[Annotated excerpts] 1973 - Wilson - Herder Folklore and Romantic Nationalism

Introduction to Herder and Romantic Nationalism

• Johann Gottfried Herder (1744-1803) is a key figure in the development of romantic nationalism.

• Herder emphasized a return to cultural roots, advocating for the study and revival of folklore to strengthen national identity.

The Emergence of Folklore Studies

• English-American folklore studies began as a curiosity among scholars captivated by popular traditions, termed folklore in 1846.

• The rise of evolutionary anthropology in the late 19th century shifted folklore studies to focus on survivals of ancient practices among the peasantry.

• Key scholars in this domain include Tylor, Lang, and Gomme, who aimed at reconstructing historical contexts of folklore.

Folklore and Nationalism in Europe

• Serious folklore research began earlier in continental Europe, intertwined with emerging romantic nationalist movements.

• *Nationalism is a complex idea; according to Hans Kohn, it involves the supreme loyalty of individuals to their nation-state, defined by language, culture, and common historical traditions.

• In contrast to liberal nationalism which advocated for rights and equality, romantic nationalism emphasized the unique qualities of each nation, derived from history and folklore.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Nationalism

• Romantic nationalism arose as a response to social and political conditions in Central and Eastern Europe, where national boundaries often did not align with existing states.

• This nationalism connected deeply to popular sovereignty, championed by theorists like Rousseau, viewing the common people as fundamental to civilization.

• Nationalists believed in enhancing individual identity through national character, comparing it to a natural organic entity.

Herder’s Concepts of National Characters

• Herder posited that each nation’s identity is shaped by its physical environment, history, and inherent traits, producing distinct national characters.

• He believed that education and tradition are synonymous, with customs passed down from ancestors becoming fundamental elements of national identity.

• National perfection cannot be judged by external standards but should be understood within its cultural context.

The Role of Folk Poetry

• Folk poetry is crucial in understanding a nation's past and character. Herder valued it as a mirror reflecting the sentiments, struggles, and aspirations of a people.

• He emphasized that poetry is the expression of national identity, and through folk poems, one gains insights into the societal ethos of a nation.

• Herder saw folk poets as vital to capturing and expressing the essence of the national soul.

The Need for Cultural Authenticity

• Herder argued against adopting foreign cultural influences, urging for a revival of native traditions to restore national identity and integrity.

• Historical periods, particularly the Middle Ages, were viewed as points where national culture had to be reclaimed.

• He warned against the loss of national identity due to the adoption of foreign customs, viewing it as a rejection of one’s heritage.

The Future of National Culture

• For Herder, the ideal future for a nation involves developing its culture organically, reflecting its true character, rather than striving for something imposed from outside.

• He believed that the development of nations should rely on folk traditions as foundational stones for cultural innovation and continuity.

Conclusion

• Romantic nationalism, influenced by folk traditions as articulated by Herder, underlines the importance of understanding and preserving cultural heritage as a means of civic identity and national integrity.

• The ideas stemming from Herder continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about folklore and nationalism. Each nation is seen as having a unique mission to contribute to humanity collectively without losing its distinctiveness.