folklore

Folklore

Folklore can be defined as a general term for different varieties of traditional narratives. The word folklore is used much the same way as the word "myth". The telling of stories appears to be widespread in pretty much all cultures, it exists in basic and complex societies alike. Even the different forms of folklore seem to be similar from culture to culture, and comparative studies of them have been successful in showing common relationships. Folklore consists of not only tales and legends, but it also involves dance, music, jokes, common beliefs and customs.

Why is it a part of Spirit And Sky SKR? Simply because much of folklore deals with spirituality and religion. This site would not be complete without a section on folklore. Many of the sites in this section have interesting tales, and I believe you will find them entertaining and informative.

Folklore and Religion

While folklore can and often does contain religious elements, it also concerns itself with the sometimes mundane events of everyday life. Folklore frequently creates a relationship with the practical and the esoteric into one narrative package. It has often been blended with mythology, and vice versa, because it has been assumed that any story or tale that does not agree with, or mention the dominant beliefs of the time is not as important as those dominant beliefs. Here's an example; The Roman religion was called "myth" by Christians back in the days of the Roman Empire . In that way, both myth and folklore have become very similar terms for all figurative narratives which do not agree with the dominant religion of the region. Sometimes "folklore" is in fact, religious in nature.

Some people use the term loosely. They use it to imply the story is not true, but was once considered to be true. Or they use the term for a story that they feel IS true, but cannot confirm it in any way. Interestingly the word "myth" is used in almost an identical manner.

Below is a listing of categories in the SKR pertaining to folklore