Life Celebrations

In diverse cultural contexts, the course of many  individuals’ life is marked by a variety of social gatherings, ceremonies and festivities that help to punctuate the passage of time.

From baptisms to birthdays, from rites of passage ceremonies to weddings, from funerals to collective celebrations of the return of spring or the harvest seasons, each culture celebrates these occasions in its unique manner. 

Across the spectrum of human experience, regardless of borders, languages or religions, the pleasure of coming together to celebrate or commemorate is universal across all societies.

Within these moments, social customs and traditions are honoured as an enduring legacy transmitted from generation to generation. Along the historic Silk Roads, that have facilitated cultural exchanges among diverse communities, thousands of ethnicities and peoples living together see their uniqueness enriched by the ways they celebrate and commemorate important life events. Daily rituals, languages, and historical narratives within these cultures cultivate a sense of solidarity, togetherness, sisterhood, and brotherhood, fostering unity. 

These rituals are also significant elements of the shared legacy of people and cultures along the Silk Roads that unite them despite their differences and divergences. Better knowledge of these practices can foster greater comprehension of others, and ultimately reinforce intercultural dialogue and mutual respect along the historic routes.

This theme is more relevant than ever in the current global landscape marked by escalating conflicts, economic instability, and the climate crisis, where young people are facing unprecedented levels of discouragement. Visually capturing and celebrating life also aims to engage youth in positive and hopeful paths and create a digital space to foster this mindset.

Through visual arts, these rituals can be portrayed  through a singular angle and perception, and the sixth edition of the “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” photo contest will therefore encourage young girls and boys  between 14 and 25 years of old to capture and showcase the elements of the shared legacy within through following fields: 

• Birth and Naming ceremonies. 
• Baptisms
• Anniversaries 
• Rites of Passage
• Engagement Ceremonies and Weddings 
• Transition of the seasons (Spring or Autumn Festivals, Nowruz, etc.)
• Religious Observances and Celebrations
• Traditional Funeral services