ALL
letter
ICH Elements 4
-
Practices related to the Viet beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms
The Viet Belief in Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms is a form of worshiping the Mother Goddesses of the realms of the universe: sky, water, mountains and forests. From the 16th century, this belief became a religious and cultural activity that had a profound effect on the social life of the people. The Princess Liễu Hạnh and other Mother Goddesses governing the sky, water, mountains and forests, together with historical and legendary figures have been worshiped by communities. Daily worship rites are performed by custodians at the temples. Practices related to the Việt belief in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms, known as lên đồng spirit mediumship, in particular at Phủ Dầy temple (Kim Thái commune, Vụ Bản district, Nam Định province) where Princess Liễu Hạnh, a leading figure in the Mother Goddess cult, is venerated. It takes place from the 3rd day to the 10th day of the third lunar month with special folk performances such as arranging letters, procession of Buddhist scriptures. Traditional cultural costumes, music, dance, folk performances of lên đồng spirit mediumship clearly show the unique cultural identity of the Viet people.
Viet Nam 2016 -
Nakjukjang (Bamboo Pyrography)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Nakjukjang refers to bamboo pyrography or artisan with such skill. During the reign of King Sunjo (r. 1800-1834), Park Chang-gyu engaged in the practice, and it was maintained until the colonial period. The practice requires lots of experience and speed. Applications of bamboo pyrography are arrow shafts, acupuncture needle cases, sword handles, folding screens, tobacco pipes, handheld folding fans (particularly thick bamboo pieces forming the first and last sticks), pencil cases, etc. Shapes of butterflies are often used in handheld folding fans, with shapes of bats sometimes used as well. The demand for objects containing bamboo pyrography has decreased noticeably. The skill has been designated as important intangible cultural heritage for protection.
South Korea -
Gakjajang (Calligraphic Engraving)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Gakjajang refers to the skill of engraving calligraphic letters to be used for wood printing blocks or to an artisan with such a skill. The oldest existing print done with wood blocks is the Great Dharani Sutra of Immaculate and Pure Light made in the Silla Period (circa 57 BC – 935 AD), while the wood blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana, made between 1236 and 1251 during the Goryeo Period, are regarded as the most outstanding still in existence. It became common practice to use hanging boards containing engraved characters in royal palaces and temples, and even in private houses. Towards the late Joseon Period (1392-1910), this once exquisite skill went into decline, but the reliance on the traditional practice of wood block printing remained high until it was pushed aside with the introduction of modern photography and printing technology during the colonial period.
South Korea -
Geumsok Hwaljajang (Metal Movable Type Making)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Geumsok Hwaljajang refers to the skill of making metal printing type and printing books with it, or to an artisan with such a skill. The world’s first metal printing type was made during the Goryeo Period (877 – 1394). A reprinted version of a book Nammyeong Cheon hwasangsong jeungdoga (Song of Enlightenment with Commentaries by Buddhist Monk Nammyeong) printed with metal type in Gaegyeong after the Goryeo Dynasty relocated the capital to Ganghwado in 1232 (the 19th year of the reign of King Gojong) is still extant. The printing of Sangjeong yemun (Detailed and Authentic Codes of Ritual and Etiquette) with metal type tells us that the skill had developed earlier. During the Joseon Period (1392 – 1910), metal printing type was improved, with the central government offices playing a leading role. In Korea, metal type was made with a forging technique. The production process is composed of four stages, cutting out letter patterns, making prototypes, forging and finishing. There are two kinds of metal type production, depending on forging techniques used. These are lost-wax casting, which was chiefly used at the beginning, and sand casting, which was commonly used after the introduction of Chojugabinja which was the first metal type, during the reign of King Sejong in 1434. Metal printing type is a work of comprehensive art made with a combination of many diverse skills and techniques that display the ingenuity of Koreans.
South Korea
ICH Materials 11
-
The Viet Belief in Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms
Three Mother Goddesses: Mother Goddess of Heaven (in the middle, red color), Mother Goddess of Forest (on the left, green color), and Mother Goddess of Water (on the right, white color). \n2014. Photo by Dương Hồng Đức; \n©2014 Viet Nam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies
Viet Nam -
The Viet Belief in Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms
The petition ceremony before a spirit possession ritual at Vân Cát Palace, Kim Thái commune, Vụ Bản district, Nam Định province. \n2014. Photo by Nguyễn Văn Huynh; \n©2014 Viet Nam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies
Viet Nam