Perception on Cultural Heritage

Even though they give a high importance to the built cultural heritage protections, the Gorj population knows the benefits associated with this activity to a lower degree than the national population. Therefore, the promotion or cultural information campaigns carried out by the county institutions should aim at raising the awareness on the benefits associated with the built cultural heritage protection.

In order to better understand the cultural consumption practices, we need to know the manner in which people in a certain geographical space define themselves. The belonging to a national identity is no longer seen in the recent specialised literature as a pre-established attribute, but as a matter of choice between several possible supra- or sub-national identities.

At the level of the Gorj population we can notice a decrease in the transmission of intangible heritage elements from older to younger generations. This is precisely why the county’s cultural and educational institutions should remedy this decline by actively promoting the elements of intangible cultural heritage.

Protection of the built cultural heritage [In your opinion, how important is the protection of the built cultural heritage of Gorj County?]

Very important
Quite important
Not too important
Not at all important

Benefits of protecting the cultural heritage [In your opinion, what are the benefits of protecting the built cultural heritage of Gorj County?]

Knowing the past
Preservation of identities and traditions of communities and groups of people
Tourism development
It is a heritage for the future generations
Economic benefits
It helps people to be proud of the locality / region where they were born or are living in.
Help in education, regardless of age
It preserves the old rural or urban landscapes
It improves the quality of life

- multiple answer -

Attitudes towards traditions and customs [To what extent do you agree with the following statements…?]

Total or partial agreement
Total or partial disagreement

Traditions and customs have an important place in the Romanian society

Observance of traditions and customs helps building a better future

The customs and traditions of all cultures are important

Customs and traditions are not sufficiently appreciated in Romania

Only some traditions and customs are important

In some cases, observing some traditions and customs hinders the development of society

Knowledge of several intangible cultural heritage elements, depending on age [– % Yes –]

18-29 years old
30-39 years old
40-49 years old
50-65 years old
65 years old and above

Traditional folk songs

Specific customs

Traditional celebrations

Traditional folk dances

Common idioms

Traditional crafts

Knowledge of several intangible cultural heritage elements [Considering the locality you are living in, do you know…?]

Traditional celebrations
Traditional folk songs
Traditional folk dances
Specific customs
Traditional crafts
Common idioms

– % Yes –

Transmission of intangible cultural heritage [Have you learnt any of the following from your parents / grandparents / other people of previous generations?]

Christmas carols
Traditional folk dances
Traditional folk songs
Proverbs
Fairy tales / Legends
Recipes of traditional dishes
Crafts
Ballads
Traditional children's games
Lore about the sun, sky, stars, rain, lightning, rainbow, snow

– % Yes –

Transmission of intangible cultural heritage, depending on age [First six mentions - % Yes]

18-29 years old
30-39 years old
40-49 years old
50-65 years old
65 years old and above

Christmas carols

Traditional folk dances

Traditional folk songs

Proverbs

Recipes of traditional dishes

Fairy tales / Legends