We’re all pretty familiar with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, however, Intangible Cultural Heritage—not so much. The list covers oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge, or skills that are considered by UNESCO to be part of a place’s cultural heritage.

Recently joining the long list of 600 other items is the artisanal know-how and culture of the baguette. According to UNESCO chief Audrey Asoulay, “It celebrates the French way of life, it’s a daily ritual, a structuring element of the meal, synonymous with sharing and conviviality. It is important that these skills and social habits continue to exist in the future.”

Apart from the French bread, the Japanese ritual dance of furyu-odori and North Korean noodle dish raengmyon are also among the latest Intangible Cultural Heritage additions.

For most, a trip to France would not be complete without diving into a buttery croissant or a warm, crispy baguette. Although the baguette was officially named in 1920, its origins are unclear. Some believe it was first ordered by Napoleon because it would be easier for soldiers to carry, while others suggest it came along later, as an easy bread for workers to tear and share without the need of a knife in Paris. There are also those who credit an Austrian baker in the 1830s for its shape.

Fast forward to the middle of the 20th Century, the baguette was adored all over the country. Though a great number of French artisanal bakeries have closed down in face of modern times, traditional baguettes remain a strong part of the French identity. 

Find all the new pieces of intangible heritage at unesco.org.