heritage day essay grade 10 history

Heritage Day Essay Guide for Grade 10 Learners

This page contains an essay guide for Grade 10 History learners on how to write a Heritage Day essay (introduction, body, and conclusion). On the 24th of September every year in South Africa, there is a great celebration of all cultures and heritages of all South Africans. This was after the Inkatha Freedom Party proposal in 1996.

Background on South African Heritage Day

Before you write your essay, you should first know what heritage day is and what it means.

The word ‘heritage’ can be used in different ways. One use of the word emphasises our heritage as human beings. Another use of the word relates to the ways in which people remember the past, through heritage sites, museums, through the construction of monuments and memorials and in families and communities (oral history). Some suggest that heritage is everything that is handed down to us from the past.

One branch of Heritage Studies engages critically (debates) with issues of heritage and public representations of the past, and conservation.

It asks us to think about how the past is remembered and what a person or community or country chooses to remember about the past. It is also concerned with the way the events from the past are portrayed in museums and monuments, and in traditions. It includes the issue of whose past is remembered and whose past has been left unrecognised or, for example, how a monument or museum could be made more inclusive.

Important: you should include relevant images to go with your key points. You can find plenty of images on the internet, as long as you provide the credits/sources.

When you write your Heritage Day essay as a grade 10 student, you will get great marks if you include the following structure:

• Provide a brief history linked to heritage day
• The main key issues you will be discussing throughout your essay
• Explain the changes that were made to this public holiday.
• Explain how the day is celebrated in schools, families, workplaces and other institutions like churches etc.
• How does the celebration of the holiday bring unity and close the gaps of the past?
• Explain how the celebration of the day enforces the application of the constitution of South Africa.
• What key points did your essay cover?
• What new knowledge did you learn or discover?
• What are your views on “Heritage Day”?

Example of “Heritage Day” Essay for Grade 10 Students

Below is an example of how to write an essay about Heritage Day for grade 10 learners, using the structure discussed above:

Introduction:

Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, is a South African public holiday that serves as a reminder of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and diverse history. The day was established to honor the various cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make South Africa a truly unique and diverse country. This essay will discuss the history of Heritage Day, the changes made to this public holiday, and how its celebration promotes unity and reinforces the South African Constitution .

Changes to Heritage Day:

Initially known as Shaka Day, Heritage Day was introduced to commemorate the legendary Zulu King Shaka who played a significant role in unifying various Zulu clans into one cohesive nation. However, with the advent of a democratic South Africa in 1994, the day was renamed Heritage Day to promote a broader and more inclusive celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

Celebrations in Various Institutions:

Heritage Day is celebrated in numerous ways throughout South Africa, with schools, families, workplaces, and religious institutions all participating. In schools, students and teachers dress in traditional attire, and activities such as cultural performances, food fairs, and storytelling sessions are organized to educate learners about different cultural backgrounds. Families gather to share traditional meals, pass down stories, and engage in cultural activities. Workplaces often host events that encourage employees to showcase their diverse backgrounds, while churches and other religious institutions use the day as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Promoting Unity and Closing Gaps:

The celebration of Heritage Day has played a vital role in fostering unity and bridging the divides of the past. By appreciating and acknowledging the various cultures and traditions, South Africans learn to respect and accept one another, ultimately creating a more harmonious society. The public holiday serves as a platform to engage in conversations about the nation’s history, allowing for a better understanding of the diverse experiences that have shaped South Africa.

Enforcing the South African Constitution:

Heritage Day also reinforces the principles enshrined in the South African Constitution, which guarantees cultural and linguistic rights to all citizens. By celebrating and embracing the diverse cultures, South Africans put into practice the values of equality, dignity, and freedom as envisioned by the Constitution.

