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Cultural traditions include a range of beliefs, practices, customs, rituals, and events passed down across generations. While some hold deep symbolic meaning, others were created for political or cultural reasons. Over time, these traditions either adapt and thrive, or they eventually fade away.
10. Kalinga’s Ancient Tattooing Rituals
Apo Whang Od, a 93-year-old woman from the Kalinga mountains, is regarded as the Philippines' last traditional tattoo artist. In her youth, she used two bamboo sticks and a small citrus fruit known as calamansi to inscribe symbolic tattoos on brave tribal warriors.
Known as batuk, these ancient tattoos held more significance than just aesthetic appeal for the Kalinga tribe. They represented pride, respect, and honor, serving as a visual distinction that set brave warriors apart from regular members of society. Only men who had proven their bravery by severing an enemy’s head and returning it to the village were granted these tattoos.
The Kalinga people found tattoo inspiration in the animal kingdom. It was once common for warriors to wear a centipede tattoo on their arms for protection, a python tattoo on their shoulders for strength, and an eagle tattoo on their chest and back—though the eagle was exclusively reserved for the most fearless of warriors.
Sadly, the traditional Kalinga tattooing practice has been reduced to a tourist attraction. Today, anyone with money can receive a batuk from Apo Whang Od, without the need to prove their courage by taking an enemy's life and presenting it to the village.
9. Ecuador’s Genuine Panama Hats
Better known as Montecristis, genuine Panama hats aren’t actually crafted in Panama. These iconic hats are produced in a small village in Ecuador called Pile. For centuries, Ecuador’s weaving industry thrived, largely due to the demand for these Panama hats.
However, the rise of mass-produced, cheaper paper hats from China has severely impacted Ecuador’s weaving industry. Every year, China exports $1 billion worth of straw hats—far outpacing Ecuador, which produces just $2.3 million worth annually. With China controlling 40 percent of the global market, Ecuador holds less than one percent.
This troubling shift has forced many Ecuadorian weavers to seek alternative livelihoods. Sadly, fewer than 20 skilled artisans continue to craft authentic Panama hats. Despite local teenagers beginning training in 2011, only a handful show genuine interest. Despite efforts to revive the industry, the future of Panama hats remains uncertain.
8. China’s Shadow Plays
For centuries, shadow plays, also known as lupiying, have been a cherished form of entertainment in China. Typically performed during major events and celebrations such as successful harvests, weddings, and festivals, this vibrant ancient art form is paired with music and enacted by six to seven performers who skillfully manipulate puppets behind a screen. Unfortunately, this lively tradition is at risk of fading, as many young people in China have shown little interest in learning the craft of this rich tradition.
Hu Changyou, an elderly man from Huzhang Village in Beijing's Pinggu District, is one of only two remaining shadow play masters in his region. Despite his fame as a skilled craftsman and performer, he struggles to pass his valuable knowledge to his children, as they have no interest in continuing the tradition.
Fortunately, the Chinese government has started efforts to preserve national folk arts, including shadow plays, by establishing a sanctuary for Chinese cultural heritage. Experts suggest that the decline of shadow plays is mainly due to modern lifestyles, industrialization, urbanization, and the pervasive influence of contemporary culture.
7. Laos’s Traditional Weaving
Luang Prabang is regarded as the heart of Laos's textile industry. Traditional weavers, such as those from the Katu tribe, continue to produce the same intricate designs and use the techniques passed down by their ancestors over hundreds of years. In recent years, Laos has seen a rapid growth in its tourism sector, welcoming over 3.3 million international visitors in 2012, primarily from China and Thailand. While the rise in tourism has boosted the local economy, it has negatively impacted the textile industry. The surge in demand for Laotian textiles has led to an influx of counterfeit products, often made from Thai or Vietnamese silk. Unlike authentic Laotian textiles, these counterfeits are shinier, rougher, and prone to unraveling.
Fortunately, efforts are being made to combat this issue. A nonprofit organization, Fibre to Fabric, hosts exhibitions in Luang Prabang aimed at educating foreign visitors about the rich history and unique characteristics of authentic Laotian textiles. The goal is that by learning to recognize genuine products and understanding the tradition behind them, visitors will avoid counterfeit textiles and choose authentic ones instead.
6. Bohol’s Traditional Christmas Daygon
“Daygon sa Igue-Igue,” or “Praise for the Birth,” is a fading folk Christmas musical tradition from Maribojoc, Bohol, in the Philippines. This unique musical form tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The residents of Maribojoc fear that this tradition will soon be lost as the remaining few practitioners grow older. The last time the full version of this musical tradition was performed was in 2011 during the Bohol Arts Festival.
