Võromaa suitsusaunakombestik kanti UNESCO vaimse pärandi esindusnimekirja / The Võro smoke sauna tradition has been added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Abstract

The Old-Võro smoke sauna tradition was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The idea began with an e-mail in 2008 and, thanks to active citizens, it became worldrenowned six years later.

For our ancestors, the smoke sauna was much more than just a space to wash themselves: it has been the place for birth and death, a place for preventing illnesses and for curing them. Even though many of the fast-paced city dwellers have changed their habits, there are a lot of families that value the continuance of old customs and tradition. Meat smoked in a smoke sauna, Saturday evenings with the family and the celebration of events in the Estonian Folk Calendar are just a few examples of the rich Estonian traditions.

Keywords: UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage, smoke sauna