Conclusion:

In this essay, we have explored the history and significance of Heritage Day, its transformation from Shaka Day, and how it is celebrated across various institutions in South Africa. We have also discussed how the celebration of this day fosters unity and enforces the principles of the South African Constitution. Heritage Day serves as a reminder that our differences make us stronger, and that through understanding and embracing our diverse backgrounds, we can build a more inclusive and united South Africa.

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What is Heritage Day and why its Important in South Africa

Heritage Day is an important South African public holiday which is celebrated on the 24 th of September each year. It is a day on which all South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. As the self-proclaimed ‘Rainbow Nation’, boasting a vibrant cultural diversity, eleven official languages, a rich and intricate history and a variety of traditions, Heritage Day is recognized and celebrated in many different ways in South Africa.

History of Heritage Day

Photo credit: Retlaw Snellac Photography (Flickr)

While many South Africans are aware of Heritage Day, how many know the history behind it, the true reason we celebrate this momentous holiday, and its connection to various cultures and traditions?

Heritage Day was initially known as ‘Shaka Day’ or ‘Shaka’s Day’, a day dedicated to commemorating the legendary King Shaka Zulu on the presumed date of his death in 1828. Shaka Zulu played an important role in uniting different Zulu clans into one cohesive Zulu nation in Kwa-Zulu Natal. To this day, thousands of people gather at the King Shaka Memorial on the 24 th  of September each year to pay tribute to the great Zulu King.

Photo credit: Jay Calvin (Flickr) | Shaka kaSenzangakhona (1780s -1828) Bronze Statue – ‘Long March to Freedom’ Monument

When the bill presented to the new post-Apartheid Parliament of South Africa in 1996 omitted Shaka Day from the proposed Public Holidays Bill, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, strongly objected to the bill. Eventually, a compromise was reached between the Parliament and the ANC (African National Congress), and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage – Giving rise to Heritage Day!

“When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”

– Late former President Nelson Mandela in an address marking Heritage Day in 1996

In recent years, Heritage Day has further evolved and become synonymous with National Braai Day. Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa, while others call it a braai. Regardless of what term you use, the intention remains the same – Gathering around a fire, enjoying good food, good company and celebrating your culture and heritage with friends, family, and the ones you love.

Why is Heritage Day Important in South Africa

South Africa ranks among the 10 most culturally diverse countries in the world. A county’s relative diversity is determined based on several factors and high-level considerations, including: Level of ethnic diversity; Number of immigrants; Number of spoken languages; Number of religious beliefs; Number of political parties; Level of religious freedom; LGBT rights and freedom; and Level of personal liberty. Each of these categories are further divided into sub-categories, to ultimately determine the level of cultural diversity in any given country.

In addition to being one of the most culturally diverse countries, the population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. It is because of this intricate and vast diversity that Heritage Day is so important in South Africa and should be celebrated by all its people. National Heritage Day is dedicated to recognizing the cultural wealth of our nation in its entirety. By acknowledging, embracing, and celebrating our various cultures, traditions, and heritage against the background of our unique diversity, we build pride in ourselves, our fellow South Africans, and our nation as we remember the difficulties and hardships of the past, share in the victories of the present, and raise hope for the future.

One of the most important aspects of Heritage Day is the fact that it exposes us as South Africans to different people, cultures, traditions, beliefs, and religions we may never have been exposed to or encountered otherwise. It encourages us to step outside of our own ‘cultural bubble’, and urges us to learn, grow, explore, and experience the vibrant and diverse range of cultures that exists within our glorious rainbow nation. And, in turn, allow us to understand, appreciate, recognize, and respect each culture and everything it embodies.

At the end of the day, we are ALL South Africans, and our ability to grow and learn from each other is not only endless, but a gift. This will further allow us to grow as individuals and contribute to a more unified South Africa.

Heritage Day therefore provides a great opportunity for all South Africans to put their differences in politics, perspectives, and opinions aside, to unite and come together in a single shared purpose and objective – To celebrate South Africa’s profound history and heritage TOGETHER AS ONE NATION!