In addition to a lack of interest from the younger generation, Bohol’s traditional Christmas Daygon faces competition from modern Western music. Professor Luspo from Holy Name University noted that the introduction of jazz and other Western styles has led to the dilution of the tradition, stripping it of many essential elements and original details.
Luspo further explained that the true essence of Bohol’s Christmas Daygon has been lost. In the past, the people of Maribojoc performed it solely to honor the infant Jesus. Today, however, the few practitioners still performing the tradition are often motivated by financial gain, accepting money from homeowners in exchange for their performances.
5. Romania’s Traditional Glassmaking
Romanian traditional glassmaking is considered to be among the finest in the world, celebrated for its artistry and refinement. This highly sought-after craft is commonly found in prestigious stores across Europe and the US. Despite its glamorous reputation and long history, the tradition is at risk of fading due to a shrinking number of artisans eager to continue the craft.
Glassblowers outside of Bucharest have taken it upon themselves to share the beauty and historical significance of this tradition with younger generations. Unfortunately, many young people lack the interest or dedication required to keep the art alive.
With no support from the Romanian government, glassblowers are concerned that this art form may soon be lost. However, there remains hope: the strong global demand for Romanian glass may inspire the younger generation to carry on this cherished tradition.
4. India’s Agra Gharana
Agra Gharana is one of the major styles of Hindustani classical music. Unfortunately, this beautiful and ancient tradition is slowly fading due to the dwindling number of both its supporters and practitioners. Despite this decline, a few devoted artists of Agra Gharana remain determined to preserve it. Ustad Aqeel Ahmad Sahab, one of the last prominent advocates of this 400-year-old tradition, continues to teach and promote the music to a small group of committed singers, despite his advanced age and financial struggles.
Jyoti Khandelwal, an instructor at the Lalit Kala Sansthan, believes that saving Agra Gharana is synonymous with preserving India’s national musical heritage. Jitendra Raghvanshi of the Indian People’s Theatre Association has expressed deep sorrow over the younger generation's disregard for classical traditions in favor of contemporary, popular music.
Worse still, even educational institutions have failed to spark interest in Hindustani classical music. For example, Agra University has decided to shut down its Hindustani classical music department. Fortunately, some colleges still offer a few courses, but they are unfortunately only open to female students.
3. Japan’s Ama Diving
Ama diving is an ancient Japanese practice where divers capture fish and other sea creatures without the aid of any breathing apparatus. What makes this tradition distinct is that it is exclusively performed by women.
Ama diving is a perilous activity. Each time the ama divers descend into the ocean to collect their catch, they are putting their lives at risk. Archaeological records indicate that this practice has been part of Japanese culture, particularly on the Shima peninsula, since prehistoric times. In the past, women from this region were required to become ama divers before they could marry.
Sadly, this tradition is now facing extinction. A growing number of Japanese women have turned away from it, seeking alternative livelihoods. According to the Toba Sea Folk Museum, there were over 4,000 ama divers in 1972, but that number has since dwindled to around 800 in recent years.
The decline in the number of ama divers began in the 1960s and 1970s, when Japan underwent rapid economic development. This growth provided many women with access to education and better employment opportunities. Fortunately, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at preserving this tradition.
2. Sri Lanka’s Stilt Fishing
Though stilt fishing may appear to be an ancient fishing technique, it actually began only during World War II. Back then, Sri Lankans repurposed the wreckage of planes and ships to catch fish. Over time, they discovered how to construct stilts in coral reefs. These stilts, made from sticks and twine, were positioned in shallow waters. Fishermen would then sit on them and attempt to catch fish by casting their rods into passing schools of fish.
In 2004, Sri Lanka was struck by a devastating tsunami. The disaster drastically reshaped the country’s shorelines, making stilt fishing much more difficult. As a result, many fishermen abandoned the tradition and sought alternative livelihoods, such as farming or selling fish at local markets.
Fortunately, there is hope for the future of stilt fishing, and it comes not from the government, but from an unexpected source—tourists. Many international visitors are captivated by stilt fishing and are eager to photograph the fishermen. In fact, many of those posing on the stilts aren’t actually fishing; they are ordinary individuals paid to pretend so tourists can capture their pictures.
1. Sweden’s Fika
Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry. Unlike the fast-paced coffee culture in the US, this Swedish ritual encourages people to slow down, take a break, reflect on life, and share quality time with friends over coffee.
Sadly, this cherished tradition is slowly fading away. The younger generation of Swedes no longer views it as a central part of their culture and national identity. To them, fika has become more of an occasional activity, something they do when visiting their grandparents or trying to impress someone on a date. It’s no longer a routine practice shared with friends or colleagues.
There are several factors contributing to the decline of fika, but perhaps the most significant is the fact that Sweden now has longer working hours than in the past. As a result, many Swedes simply don’t have the time to engage in the traditional practice of fika.
