Tugging rituals and games included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list
This article is about the rituals and games collectively designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For tug of war, see Tug of war.
The tugging rituals and games promote social solidarity, provide entertainment and mark the start of a new agricultural cycle.[6] While these traditional practices often emphasize competition, the game is intended to show the importance of cooperation.[2]
They are often organized in front of a village's communal house or shrine, preceded by commemorative rites to local protective deities.[7] Village elders play active roles in leading and organizing younger people in playing the game and holding accompanying rituals.[1]
Rituals and games
Lbaengteanhprot
Lbaengteanhprot is performed during the Cambodian New Year and Chlong Chet, a rice farming festivity.[8] It is performed by two opposing teams, normally women against men, in an open space at a village center or in a Buddhist monastery compound.[9]
In the Philippines, punnuk is practiced in Hungduan, Ifugao.[11] The tugging ritual and game, held at the Hapao River, is performed after the completion of harvest.[12] It formally closes the farming cycle and signals the beginning of a new one upon commencing with the punnuk.[13]
The tugging ritual and game consists of groups of men wielding a hooked sapling of the attoba tree.[12] The men use the hook to hold on to a woven anthropomorphic figure that is thrown in the middle of the river.[13] They pull against the other contenders. It is believed that the winning group will have a bountiful harvest.[11]
The South Korean juldarigi is practiced in the agricultural areas of Dangjin, Namhae, Milyang, and Uiryeong, and the fishing area of Samcheok.[14] The ropes used in juldarigi are made from kudzu, hemp, or rice straw, depending on the geographical or ecological conditions on a region or the characteristics of the local livelihood.[15] Rope production requires the concerted efforts of the entire community over a period of almost a month.[16] The rope symbolizes a dragon, which is believed to bring rain.[15]
The tugging ritual and game divides the group into two teams.[4] In places that divide participants into teams by gender, it is generally believed that women must win to bring prosperity and fertility.[17] Meanwhile, in regions that divide teams by township, it is thought that good fortune is brought by the victory of the team from an eastward town.[18]
Keo co
In Viet Nam, keo co is practiced mostly in the northern midlands, the Red River Delta, the north-central region, and Lao Cai Province.[10] The tugging ritual and game is often held as a part of the spring festivities, marking the beginning of a new farming cycle and expressing wishes for healthy crops.[19] In some areas, keo co is also tied to the stories of local heroes and their contributions in fighting against invaders and defending the people.[20]
The tugging ritual and game is often organized in front of a village's communal house or shrine, preceded by rites for the local deities.[21] The materials used in keo co vary depending on the ecological and cultural context of each community. They can be made of bamboo poles, rattan cords, or hemp.[15]