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The popular and widespread use of bunads in Norway is unique in an international context, and it is important to preserve it for future generations. That is why the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume, along with the Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Association, the Norwegian Youth Association, the Norwegian Folk Costume Forum and the Association for Studies of Culture and Traditions, nominated use of the bunad in Norway for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination for inscription was approved at the session of Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paraguay on 5 December 2024.
Few other countries in the world have such a widespread tradition of wearing national costumes as Norway. Around 70 per cent of all Norwegian women and around 20 per cent of all men own a bunad, and they are worn by Norwegians regardless of age, gender, geography or social status. Norwegians wear them on Norway's Constitution Day as well as on special occasions such as christenings, confirmations, weddings and anniversaries.
Wearing of the bunad is therefore closely linked to our cultural identity and is central to our cultural heritage. This link is particularly strong because many bunads are passed down the generations or are made by a family member. Although the tradition of wearing bunads is strong in Norway, it is under threat of disappearing due to the gradual decline of traditional craftsmanship.
We therefore want to draw national and international attention to the bunad tradition. The inscription of Norway's use of the bunad on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity shows that this living tradition is valuable and worth keeping alive.
The Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume, the Norwegian Youth Association, the Norwegian Folk Art and Craft Association, the Norwegian Folk Costume Forum and the Association for Studies of Culture and Traditions united behind the nomination of Norway's use of the bunad to raise awareness of the value of traditional handicrafts. We want to help spread knowledge about our common use of the bunad and turn the spotlight on what needs to be done if cultural heritage is to be transferred to new generations. We aim to better inform the authorities, craftspeople and the general public of the valuable cultural practice the bunad represents. The inscription of Norway's use of the bunad on this list can draw attention to the bunad as a valuable intangible cultural heritage.
The Savings Bank Foundation DNB supported our activities in 2018. These resources funded education and mediation activities in bunad making for children and young people throughout the country. In addition, our cooperation partners arranged several regional gatherings in 2020 to which everyone was invited to offer suggestions on the nomination application process.
The final application was submitted to UNESCO in early 2023, and the popular use of the bunad in Norway was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 5 December 2024.
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