Sims and Stephens - Living Folklore

Chapter 1: Folklore

  • Definition and Misconceptions

    • The term "folklore" is often used to dismiss cultural stories or beliefs as untrue or outdated.

    • Folklore encompasses much more than quaint stories; it includes various cultural expressions that are often valid and relevant.

  • What is Folklore?

    • Folklore includes folk songs, legends, material culture (like quilts), jokes, and rituals across urban, suburban, and rural settings.

    • It is part of informal communication (verbal, customary, material) and connects to people's identities and cultural values.

    • Misconception clarified: Folklore exists in modern contexts and isn’t just related to uneducated or primitive cultures.

Genres of Folklore

  • Types of Folklore

    • Verbal Folklore: Includes oral narratives, jokes, proverbs, and urban legends.

    • Material Folklore: Tangible cultural objects (e.g., quilts, traditional clothing) that represent cultural values.

    • Customary Lore: Repeated actions or rituals that signify group membership (e.g., secret handshakes, holiday traditions).

  • Interaction of Genres

    • Many expressions can encompass multiple genres simultaneously.

    • Example: Wedding traditions include verbal texts, material objects (like rings), and customary practices (like bouquet tossing).

Key Components of Folklore

  • Folklore as Informal Knowledge

    • Knowledge is shared informally through interactions within cultural groups, not through formal educational institutions.

  • Significance of Context

    • The meaning of a folklore item can change based on the setting, situation, and individuals involved.

    • Contextual factors provide deeper insights into the significance of the folklore shared by a group.

Historical Context of Folklore Study

  • Romantic Concept of the Folk

    • Early folklore studies romanticized rural and pre-industrial cultures as purer than urbanized ones, leading to a bias in how folklore was collected and understood.

    • Important figures include the Brothers Grimm who sought to preserve folk tales as national cultural treasures.

  • Development of Folklore Studies

    • The term "folklore" was coined by William John Thoms in 1846, reflecting a growing interest in the cultural practices of everyday people.

    • Scholars like Franz Boas advocated for studying the cultural contexts from which folklore arises, emphasizing cultural relativism and the significance of folklore in everyday life.

Evolving Perspectives in Folklore

  • Shifting Focus

    • Earlier studies focused primarily on verbal texts; recent scholarship includes a broad range of expressive forms like material and customary lore.

  • Performance Studies

    • Attention has shifted to how folklore is performed and exchanged within groups, reinforcing community identity and social interactions.

  • Critiques and Future Directions

    • Current folklore scholarship recognizes the importance of women's contributions and the need for collaborative interpretations from group members.

Conclusion

  • Folklore continues to evolve and is influenced by contemporary society, including the digital age.

  • The study of folklore is diverse and integrated, appealing to various interests including history, art, sociology, and more.

  • It enriches our understanding of culture and community, emphasizing the dynamic expressions that inform human interactions.