Vastly different from a Western bouquet, Ikebana is rooted in the principles of minimalism, balance and harmony; emphasizing the beauty of natural forms, line and space. Originating in the 7th century as floral offerings in Buddhist temples, every element – flower, stem, leaf and vase – is carefully chosen and placed to create a composition that reflects the arranger’s connection with nature and inner self. Today, Ikebana is taught in dedicated schools and workshops worldwide, inspiring enthusiasts to explore their creativity while honoring a time-honored tradition.
Falconry / 매사냥 – Korea
Korean falconry, a traditional practice with a history spanning over 1000 years, exemplifies a deep cultural connection between humans and nature. This ancient art involves training birds of prey, particularly hawks and falcons, to hunt game. Historically, falconry in Korea was not only a means of hunting but also a revered sport among the nobility and an integral part of military training. The practice requires a harmonious relationship between the falconer and the bird, built on trust, skill, and patience. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Korean falconry is preserved and promoted through dedicated efforts by enthusiasts and cultural organizations.
Nuad Thai / นวดไทย – Thailand
Nuad Thai, or Traditional Thai Massage, is regarded as part of the art, science and culture of traditional Thai healthcare. Unlike Western massages, Nuad Thai is typically performed on a mat on the floor, with the recipient fully clothed in comfortable attire. The practitioner uses hands, elbows, knees and feet to execute a series of techniques that involve pressing, pulling and stretching. This dynamic and interactive form of massage not only addresses physical ailments but also enhances mental and emotional balance. Something we could all benefit from!
Persian carpet weaving / فرش ایرانی – Iran
These are not your typical Ikea rugs. Handmade with traditional techniques passed down through generations, Persian carpets are crafted from high-quality materials such as wool, silk and cotton; and often feature complex geometric patterns, floral motifs and intricate medallions, symbolizing various aspects of Persian history, mythology and nature. Due to the labor-intensive nature of carpet weaving and the immense skills required, it can take months, if not years, to make one of these.
From sport to performance art, healthcare to lifestyle and decorative to utility, intangible cultural heritage in Asia stood the test of time, proved its value across human history, and continues to shine in the age of digitalization and algorithms, when many other traditional ways of life have failed to survive. As we look into the future, the preservation and celebration of these cultural treasures will be crucial in maintaining the diverse and colourful human civilization. In return, they provided insights into how traditions can remain resilient in a rapidly evolving world.