National Treasure facts for kids
A national treasure is something really special that a country values a lot. It can be a person, a place, an object, or even an animal! It's like a shared cultural gem that helps define what a country is all about.
The idea of national treasures became popular in the late 1700s and 1800s. This was when people started to feel a strong connection to their country, its language, and its culture. So, a national treasure is often something that represents a country's shared history, values, and traditions.
A national treasure doesn't always have to be worth a lot of money. For example, a very talented musician could be called a "Living National Treasure." Or, it could be a rare old book, like the Plan of St. Gall in Switzerland. Countries like Japan and South Korea even have official lists of their most important cultural treasures.
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What Can Be a National Treasure?
There are many different kinds of national treasures around the world. Here are some examples of what countries consider to be their special gems.
People as National Treasures
Sometimes, people are so loved and respected that they are called national treasures. They often have made a big impact on their country's culture.
- Some countries officially name people as "Living National Treasures." Japan, for example, does this for artists and craftspeople who keep traditional skills alive.
- Betty White, an American actress and comedian, worked in television for many years. She was often called a national treasure in the United States because of her long career and beloved personality.
- In the United Kingdom, famous people like comedian Stephen Fry, nature broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, and racing driver Stirling Moss have been called national treasures.
- The famous football player Pelé was declared a national treasure by the government of Brazil. This happened after Brazil won the 1962 FIFA World Cup. Rich European clubs wanted to sign him, but Brazil wanted to keep him in the country.
- The late German humorist Loriot (whose real name was Vicco von Bülow) was seen as a national treasure in Germany.
Places as National Treasures
Important places can also be national treasures. These are often landmarks that hold historical or cultural meaning.
- Namdaemun is a famous gate in South Korea.
- Stonehenge in the United Kingdom is an ancient stone monument.
Special Objects as National Treasures
Many countries protect important objects that tell a story about their past.
- The Fairy Queen is a historic steam train in India.
- In the United States, the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are national treasures. These documents are very important to the country's history.
- The Magna Carta is a famous old document from the United Kingdom.
- Ancient bronze pots called ding from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) are treasures in China.
- Moon rock samples collected during NASA's Apollo missions are considered national treasures in the United States.
- The Book of Kells is a beautiful old manuscript from Ireland.
Natural Places as National Treasures
Sometimes, natural areas are so special that they are declared national treasures.
- The Constitution of Greece of 2001 says that the Greek coastline is a national treasure.
- The National Park System in the United States includes many beautiful natural and cultural places. These are seen as a national treasure for everyone to enjoy.
Music as National Treasures
Music can also be a national treasure, especially songs or voices that are very meaningful to a country.
- In 1997, the U.S. Library of Congress recognized the song Truckin' by the rock band Grateful Dead as a national treasure.
- U.S. President Ronald Reagan once described Andy Williams's singing voice as a national treasure.
Animals as National Treasures
Certain animals are so important to a country that they become symbols and are considered national treasures.
- The Bald eagle is a national treasure in the United States.
- The Odd-eyed cat is a special cat breed in Turkey.
- The Panda is a beloved animal and a national treasure in China.
- Raja was a famous elephant in Sri Lanka.
