What is ICH?

　　According to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) - or living heritage - is the mainspring of our cultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuing creativity.

　　The Convention states that the ICH is manifested, among others, in the following domains:

　　· Oral traditions and expressions including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
· Performing arts (such as traditional music, dance and theatre);
· Social practices, rituals and festive events;
· Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
· Traditional craftsmanship.

　　The 2003 Convention defines ICH as the practices, representations, expressions, as well as the knowledge and skills, that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.

　　The definition also indicates that the ICH to be safeguarded by this Convention:

　　· is transmitted from generation to generation;
· is constantly recreated by communities and groups, in response to their environment, their interaction with nature, and their history;
· provides communities and groups with a sense of identity and continuity;
· promotes respect for cultural diversity and human creativity;
· is compatible with international human rights instruments;
· complies with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, and of sustainable development.

　　The ICH is traditional and living at the same time. It is constantly recreated and mainly transmitted orally. It is difficult to use the term authentic in relation to ICH; some experts advise against its use in relation to living heritage.

　　The depository of this heritage is the human mind, the human body being the main instrument for its enactment, or - literally - embodiment. The knowledge and skills are often shared within a community, and manifestations of ICH often are performed collectively.