LESSON LightofRestorationPeace,WorldCulture,Heavenly 29 HERITAGE HUMANITYOF LESSON OBJECTIVES 1 Understand the types and values of heritage. 2 Understand that the mindset, spirit, and people should be included as an expanded concept of heritage. TERMS TO KNOW • Heritage • World heritage • Intangible • Inheritance
Many cultural heritages across the globe that have been preserved are previous footprints of humanity that embody the mindset and the history of past generations. All heritages are assets that should be handed down to future generations to be loved and developed. Also, the people who pass down such tangible and intangible heritages are a part of theEvenheritage.theinfrastructure around us expresses heritage: the Colosseum, which was used as an arena for battles and theaters; Korea’s representative stone temple with architectural beauty; China’s Great Wall, which was selected as one of world’s seven wonders; and Canada’s Niagara Falls that show the grand beauty of nature. There are marvelous historic sites and scenic locations across the globe. We refer to these valuable assets that connect the past, present, and future of humanity as “world heritage.”
Heritage of Humanity World’s Heritages that Should Be Preserved
UNESCO explains world heritage as, “[…] our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.”
“World heritage” sites are classified into natural, cultural, Figure 29-1 Cultural heritage, Colosseum
2 29.
The world’s heritages deliver universal value to all humanity irrelevant to where they exist.
29. Heritage of Humanity 3 and mixed, depending on their characteristics. Natural heritage sites are areas in nature that are composed of organic and biological beings, natural regions or historic sites displaying outstanding beauty, or areas worth conserving as they furnish habitats for diverse animals and plants. Cultural heritage sites include monumental sculptures, buildings, structures, paintings, historic sites, etc. that carry excellent and universal values. Mixed heritage sites are areas that exhibit both natural and cultural significance. In addition, the traditional culture of each nation and region or key records worldwide is world heritages that all global citizens should protect and preserve.
Figure 29-2 Natural heritage, Grand Canyon
Figure 29-3 Mixed heritage, Machu Picchu Value of Heritage Why is heritage important and valuable to us? Within humanity’s inheritance, the mindset of ancestors to pass down a beautiful world to future generations is instilled. Of course, there is heritage produced from negative aspects of the history, but they serve as lessons for the people of today and provide guidance as to the appropriate direction we should follow as we step into the future. From heritage, we discover our forefather’s life and wisdom, and they pave the way for the future. Well-preserved heritages are a collection of countless contents and the foundation to create new contents as well. Furthermore, heritage sites located in various parts of the
4 29. Heritage of Humanity
29. Heritage of Humanity 5 world create different impacts on their nearby regions and societies. They facilitate the industry of the region, create educational and development opportunities, induce economic benefits such as hosting investment or tourists and add vigor to regions by making job opportunities. In addition, heritages act as a catalyst in binding regions to provide a sense of belonging. Heritages also imbue a sense of purpose, help people understand their identity, and strengthen their capabilities. They serve as the foundation for mutual understanding and peace, which enable people of the region to achieve sustainable development.
Culture of Mind and Myself as a Heritage Concept of Heritage world heritage, intangible cultural heritage of humanity, documentary heritage, etc. ↓ Concept of Heritage Expanded mind, humans Heritage does not contain only visible elements. Invisible history is connected with heritage at the core — the touch and footsteps of numerous people are intertwined forming a mindset and creating a culture that creates a basis for heritage. One of the intangible cultural heritages of humanity includes “tug-of-war.” It is widespread in Northeast Asian countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines where rice culture is prevalent to pray for a good harvest and to seek
While playing tug-of-war, two teams pull at the end of the rope. However, who wins or loses is not the point as the purpose of the sport lies in promoting the community’s prosperity and well-being. Through this sport, seniors bring in youth to the event planned out, playing key roles, and members of the community strengthen solidarity and unity.
Playing tug-of-war is more than simply having two teams pull at the end of the rope. It embodies the spirit of promoting harmony and consolidation of the community and the community’s prosperity by announcing the beginning of another farming period. Hence, the concept of heritage should go beyond what is tangible to include the spirit included in the tangible. Furthermore, those who pass on that mindset should also be a part of the notion of heritage. People are the connection to world heritage regardless of whether they are tangible or intangible, and the vessel to pass down the value of mindset and spirit from the past. Our perception will change when we view a man as a vessel rather than a simple person. When we consider the existence of people as an existence of heritages, more and more people will appreciate life. Also, when people consider that their lives can be an inheritance to future generations, they will lead their lives in a more responsible manner. People with life are the most valuable world heritage that all regional societies and humanities should work together to preserve.
6 29. Heritage of Humanity cooperation and harmony among members of the community. By playing tug-of-war, members form social bonding, a sense of community, and proclaim that a new farming period has begun.
29. Heritage of Humanity 7 Reviewing the Lesson 1 How does UNESCO define a World Heritage? 2 What are the three types of heritage according to the UNESCO classification criteria? 3 Why is heritage valuable and important? 4 According to the text what two other things should be included in the concept of an expanded heritage? Activities 1 What is designated as a heritage in my country? Let’s look into what kind of values they embody and share each other’s opinions. 2 If I carry value as humanity’s heritage, what kind of heritage would I want to be remembered as? Let’s think about this topic and share each other’s opinions.
Figure 29-2 https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2021/01/31/19/56/utah-5968412_960_720.jpg
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/06/18/14/47/rome-4282499_960_720.jpg
Figure 29-3 https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/03/24/18/40/machu-pichu-4965074_960_720.jpg
Figure 29-1
Lesson29. Heritage of Humanity 5th floor 20, Nambusunhwan-ro 347-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South-Korea Tel. +82 02-514-1963 Fax. +82 Thehwpl@hwpl.krhttp://www.hwpl.kr02-514-1961firsteditionon31 July 2022 Published by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light Copyright 2022 Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light All rights reserved. You must get consent from a copyright owner to use all or parts of the contents of this book. Image Credits
LightofRestorationPeace,WorldCulture,Heavenly