Each nation has its own cultural traditions - beliefs, customs and rituals that are passed down from generation to generation. Some have symbolic meaning, while others appeared to please political trends or new cultural trends. True, at present, many of the most interesting ancient traditions are on the verge of extinction.
1. Traditional tattoos of Kalinga
Tribe Batuk
The 93-year-old woman from the Kalinga Mountains is considered the last traditional tattoo artist of the Philippines. During her youth, she tattooed many fearless tribal warriors using only two bamboo sticks and the juice of the local fruit, Calamondin. These traditional tattoos, also known as the batuk, were more than just a visual decoration for the men of the Kalinga tribe. They were symbols of pride, honor and dignity for the wearers: men received these traditional tattoos only when they managed to defeat the enemy, cut off his head and bring it back to the village.
The people of Kalinga drew inspiration for their tattoos from animals. In the past, warriors had centipede tattoos on their arms for protection and python tattoos on their shoulders for endurance. The most daring warriors received an eagle tattoo on their chest and back. Unfortunately, the traditional tattoo Kalinga is now applied to tourists for money.
Promotional video:
2. Authentic Ecuadorian Panama hats
Ecuadorian hats
photo: listverse.com
Also known as montecristi, the real Panamas are not actually created in Panama. They are made in an Ecuadorian village called Pyle. For centuries, the weaving industry in Ecuador flourished thanks to these hats. However, when China began mass production of cheaper paper hats, Ecuador's weaving industry began to decline sharply. China exports $ 1 billion worth of straw hats every year. That's more than enough to overwhelm the Ecuadorian industry, which produces just $ 2.3 million in straw hats every year.
China currently controls 40 percent of the world market, while Ecuador controls less than one percent. This situation has prompted many Ecuadorian weavers to seek alternative sources of income. Unfortunately, fewer than 20 weavers still continue the tradition of making authentic panamas.
3. Chinese shadow theater
Shadow play
photo: listverse.com
Shadow theater has been very popular in China for hundreds of years. During various events and celebrations, such as harvest celebrations, weddings and festivals, the so-called shadow performance was always shown. This colorful ancient tradition was accompanied by music and involved six to seven actors who manipulated the dolls from behind a screen. Unfortunately, shadow plays may simply disappear, as the younger generation in China is not interested in learning about this fascinating tradition.
Hu Changyu, an old man from Huzhan Village, is just one of two living shadow stage masters. Despite the fact that he is a famous master, Hu was unable to pass on knowledge to his children simply because they do not have interest in shadow theater.
4. Traditional weaving of Laos
Luang Prabang
photo: listverse.com
Luang Prabang is considered the center of the textile industry in Laos. Traditional weavers, most of whom are members of the Katu tribe, still make the same designs and use the same techniques that their ancestors used hundreds of years ago. This poor Asian country has experienced a dramatic growth in the tourism industry in recent years. In 2012, more than 3.3 million foreign tourists visited Laos, mainly from China and Thailand. While the significant increase in foreign visitors has benefited the tourism industry, it has negatively impacted the textile industry.
The increase in foreign visitors has led to an increase in demand for Lao textile products. To meet the sudden increase in demand, traders have resorted to selling counterfeit Lao textiles, which are made from Thai or Vietnamese silk (glossier and coarser in appearance).
5. Christmas traditions of Bohol
Bohol traditions
photo: photravel.ru
"Daygon sa Igue-Igue" or "Praise to the Birth" is an endangered folk Christmas music tradition practiced on the Philippine island of Bohol. Unfortunately, only a few people remain who practice this musical tradition depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.
The full version of Daygon sa Igue-Igue was last staged in 2011 during the Bohol Arts Festival. Besides the lack of interest among the younger generation, the tradition has also been negatively influenced by contemporary Western music.
6. Romanian traditional glass making
Romanian glass making
photo: stanastroysteklo.kz
In terms of artistry and sophistication, Romanian traditional glass is arguably one of the best in the world. These highly sought-after products are commonly sold in luxury stores throughout Europe and the United States. Despite the tradition's glamorous reputation, as well as its rich history, traditional glassmaking is gradually disappearing due to the fact that few people want to learn it. Given the lack of support from the Romanian government, glassblowers are concerned that the tradition may die sooner than expected.
7. Indian Agra gharana
Agra gharana is one of the main forms of Indian classical music. Unfortunately, this rich musical tradition is slowly dying out due to a decrease in the number of both its patrons and practitioners. Despite this, a few passionate devotees of Agra Gharana are not going to give up. Ustad Akil Ahmad Sahab, the last famous performer of this 400-year-old musical tradition, continues to teach his art to several people, despite the fact that he is a poor old man.
8. Swedish fika
Fick
Photo: sitarspb.info
Fika is a Swedish term that means "drink coffee, eat sweets and mingle with colleagues." Unlike a regular coffee break, where everything is done in a hurry, this Swedish custom encourages you to stop rushing, find time to relax, reflect on life and spend time with friends over a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, this tradition is slowly dying. Young Swedes no longer see it as an integral part of their culture and national identity.
There are several reasons why fika is slowly disappearing, but perhaps the most important factor is that many Swedes today simply do not have enough time to practice fika.
9. Fishing on stilts in Sri Lanka
Stilt fishing
photo: sitarspb.info
Stilt fishing or stilt fishing sounds like a very ancient method of fishing, but in reality it is not. This tradition arose only during the Second World War. Then the Sri Lankans used the wreckage of aircraft and ships to fish. Over time, they learned how to build piles of sticks and ropes on coral reefs. The fishermen sat on these piles. This continued until 2004, when Sri Lanka faced a devastating tsunami that dramatically altered the country's coastline.
After the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, many fishermen abandoned the tradition and started looking for other jobs, such as farming or selling fish in markets. Fortunately, there is hope for the future of stilt fishing, which can be helped by tourists who are simply fascinated by the tradition and always want to photograph the fishermen.
10. Japanese Ama diving
Ama diving
photo: interaksyon.com
Ama diving is an ancient Japanese tradition that involves lifting pearl shells, edible shellfish and seaweed from the bottom of the sea without using any breathing equipment. What makes this tradition unique is that only women can become ama. Every time ama dive to a depth of 15-20 meters with a load, they risk their lives. Archaeological evidence shows that ama diving has been practiced in Japan, particularly on the Shima Peninsula, since prehistoric times. Also, in the old days, women from this region could not get married unless they became ama divers.
Unfortunately, the tradition is on the brink of extinction: in 1972 there were over 4,000 ama divers, and in recent years the number has decreased to 800. The decline in the number of ama divers began in the 1960s and 1970s, when Japan experienced tremendous economic growth. The economic boom has allowed many Japanese women to get an education and get better jobs.