A Cultural Milestone

On December 4, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year known in Standard Chinese as Chunjie, on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay. It is a moment of national pride and global cultural recognition, bringing the number of Chinese cultural practices to 44, more than any other country.

The UNESCO inscription honors the Spring Festival not only as a symbol of China’s over 5,000-year-old civilization but also as a living tradition that transcends time, fostering familial bonds, social harmony and intercultural understanding. Its recognition is a testament to China’s commitment to preserving and sharing its intangible cultural heritage with the world, highlighting the universal values embedded within its most beloved traditions.

The Spring Festival is far more than a holiday. Rooted in ancient agrarian societies, it celebrates renewal, family reunion and gratitude, serving as a kaleidoscope of meaningful rituals, customs and artistic expressions, from the iconic lion dances and red lanterns to the symbolism of reunion dinners and red packets (hongbao). UNESCO’s recognition also amplifies the importance of the Spring Festival as a cultural bridge, connecting the past and present while offering the world a glimpse into the heart of Chinese life.

China’s proactive approach to protecting its intangible heritage aligns with UNESCO’s broader goals, showcasing how modernity and tradition can coexist. China’s efforts in cultural preservation are multifaceted, encompassing education, documentation and active promotion. Schools integrate lessons about traditional customs, such as the significance of red couplets and dumpling-making, into their curricula. Local governments organize community events to ensure that rural areas, where traditions are often more deeply rooted, maintain their cultural vibrancy. Media platforms also celebrate these practices, bringing them into the homes of younger, tech-savvy generations.

The inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s list reinforces this commitment, serving as a reminder that cultural diversity enriches humanity as a whole. It also underscores the importance of maintaining living traditions that evolve yet retain their core essence. In a globalized world, this dynamic ensures that heritage can adapt without losing its soul.

The listing by UNESCO recognizes that, beyond its economic and geopolitical influences, China is also having a positive influence on global culture, and highlights the vital role of culture in diplomacy. By sharing its traditions, China fosters deeper understanding and goodwill, paving the way for stronger global partnerships. UNESCO’s emphasis on safeguarding intangible heritage serves as a call to action for communities and individuals to strike a balance between innovation and preservation.

The inscription of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s list symbolizes more than just China’s cultural achievements as it reflects a shared commitment to preserving humanity’s diverse heritage. As China continues to open its doors to the world, its traditions become platforms for intercultural exchange, inspiring global audiences to find common ground in the celebration of life’s joys and rituals.

As the Spring Festival takes its rightful place among the world’s most treasured cultural practices, it reminds us that heritage is not just a relic of the past but a beacon for the future, a source of identity, inspiration and connection in an ever-changing world. The festival’s journey from local tradition to global treasure is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of culture in uniting humanity.

The author is a finance professional at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and a non-resident associate fellow at the think tank Center for China and Globalization.