Living Heritage

Another important aspect of South Africa’s heritage that should not be forgotten is living heritage. In essence, living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. The various aspects of living heritage include: Cultural tradition; rituals; oral history; popular memory; performance; indigenous knowledge systems; techniques and skills; and the holistic approach to nature, society, and social relationships. In South Africa, the term ‘living heritage’ is used interchangeably with the term ‘intangible cultural heritage’.

Why is living heritage important and what role does it play? Living heritage plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity, reconciliation, social cohesion, economic development, and peace. In every South African community, there are living human treasures who possess a high degree of knowledge, skills and history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. It is important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage in order to promote and accelerate its use in addressing the various challenges communities are facing today.

South African Cultures

South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, a title that captures the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity. As mentioned, the population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world.

South Africa’s black population is divided into four major ethnic groups; namely Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swazi), Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda. There are numerous subgroups within these main ethnic groups of which the Zulu and Xhosa (two subgroups of the Nguni group) are the largest.

The majority of South Africa’s white population (about 60%) is of Afrikaans descent, with many of the remaining 40% being of British or European descent. South Africa’s coloured population have a mixed lineage, which often comprises the indigenous Khoisan genes combined with African slaves that were brought here from all over the continent, and white settlers.

Languages in South Africa

South Africa has eleven official languages:

• English (9.6%)
• Afrikaans (13.5%)
• Ndebele (2.1%)
• Sepedi (9.1%)
• Xhosa (16%)
• Venda (2.4%)
• Tswana (8%)
• Southern Sotho (7.6%)
• Zulu (22.7%)
• Swazi or SiSwati (2.5%)
• Tsonga (4.5%)

In addition to its eleven official languages, many other languages from all over the world are frequently spoken in South Africa, some of which include:  Portuguese, Greek, Italian, French, Chinese etc.

Heritage Day is one of the most important National Holidays in South Africa. It is vital to both the nation as a whole and its people that it continues to be recognized, commemorated, and celebrated.

Despite the many differences that exist amongst the various South African cultures, South Africa’s strong sense of unity around longstanding traditions has always remained integral. When needed, our rainbow nation always comes together as a force to be reckoned with.

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HISTORY Gr. 10 T1 W7: The Heritage Research Assignment: Theory - the nature of heritage and debates around it

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How Does Heritage Day Bring Unity and Close the Gaps of the Past in South Africa? Essay

How Does Heritage Day Bring Unity and Close the Gaps of the Past in South Africa? – Essay

The celebration of heritage brings unity by fostering a shared sense of identity and pride among people. It connects individuals to their roots and helps bridge the gap between diverse cultures by showcasing their unique histories, traditions, and values. Through these celebrations, people develop a collective understanding and appreciation of their common origins and the diverse paths that have shaped their community.

Here’s how the celebration of heritage contributes to unity:

• Cultural Awareness: Increases understanding and respect for different customs and practices, reducing prejudices and promoting acceptance.
• Preservation of Traditions: Encourages the preservation of cultural practices and languages, which might otherwise be lost, strengthening community bonds.
• Educational Opportunities: Provides educational experiences for younger generations, teaching them about their history and the importance of diversity.
• Community Engagement: Brings people together through events and festivals, which facilitates dialogue and builds relationships among community members.
• Economic Benefits: Often, heritage celebrations can boost local economies through tourism and local crafts, which creates shared economic prosperity and fosters a sense of common purpose.

By valuing and celebrating heritage, communities can enhance their cohesion and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all their members.

In South Africa, Heritage Day , celebrated on the 24th of September , is a profound national holiday that recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of the nation . It’s a day that reflects the country’s complex history, marked by apartheid, colonialism, and the struggle for freedom , and how its diverse cultures contribute to the nation’s identity. This essay delves into how Heritage Day in South Africa fosters unity and addresses historical divisions.

