Is UNESCO's recognition of the Spring Festival a step towards cultural appreciation or appropriation?

On December 6, 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival, which embodies social practices of the Chinese people celebrating the traditional New Year, onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inclusion brings China's total to 44 items recognized on this prestigious list, highlighting its status as the most represented nation in this domain. The inscription signifies a broader celebration of Chinese civilization while enhancing global cultural exchanges. Experts predict that with the growing popularity of the Spring Festival, other Chinese traditions will also gain recognition, reflecting shared human values of harmony and well-being. The Spring Festival is recognized not just as a cultural event, but also as an essential spiritual and emotional expression that resonates with diverse peoples worldwide. Its traditions, such as writing the character Fu for good fortune and the dragon and lion dances, exemplify China's rich heritage and cultural philosophy that emphasizes harmony. The event has become a public holiday in nearly 20 countries and is celebrated by about one-fifth of the world's population. Many representatives from various countries, including officials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed their congratulations and excitement during the UNESCO deliberations in Paraguay. This strong international response underscores the festival's significance as a bridge between cultures, promoting universal values and creating mutual understanding among different civilizations. As more nations embrace Chinese traditions, the Spring Festival stands as a symbol of hope and joy celebrated by communities beyond China. Furthermore, this milestone will encourage the safeguarding and promotion of additional impending Chinese folk customs, with scholars and cultural experts suggesting that such traditions resonate with the global aspirations for peace and unity, catering to the increasing public appreciation for traditional practices in a rapidly globalizing world. The successful inscription reflects a recognition of the shared cultural ties and emotional bonds that unite humanity, with the aim of fostering a more harmonious coexistence.