People Around the World Share Stories of Preserving Their Culture
Cultural heritage gives people a feeling of identity, promotes social cohesiveness, and is a useful educational and financial resource. By bringing people together via common history and beliefs, cultural heritage defines a group's distinct identity, symbolize a society's collective memories and customs, and may be a potent diplomatic tool that fosters understanding across nations.
To "keep alive" is one definition of preservation. We are hardwired to value and share the things that are important to us.
Many First Nation people still hold potlatches on important occasions, Buddhists continue to recite centuries-old sutras, Scottish clans still gather for Highland Games, and coming-of-age ceremonies continue all over the world.
Paradoxically, globalization allows us to enjoy more of the cultural customs that other people cherish, but it also has the potential to dilute cultural legacy. Additionally, regrettably, humankind is not yet advanced enough that oppression and violence no longer take place; preservation is crucial when cultures are threatened.
Intangible culture (such as folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge), tangible culture (such as structures, monuments, landscapes, books, artwork, and artifacts), and natural heritage (such as biodiversity and culturally significant landscapes) are all areas where cultural preservation occurs.
In addition to our individual cultural heritage, UNESCO identifies cultural heritage that is of universal value to all humans.
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