In a nutshell, Heritage Day brings unity and closes the gaps of the past in South Africa through:

• Celebrating Cultural Diversity : By showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures within the nation, Heritage Day encourages mutual respect and appreciation among different communities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
• Remembering Shared Histories : The day serves as a reminder of South Africa’s complex history, including the struggles against apartheid and colonialism, helping to build a shared national identity based on collective memories and experiences.
• Promoting Social Cohesion : Through various nationwide activities and events, such as communal braais (barbecues) and cultural exhibitions, Heritage Day provides opportunities for South Africans to come together, bridging social and cultural divides.
• Educational Impact : Heritage Day plays a crucial role in educating the younger generation about the country’s history and the importance of diversity, democracy, and unity, ensuring that the lessons of the past are remembered and valued.
• Acknowledging and Honoring the Struggle for Freedom : The day pays tribute to the heroes of the liberation struggle, acknowledging their sacrifices and inspiring a sense of pride and unity among all South Africans in the face of their common history of resistance and resilience.

Honouring Diverse Cultural Heritage to Foster Unity

Heritage Day in South Africa is a vibrant celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the nation’s identity. From the Zulu to the Xhosa, the Afrikaners to the Coloureds, and the Indian community, each group has its unique traditions and histories that are celebrated on this day.

• Promotion of Cultural Understanding : By showcasing the diverse cultural practices and histories of South Africa’s various ethnic groups, Heritage Day encourages understanding and appreciation among these communities. This mutual respect is fundamental to building a unified national identity.
• Breaking Down Historical Barriers : The day provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on their shared history of oppression and resistance. It acts as a bridge, connecting people through their collective memory of the struggle for freedom and equality, thereby helping to heal the divisions of the past.

Commemorating the Struggle for Freedom to Close Historical Gaps

Heritage Day is not just a celebration of cultural diversity but also a day to remember the long and arduous struggle against apartheid. This aspect of the holiday plays a critical role in closing the gaps left by South Africa’s troubled past.

• Recognition of Shared Struggles : The day pays homage to the heroes of the liberation struggle, acknowledging their sacrifices for freedom and democracy. This recognition helps to close the historical gaps by reminding all South Africans of their common fight against oppression.
• Educational Impact : Heritage Day serves as an educational tool that fosters a deeper understanding among the younger generation of South Africa’s history. Through events and narratives shared on this day, young people learn about the injustices of the past and the importance of unity and democracy, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.

Encouraging National Unity Through Celebration

The celebration of Heritage Day in South Africa is a powerful expression of national unity. Through its emphasis on diversity and shared history, the day plays a vital role in knitting the fabric of the South African nation more tightly together.

• Cultural Festivals and Events : Across the country, South Africans engage in a variety of activities, from braais (barbecues) which transcend cultural boundaries, to cultural exhibitions, dances, and music performances. These events serve as gatherings that bring people from different backgrounds together, promoting social cohesion and national unity.
• The Role of “Braai Day” : The informal nickname for Heritage Day, “ Braai Day ,” emphasizes the idea that sharing a meal is a universal way to connect people. This aspect of the celebration is a fun and inclusive way to encourage unity across cultural divides, symbolizing the nation’s diversity and the common ground found in celebrating together.

Heritage Day in South Africa plays a crucial role in promoting unity and bridging the historical gaps that have long divided the nation. By honouring the diverse cultural heritage of its people and commemorating the struggle for freedom, the day reinforces the values of mutual respect, understanding, and a shared national identity. In celebrating Heritage Day, South Africans reaffirm their commitment to overcoming the challenges of the past and building a united and prosperous nation for future generations.

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National Heritage Day in South Africa: What is Heritage Day and Why Do We Celebrate It

Sep 13, 2021 | News , South Africa

First published in September 2019, updated in September 2021.

September is Heritage Month in South Africa, with  National Heritage Day celebrated on 24 September

Each year in early spring, people across the nation get together to eat, drink and be merry, celebrating what makes us all uniquely South African.

