Pantomime, carol singing, and various Scottish traditions have been proposed for Unesco cultural heritage.
The move comes as the Government announced it would ratify the 2003 Unesco Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. A number of traditions will be recognised across the globe, including Belgium’s beer culture and Argentina’s tango dancing.
The Unesco system is designed to protect practices and traditions that provide people with a sense of identity. The making of Christmas wreaths, sea shanties, cèilidh and calligraphy are also set to be considered for cultural heritage status.
While season events such as Patron Saints’ days, Hogmanay, Burns Night, Shrove Tuesday, and the Welsh tradition of holding Eisteddfodau – where every word is in Welsh – are also up for consideration.
Scottish crafts such as kilt-making, tweed-weaving, bag-piping and the art of making the perfect haggis are also due to be considered. Welsh male voice choirs, cheese-rolling and basket weaving are also suggested.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will run a consultation on what practices and locations should be considered for culture heritage status. Nominations will be considered in parliament before the Unesco Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage is ratified next year.
A number of physical sites are already Unesco heritage locations. These include Giant’s Causeway, Fountains Abbey, and the Tower of London.
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The UK is rich in traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation, and so many of those which are best known around the world – from bagpipe-playing to the Highland games – are Scottish.
“These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn. By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the country, support the people who practise them, and ensure that they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.”
