December 2nd (December 2, 2015 – December 2, 2025) marks the 10th Anniversary of the inscription of the Tug-of-War rituals and games (known locally as Lbaeng Teanh Prot) on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This landmark decision was made in Namibia.
The Tug-of-War ritual is a popular activity widely played by the Cambodian people during various ceremonies and traditional festive gatherings, most notably during the Khmer New Year. It holds deep significance as it promotes:
- Social Solidarity and Unity: The game symbolizes collective strength and the importance of cohesion in achieving a common goal, often linked to wishes for abundant harvests and prosperity at the start of a new agricultural cycle.
- Cultural Tradition: It represents an important shared heritage among communities in East and Southeast Asia, having been jointly nominated for the inscription by Cambodia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
🔔 A Call to Safeguard Living Heritage
The protection of cultural heritage remains a critical mission. Relevant Ministries and institutions reiterate that the safeguarding of cultural heritage is the solemn duty of all Cambodians to ensure the preservation and continuity of this invaluable asset for future generations.