Heritage Day was declared a public holiday in 1996 and, since then, the 24th of September has been a day that encourages us to celebrate our cultural traditions, communities and heritage.

In the following post, we discuss South Africa’s Heritage Day; how it began, the connection to braais and how you can celebrate this year.

What is Heritage Day?

Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September in South Africa that recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation.

South Africans mark the day by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures and spending time with friends and family.

The History of Heritage Day in South Africa

The 24th of September marks ‘Shaka Day’ or ‘Shaka’s Day’, a day which commemorates the legendary King Shaka Zulu. Shaka Zulu played an important role in uniting different Zulu clans into one cohesive Zulu nation in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Each year, thousands of people gather at King Shaka’s grave to pay tribute to him and to honour his memory.

To learn more about the history, life and legend of King Shaka Zulu, the Anglo Zulu war and Zulu culture, book either the:

• KwaZulu-Natal Shakaland Zulu Village Tour
• Half-Day Soweto Tour
• PheZulu Cultural Village Day Tour
• Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift Battlefields Tour
• Robben Island Half-Day Tour

You can also learn more about King Shaka in the book Shaka Zulu: The Biography of the Founder of the Zulu Nation by E.A. Ritter .

When the New South African Parliament omitted Shaka Day from the proposed Public Holidays Bill, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected.

Eventually, a compromise was reached, and it was decided that a national holiday would be created where South Africans of all cultures and creeds could come together and celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, the late former State President Nelson Mandela said, “When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation.”

We did so, knowing that the struggles against the injustice and inequities of the past are part of our national identity; they are part of our culture. We knew that, if indeed our nation had to rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of division and conflict, we had to acknowledge those whose selfless efforts and talents were dedicated to this goal of non-racial democracy.

In more recent years, National Heritage Day has become synonymous with National Braai (Barbecue) Day . Some call it Shisa Nyama or Ukosa , while others call it a braai , but whatever the occasion, nothing beats gathering around a wood fire to cook a meal and celebrate together.

Why Do We Braai on Heritage Day?

There is nothing more South African than lighting a fire and cooking a meal, and it’s something that crosses racial, cultural, religious and social boundaries. The National Braai Day in South Africa was developed by Stellenbosch native, Jan Scannell – more commonly known as ‘Jan Braai’ – who quit his job in finance in 2005 to focus on the National Braai Day Initiative.

Just like the Irish have St Patrick’s Day, the French have Bastille Day and Australians have Australia Day, National Braai Day calls on all South Africans to unite around fires and share and celebrate our unique culture and heritage.

In 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu became patron of South Africa’s Braai Day, backing the idea that donning an apron to braai a boerewors (farm sausage) could be a unifying force in a country that had been previously divided. The following year, the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council. It couldn’t be a more apt way to bring a rich and culturally diverse nation such as South Africa together in unity, because what good South African doesn’t love a braai?

How You Can Celebrate Heritage Day

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate South Africa. Here are six ways to enjoy this year’s Heritage Day. 

• Join chef Annie Badenhorst at Benguela Cove Wine Estate in Hermanus for their Heritage Day Braai on 24 September at 12pm. Guests can select either a delicious gourmet braai picnic basket, or share a flavourful braai platter. There will also be live music and great South African vibes.
• Celebrate with the Vrede en Lust Heritage Day Box which includes a selection of wines, traditional spices and condiments. It’s a great box to gift to friends or purchase for your own Heritage Day picnic or braai.
• Cape Town is known for its delectable traditional dishes, so why not learn how to make them. Spend Heritage Day by booking a cooking class to learn some of the local favourites such as koeksisters, braaivleis and gatsby. One of our personal favourites is the Cape Malay style cooking classes offered in the historic area of Bo-Kaap. Some of our favourite cooking classes are from Lekka Kombuis and Ginger and Lime . 
• Visit one of CapeNature’s 22 nature reserves in the Western Cape for free. Visitors to CapeNature can enjoy a free day entry to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations from 13 to 20 September.
• Join a Heritage Day scenic cruise around the Durban Harbour. The cruise includes starters, a photoshoot, complimentary bottle of champagne (2 bottles per table of 10 people) and lunch.
• Discover the magic of Freedom Park in Pretoria with free entry on 24 September 2021. 

