Yeondeunghoe Likely to Be Inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Selected as a Model Case for Registration Application... Confirmed as South Korea's 21st Heritage
Final Decision on Registration to be Made Next Month at the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
North Korea's 'Joseon Clothing Customs (Hanbok)' Uniquely Recommended for Non-Registration

Yeondeung Parade, Musical Performance of Bicheon, Majestic Lantern Parade

The religious event 'Yeondeunghoe,' which commemorates Buddha's Birthday, is expected to be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the 17th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that 'Yeondeunghoe (Lantern Lighting Festival in the Republic of Korea),' which was nominated for inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, received a 'recommendation for inscription' from the evaluation body under the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee.

The evaluation body classifies the review results into Inscribe, Refer, or Not to inscribe and recommends them to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is very rare for a recommendation for inscription to be overturned. The final decision on inscription will be made at the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at UNESCO headquarters from the 14th to the 19th of next month.

Buddha's Birthday Ceremony Bathing Ritual

On that day, the evaluation body reviewed forty-two nomination files for the Representative List, recommending twenty-five for inscription, sixteen for additional information, and one for non-inscription. Yeondeunghoe was cited as a Good Example among the nomination files for the Representative List. It was praised as "a well-prepared nomination demonstrating how the inscription of a specific intangible heritage on the Representative List can enhance the visibility and recognition of the importance of intangible heritage as a whole."

On the other hand, North Korea's 'Joseon Clothing Customs (Hanbok)' was the only nomination recommended for non-inscription. North Korea currently holds three intangible cultural heritages of humanity: Arirang (2013), Kimchi Making (2014), and Ssireum (2018). South Korea possesses twenty items, including Jongmyo Jerye and Jongmyo Jeryeak (2001), Pansori (2003), Gangneung Danoje (2005), Ganggangsullae, Namsadang Nori, Yeongsanjae, Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut, Cheoyongmu (all 2009), Gagok, Daemokjang, Maesanyang (all 2010), Taekkyeon, Jultagi, Hansan Mosi Weaving (all 2011), Arirang (2012), Kimjang Culture (2013), Nongak (2014), Juldarigi (2015), Jeju Haenyeo Culture (2016), and Ssireum (2018).

Preparation for Yeondeunghoe (Making of Ornamental Lanterns)

Yeondeunghoe, which is expected to become the twenty-first intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is a Buddhist event held to commemorate the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha. It symbolizes illuminating individuals, communities, and society as a whole with the wisdom of Buddha. Records such as the Samguk Sagi noting that in the 6th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (866), "I went to Hwangnyongsa and saw the lanterns," indicate that this tradition has been passed down since ancient times.

Yeondeunghoe mainly consists of the lantern lighting ceremony, a procession, and a ritual called Hoehyang (回向). Although it began as a religious event, it has now developed into a spring festival open to everyone. Lanterns made of bamboo and hanji paper decorate temples and streets, and a procession is held. Since being designated as National Intangible Cultural Property No. 122 in 2012, the Yeondeunghoe Preservation Committee has conducted transmission education and holds the event in cooperation with local celebration committees.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.