Sake, the smooth rice wine, has long been considered more quintessentially Japanese than sushi, and it recently earned a place on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. However, this week’s additions to the list also included several European traditions, ranging from the French capital to the Baltics and Ukraine.
Among the notable inclusions is the Ukrainian pysanky, the vibrant Easter eggs that have become an international symbol of Ukrainian culture. These intricate eggs, adorned with detailed patterns and dyed using a wax-resist technique, predate Christianity. Ukrainian Culture and Strategic Communications Minister Mykola Tochytskyi emphasized the resilience of Ukrainian culture amidst ongoing conflicts, stating, “In the fight for our homeland, our artists – bearers of living heritage – are perishing. ... We, however, are proving that even in the darkest times, we remain unbroken.”
Ethnic Slovak naïve art, characterized by its depiction of everyday scenes and rural life, also made the list. This art form originated in the village of Kovacica in northern Serbia, where two farmers began painting during the long winter months nearly a century ago. The self-taught artists of Kovacica have developed a unique tradition within the ethnic Slovak minority, known for their vibrant colors and folk-inspired motifs.
The craftsmanship of Parisian zinc roof restorers was another notable addition. UNESCO highlighted the meticulous process of removing old zinc, measuring and cutting new pieces, and expertly assembling them onto roofs. With nearly 80 percent of Paris’s roofs covered in zinc, the city stands as a living archive of these skills that shape its unique urban landscape. However, the profession faces a shortage of skilled workers, prompting concerns about the preservation of this 19th-century Haussmann era feature.
Estonia’s traditional potato and barley dish, mulgi puder, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sevdalinka traditional urban singing were also recognized. These European entries join a diverse list that includes Brazil’s Minas cheese, China’s Spring Festival, and cassava bread from several Caribbean and Central American countries.
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