How to Celebrate Your Own South African Heritage Day Anywhere in the World

If you’re not in South Africa, you can still celebrate a South African Heritage Day by hosting your own braai (or barbecue).

Here are a few essentials to get your National Braai Day celebration going:

• Charcoal  
• A braai apron
• A complete grill tool set
• The Democratic Republic of Braai by Jan Braai recipe book
• A South African flag for decoration
• Ina Paarman’s Braai & Grill Seasoning to add some flavour to your meat (or vegetables)
• Your preferred selection of meat, vegetables, salads, bread and condiments

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate National Heritage Day, enjoy it with friends and family, wave the South African flag proudly, and remember your heritage and the place it holds in South Africa’s multicultural landscape.

Read about the other important public holidays in South Africa:

• What is Human Rights Day and Why We Celebrate on March 21
• What is Freedom Day in South Africa and Why Do We Celebrate It
• Why We Celebrate Youth Day on 16 June
• Why We Celebrate Women’s Day on August 9th

While not a public holiday, here’s how you can celebrate Mandela Day on 18 July .

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17 Comments

Nice information

Thank you! 🙂

[email protected]

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Letitia thanks for informative and helpful information

What is the name and surname of the person who published all this Information am doing a school project about heritage please reply

Whoever erot this thanks a lot …it helped me with my history essay about history of heritage and I got everything I need here for the essay

Hope the essay was a success!

Nice to read your blog!

Thanks 😊, now I know about 24 September

This information was so useful for my home work … This is so nice🤍

Aaaw thank you! Hope the homework assignment went well!

Yo u colll bro ur my step bro 😍🤞🏽

This is one of the best posts I have ever came across. Today we celebrate Heritage day “online” as a corporate company and guess what ? I will be using some of YOUR information to share with our special people ! I have learned so much in 7 to 8 of your first sentences ! Brilliant – what a lovely layout and professional, yet super light and great for culture day celebrations! Happy Heritage day and have a wonderful “BRAAI” !!!! … en melktert !

Thank you so much Vicky! We’re delighted that you found the post valuable. Have a lekker Heritage Day! 🙂

Thank you. I’m grateful. My brother’s assignment benefited much from it, and I also picked up some new knowledge.

This is wonderful

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Heritage Day

September 24 was previously known as Shaka Day. The holiday honored Shaka , a famous Zulu king. After apartheid came to an end in South Africa, the government introduced new public holidays. Shaka Day was not included in the list. The Inkatha Freedom Party, which has many Zulu members, asked that Shaka Day also be observed. The government then decided that there should be a public holiday on which all South Africans could celebrate their heritage.

Heritage Day was first celebrated on September 24, 1995. Archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu used the term “rainbow nation” to describe South Africa’s diverse cultures, customs, traditions, histories, and languages. Heritage Day is a celebration of this variety.

The Department of Arts and Culture organizes annual meetings to celebrate Heritage Day. It chooses a theme for each year’s Heritage Day celebrations.

Heritage can be described as that which a country’s population inherits. This includes its wildlife and natural beauty, sites of scientific or historical importance, national monuments, historical buildings, artworks, literature, music, oral traditions, and museum collections.

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Heritage Essay | Essay on Heritage for Students and Children in English

August 11, 2021 by Prasanna

Heritage Essay: The term “heritage” has many contexts – from history and society to culture and even heredity. We shall explore the meaning of this term from different contexts and understand its implications. In History, the term heritage refers to any processes or events that have a unique or special meaning in group memory. This could be something as simple as a yearly event (or a festival) that has been practiced over generations. Alternatively, cultural heritage refers to tangible or intangible heritage assets that are inherited over generations. However, it is important to understand that not all legacies of previous generations are considered “heritage”, instead, it is the result of selection by the society.

