Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-11/30/c_135870653.htm


ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed China's "The Twenty-Four
Solar Terms" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity.

The decision for the Chinese heritage, knowledge in China of time and
practices developed through observation of the sun's annual motion, came
here on Wednesday during the 11th session of the UNESCO
Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

During the meeting, the representatives of 24 States Parties to UNESCO's
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, are
examining 37 requests for inscription on the Representative List.

Speaking after the decision that has adopted the inscription of the
Chinese intangible heritage, Zhang Ling, an official of Chinese
Delegation, said that the 24 Solar Terms clearly embodies the concepts
of respect for nature, and harmony between man and nature.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China,
my delegation would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the
community members, evaluation body and the secretariat for your great
effort on the examination and inscription of the 24 Solar Terms," she said.

This is the third inscribed element submitted by China that falls in the
domain of knowledge and practices concerning nature and universe as
defined in the 2003 convention, according to her.

"As a traditional knowledge system of time that enjoys thousands of
years of inter-generational transmission, the 24 Solar Terms clearly
embodies the concepts of respect for nature, and harmony between man and
nature," she added.

"We believe that the inscription of the 24 Solar Terms on the
Representative List will not only enhance cultural identity of
communities and groups concerned but also contributes to ensuring
visibility and awareness of the significance of the ICH in general," she
noted.