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Culture is more than just buildings, monuments and natural wonders. It can also be oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, religious ceremonies, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe. There are intangible (无形的) parts of culture that are important, too.
ZvonCari, Croatia:
Recognized by UNESCO in 2009,this tradition features two to thirty people who ring the bells. They wear special clothes and hats, carrying a small tree through various villages. They ring their bells to request food and rest before continuing to the next village. Each of them returns to their own villages and burns any rubbish outside their homes.
Jultagi, Korean tightrope walking:
We're all familiar with tightrope-walking, but this Korean tradition—recognized by UNESCO in 2011—involves a comedic routine, fancy completions and lively music. The Jultagi Safeguarding Association provides training for the tradition.
Mongolian knuckle bone shooting:
Not all cultural heritages are about dancing and performing. Some, like this tradition from Mongolia that was recognized by UNESCO in 2014, are games. Teams of six to eight players attempt to land 30 marbles (弹珠) made of bones into a target zone. Each player uses individualized tools to achieve this. Different teams have different practices and skill sets, and games create an opportunity to exchange ideas.
Horseback shrimp (虾) fishing, Belgium:
Twelve families of horseback shrimpers collect shrimp twice a week in Oostdunkerke, Belgium, as well as during special occasions like festivals. This method of shrimping requires trust of one's self and one's horse, to say nothing of the knowledge required to read the sand. It joins other cultural traditions recognized by UNESCO in 2013.
1. What do the people do in ZvonCari?
A. Protect the environment. B. Offer community service.
C. Ask for food from villagers. D. Ring bells to collect clothes.
2. In which activity can people share their opinions?
A. ZvonCari. B. Jultagi.
C. Knuckle bone shooting. D. Horseback shrimp fishing.
3. What should a horseback shrimper know about?
A. The sand. B. The target zone.
C. The special clothes. D. The comedic routine.