Moreover, most of us associate heritage with historical buildings, landscapes, works of art and ancient artifacts.  However, the term also applies to indigenous intellectual property, biodiversity and even folklore. Interestingly, some of these heritages are at risk of destruction or being lost to time. Hence, the preservation of heritage is sometimes called “preservation” or “conservation”. This is carried out through cultural centuries, national museums and other exhibitions. Countries may also strive to preserve heritage as it is often considered the crux of tourism – a major economic activity. In other words, heritage assets form a significant source of employment opportunities and revenue generation.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

As discussed above, the term heritage has multiple contexts, and we can classify these into three broad types. These include cultural property, intangible culture and natural heritage. As the name implies, “natural heritage” includes a region’s specific flora and/or fauna, natural environment and geological,  paleontological, geomorphological and mineralogical aspects. In other words, natural heritage can be defined as the total sum of elements present in biodiversity. Moreover, if a site is considered to have outstanding importance, it can be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Currently, 183 natural sites are considered to be World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. As of 2020, there are currently 7 Natural World Heritage Sites in India. These include the Western Ghats, Great Himalayan National Park, Nanda Devi Valley of Flowers National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Keoladeo National Park and the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cultural property includes tangible or physical properties such as buildings, paintings or artworks. Moreover, this class of property can be further classified into two types – moveable and immovable property. As the term implies, moveable property includes artworks, documents, machines, books, clothing and other artifacts which can be transported and are deemed worthy for preservation. Some of these objects might be significant in various disciplines or fields such as science, archeology or technology. Immovable heritage structures cannot be moved as it is unfeasible to do so. These can include extremely large machinery, art installations, buildings, monuments, industrial projects, residential projects and other historical locations. A total of 30 Cultural World Heritage sites have been identified in India as of 2020. Some of the most well-known heritage sites include Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Red Fort Complex, Humayun’s Tomb, Mountain Railways of India, Elephanta Caves, Fatehpur Sikri, Sun Temple, Ellora Caves and the Taj Mahal.

The third classification of heritage is “Intangible Culture.” Intangible culture refers to a particular culture’s non-physical aspects (such as customs) during a specific time period in history. It can be further understood as the formal rules which are observed in a specific cultural climate. Examples of these include customs, traditions, social values, language, spiritual and cultural beliefs, artistic expression and many other aspects of society. Unlike the other two forms of heritage, intangible culture is significantly harder to preserve than tangible objects. This is one of the reasons why there are quite a few extinct languages. That language has no living descendants, but it may continue to be in use as a liturgical or literary language.

Over the course of the earth’s 4 billion year history, no other species has transformed the earth like humans. Culturally, humans have a vast heritage that stretches several thousand years. From a purely psychological perspective, heritage provides us a sense of “oneness” and togetherness. Granted, countless wars have been fought throughout the years to represent the differences between cultures, but collectively, we represent one single species. Hence, it is imperative that the human heritage must be preserved, irrespective of the differences in culture. Moreover, some aspects of heredity such as “Intangible culture” are bound to become extinct as humans change and adapt to new political and cultural climates. Languages, traditions, practices are a few aspects of heritage that might disappear within a few hundred years. Granted, some forms of heritage, like national parks and robust structure might survive for countless generations, but other heritage sites are the remnants of a bygone era (such as the Renaissance or the Industrial Revolution). Hence, we should ensure that these kinds of heritage sites must be protected at all costs.

Another important aspect of heritage sites is its impact on the tourism industry. This industry also generates significant employment and investment opportunities. Today, most heritage sites around the world have seen commercialisation, where it has created opportunities for investment, employment and income production. Moreover, the economic impact associated with such activities are usually positive  – which results in job creation as well as awareness of the heritage sites. In conclusion, heritage is an important aspect for the human race. It collectively culminates thousands of years of development and societal growth. It also reminds us of our roots and the progress that we have achieved. Moreover, preservation of our heritage can be considered a moral duty that everyone must follow sincerely.

