Understanding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of different communities fosters intercultural dialogue and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life. Unlike the items on the UNESCO World Heritage List, ICH cannot be touched. Customs, rites, etiquette, skills, practices, songs, and foods are types of its expression. The UNESCO convention adopted in 2003 reflects the idea that cultural heritage is not embodied only in the material products of arts and architecture. It describes ICH as traditional, contemporary and living at the same time, which means that it is constantly changing and evolving, and being enriched by each new generation.
To ensure that it is safeguarded, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008. The list is divided into three categories. The representative list has elements that demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness of its importance. Different reasons have endangered some elements to the point that they can no longer be held or passed on from generation to generation. The safeguarding list contains those cultural elements that are in need of urgent measures to revive and keep them alive. There is also the best practices category. It includes the best examples of the intangible cultural heritage protection and recognition by communities and governments. The UNESCO ICH List registered 629 elements in 139 countries as of January 2022. Among them there are 4 intangible culture elements from Belarus, which signed the convention in 2004.
