Traditional Regression and Guardianship - A Collection of Studies on Intangible Cultural Heritage

Author: Yu Haiguang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features:
Vitality refers to the fact that intangible cultural heritage is not static but continuously evolves and innovates. The Convention has already pointed out: "Each community and group, in response to changes in their environment, their relationship with nature, and their historical conditions, continuously innovates this intangible cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation." This statement can be interpreted in two ways: first, changes in the environment and historical conditions drive the continuous innovation of intangible cultural heritage; second, the creativity of communities and groups enables intangible cultural heritage to develop continuously during its transmission. It is precisely because intangible cultural heritage constantly innovates, absorbing factors beneficial to its own development and continuously enriching itself that it can thrive and be passed down through generations, thereby gaining more vitality.
In addition to the basic characteristics mentioned above, the author believes that intangible cultural heritage also possesses three other characteristics: acceptability, purposefulness, and non-isolation.
Acceptability, from the perspective of the transmission of intangible cultural heritage, refers to its ability to be accepted by communities, groups, and individuals. Intangible cultural heritage is created by certain communities, groups, or individuals, reflecting their understanding of nature, expressing their emotions, serving as a form of emotional and cultural value expression, and embodying social practices of various systems, and so on. Only when these expressions and practices are recognized by members of the community, resonate emotionally, and are culturally valued can they become part of their national cultural heritage. If intangible cultural heritage lacks acceptability, its intangible cultural creation will not be recognized, fail to evoke emotional resonance or cultural value, and thus will wither from the moment of its birth. It would then lack transmissibility and would not be able to find the sense of identity and historical significance described in the Convention.
Purposefulness, from the perspective of the direction of intangible cultural heritage, can be said to be inherent from its very inception. Analyzing the five categories of intangible cultural heritage listed in the Convention and looking beyond their surface manifestations, all exhibit a strong purposefulness or, in other words, utilitarianism. Some are for the expression of emotions, some for achieving utilitarian goals, and some for expressing the results of their understanding of nature (practices of nature). For example, culinary arts in China have a long history, with the Eight Great Cuisines each having distinct characteristics. As an intangible cultural heritage, culinary arts possess a strong purposefulness. Beyond meeting basic physiological needs, culinary arts also pursue aesthetic and spiritual enjoyment. They not only have utilitarian value but also possess aesthetic value, which is often emphasized by culinary masters as the harmony of color, aroma, and taste.
Another example is Peking Opera, one of China's national treasures. In Peking Opera, facial makeup is essential for performance. The Four Great Face Types are vividly distinct and carry clear symbolic expressions. People instinctively associate specific characters and emotions with these face types at a glance. Additionally, the musical scores of Peking Opera convey certain emotions with distinct rhythms and clear distinctions between likes and dislikes. Beyond entertainment, they also serve an educational purpose in enlightening the public.
It is precisely because intangible cultural heritage has such strong purposefulness and utilitarianism...