FAQs on Heritage Essay

Question 1. What is heritage?

Answer: The term heritage refers to any processes or events or places that have a unique or special meaning in group memory. Examples of heritage include language, artistic expressions, paintings, buildings, natural environment, biodiversity and more.

Question 2. How can heritage be classified?

Answer: Heritage can be classified into three types – cultural property, intangible culture and natural heritage.

Question 3. What is cultural property in heritage?

Answer: Among the three classifications of heritage, cultural property refers to tangible or physical properties such as buildings, paintings or artworks.

Question 4. What are the types of cultural property with respect to heritage?

Answer: Cultural property can be classified into two types, namely, moveable and immovable property.

Question 5. What is natural heritage?

Answer: Natural heritage refers to a region’s specific flora, fauna, natural environment, geological, paleontological, geomorphological and mineralogical aspects.

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Heritage in contemporary grade 10 South African history textbooks: A case study

2012, Masters Dissertation in History Education

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This conceptual paper is based on experiences and insights which have emerged from my quest to develop a conceptual framework for working with the term 'heritage' within an education for sustainable development study that I am currently conducting. Of specific interest to me, and having potential to improve the relevance and quality of heritage education in southern Africa, given the region's inherent cultural diversity and colonial history, is the need for 'heritage construct inclusivity' within the processes constituting heritage education practices. Working around this broad research goal, I therefore needed to be clear about what I mean or refer to as heritage. I realised, however, how elusive and conceptually problematic the term 'heritage' is. I therefore, drawing from literature and experiences gained during field observations and focus group interviews, came up with the idea of working with three viewpoints of heritage. Drawing on real life cases ...

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This article focuses on the analysis of three textbooks that are based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), a revised curriculum from the National Curriculum Statement which was implemented in 2008. The article uses one element of a historical thinking framework, the analysis of primary sources, to evaluate the textbooks. In the analysis of primary sources the three heuristics distilled by Wineburg (2001) such as sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing are used to evaluate the utilisation of the primary sources in the three textbooks. According to the findings of this article, the writing of the three textbooks is still framed in an outdated mode of textbooks' writing in a dominant narrative style, influenced by Ranke's scientific paradigm or realism. The three textbooks have many primary sources that are poorly contextualized and which inhibit the implementation of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Although, some primary sources are contextualized, source-based questions are not reflecting most of the elements of sourcing, corroborating and contextualizing heuristics. Instead, they are mostly focused on the information on the source which is influenced by the authors' conventional epistemological beliefs about school history as a compendium of facts. This poor contextualization of sources impacted negatively on the analysis of primary sources by learners as part and parcel of " doing history " in the classroom.

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School history textbooks are seen to embody ideological messages about whose history is important, as they aim both to develop an 'ideal' citizen and teach the subject of history. Since the 1940s, when the first study was done, there have been studies of South African history textbooks that have analysed different aspects of textbooks. These studies often happen at a time of political change (for example, after South Africa became a republic in 1961 or post-apartheid) which often coincides with a time of curriculum change. This article provides an overview of all the studies of South African history textbooks since the 1940s. We compiled a data base of all studies conducted on history textbooks, including post graduate dissertations, published journal articles, books and book chapters. This article firstly provides a broad overview of all the peer-reviewed studies, noting in particular how the number of studies has increased since 2000. The second section then engages in a more detailed analysis of the studies that did content analysis of textbooks. We compare how each study has engaged with the following issues: the object of study, the methodological approach, the sample of textbooks and the theoretical or philosophical orientation. The aim is to provide a broad picture of the state of textbook analysis studies over the past 75 years, and to build up a database of these studies so as to provide an overview of the nature of history textbook research in South Africa.

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