"Intangible cultural heritage are vital cultural expressions which are born directly by human knowledge and skills. The particular practices that are part of our shared intangible cultural heritage are of great significance for respective communities, groups and individuals." - UNESCO website

Heritage ist passed on through skills and knowledge such as "oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and universe, traditional craftsmanship, and forms of social self-organisation."

The UNESCO convention was initated in 2003, Germany joined in 2013. A list of cultural heritage was created in each province, then a national list was created in 2014. Yearly items from the national list are passed on to the UNESCO.