Folklore is far more than just old stories and dusty legends
While we often associate folklore with ancient myths, it is actually a living, breathing part of our modern identities. From the way we celebrate birthdays to the unique slang of computer programmers, folklore is the invisible thread that binds social groups together through shared traditions.
The term 'folklore' was coined in 1846 by William Thoms to replace the phrase 'popular antiquities.' Originally, the 'folk' referred specifically to the rural, illiterate, and poor peasantry. However, the definition has expanded significantly. Today, a folk group can be any community sharing common traits, ranging from a single family to entire nations, or even modern subcultures like surfers and motorcyclermotorcyclists.
Folklore is categorized into three primary types of lore: verbal (stories, songs, and jokes), material (physical objects and building styles), and customary (rituals, dances, and beliefs). Unlike manufactured goods that strive for identical production, folklore thrives on variation. Each artifact is a unique performance shaped by its specific time and space, such as how a seventh birthday celebration differs from a sixth.
The academic study of these traditions, known as folkloristics, has evolved through different lenses. In 19th-century Europe, scholars focused on the oral traditions of peasants as remnants of the past. Conversely, American researchers like Franz Boas and Ruth Benedict applied anthropological techniques to study Native American cultures. This divergence created a rich field where the humanities and social sciences intersect.
Ultimately, folklore serves vital social functions. According to scholar William Bascom, it can validate culture, act as a teaching tool for morals, provide an escape from societal repression, or even exert social control. It is a necessary component of any social group, used both to reinforce internal identity and to distinguish 'us' from 'them.'
Source: Folklore
