A Living Tradition of Seasonal Movement

The article Transhumance: A Living Tradition of Seasonal Movement appeared first on AZ Animals.

Quick take

• Transhumance refers to the seasonal migration people and their livestock.

• This movement allows livestock producers to benefit high altitude pastures during the summer.

• In 2023, transhumance in Italy was included on the Representative list of the Intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The adorable lambs in this Instagram post take a very unusual mode of transport, carried in specially designed bags suspended from a donkey. Each donkey carries up to eight lambs and their woolly passengers seem to enjoy the experience. The images were taken in rural Italy and what they depict has a special name: transhumance. We studied exactly what it was, when and where it happened, and why it had such cultural significance.

What is transhumance?

In simple terms, transhumance refers to the seasonal migration of people and their livestock. They move from one geographic or climatic region to another. This is not just happening in Italy; it has been described in other regions, notably in the Himalayas.

This move allows livestock breeders to take advantage of high altitude pastures during the summer. In winter, however, the weather is too harsh for animals to thrive at these altitudes. Therefore, they move back down the mountain slopes to the relative shelter and warmer temperatures of the lower lands.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

In 2023, transhumance, the seasonal breeding of livestock practiced in Italy and nine other European countries, was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He recognized the cultural significance of the movement of thousands of animals along traditional pastoral paths.

The journey is made on foot, on horseback and on the back of a donkey. Those who undertake the journey have extensive knowledge of the environment and where the best areas are. Social practices and rituals are also associated with the activity.

Special transhumance meals, crafts and festivities mark the beginning and end of a season. Many generations have participated in these traditions which have been passed down. Communities along transhumance routes also play an important role. Overall, this practice now involves much more than just moving livestock. It has become an essential part of social inclusion, strengthening cultural identities and communities.

The article Transhumance: A Living Tradition of Seasonal Movement appeared first on AZ Animals.