Folklore

Our Folklore category includes several subcategories relevant to this topic: Traditions, Urban Legends, Amulets, Rites and Rituals, Witchcraft, Superstitions, and Astrology.

The term folklore comes from the old English language. It is composed of two words: folk (meaning "people") and lore (meaning "knowledge" or "tradition"). Folklore, invented by the British antiquarian William John Thoms (1803-1885), replaced an outdated terminology at that time - popular antiquities.

Folklore springs from the common culture of a group of people and includes all the traditions specific to that culture or subculture.

Among the most well-known folklore elements are stories, proverbs, traditional handmade objects, legends specific to a region or people, celebration rituals (such as Christmas or weddings), folk dances, and initiation rituals (still practiced in many cultures worldwide).

We can discover a plethora of lore, traditions, myths, and superstitions for almost every aspect of everyday life. Many contain bits of truth and are inspired by actual events.

Others are nothing more than figments of our imaginations.

But regardless of their origin, myths, legends, lore, traditions, and superstitions exert a controlling force over many.

Birth, wedding, or funeral traditions and all noteworthy holidays (St. Andrew, St. Nicholas, Christmas, or Easter) are deeply rooted in most people's cultures.

Folklorists call these ceremonies rites of passage, a term first used by Arnold Van Gennep in Rites of Passage, a writing published in Paris in 1909. The terminology was quickly adopted and marked the transition from one biological or social condition to another.

Urban legends are another big part of folklore. While much more recently introduced, urban legends are viewed as a modern genre of traditional folklore deeply rooted in some popular cultures.

What exactly are urban legends? Urban legends are short stories of contemporary folklore, a type of popular tradition or legend, sometimes associated with a superstition that, although they feature frightening, unusual, grotesque, or supernatural events, have gained wide circulation.

Most of the time, urban legends show a chronicle of actual facts and events that happened in the past or are happening today.

Many urban legends revolve around events taken from reality, distorted, exaggerated, and enriched with fabulous and fictional elements. Other urban legends originate from the misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the stories by those who heard them and decided to pass them on.

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Amulets

The Mysterious Power of Amulets and Talismans: How They Protect and What Not to Do

The Mysterious Power of Amulets and Talismans: How They Protect and What Not to Do

The word "amulet" originates from the Latin word "amuletum," denoting the potency that the Romans ascribed to these objects as safeguards ag

A Guide to Carnelian’s Mystical, Energetic, and Purifying Properties

A Guide to Carnelian’s Mystical, Energetic, and Purifying Properties

Carnelian, highly prized in Ancient Egypt, is an exquisite mineral whose deep red color was symbolic of blood and the virtue of the goddess

Ring Symbolism Unveiled: A Journey Through the History and Meaning of Rings

Ring Symbolism Unveiled: A Journey Through the History and Meaning of Rings

Rings symbolize eternal love and endlessness, reminding us of the oaths of loyalty and fidelity the bride and groom make to each other.

Eye of Horus: Origins, Mythology, and Symbolism Unraveled

Eye of Horus: Origins, Mythology, and Symbolism Unraveled

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol revered for millennia and central to ancient Egyptian culture and mythology.

How to Harness the Magical Powers of Bells to Ward Off Evil Spirits

How to Harness the Magical Powers of Bells to Ward Off Evil Spirits

Bells have been associated with mystical situations and the spirit world since ancient times.

The Witch Bell: How to Make One for Home Protection

The Witch Bell: How to Make One for Home Protection

Witch bells have a long history and connection to the world of the paranormal and unexplained.

Astrology

The Secrets of Chinese Astrology – Symbolism, Principles, Zodiac Signs and Primordial Elements in the Chinese and European Zodiacs

The Secrets of Chinese Astrology – Symbolism, Principles, Zodiac Signs and Primordial Elements in the Chinese and European Zodiacs

Many civilizations (like Indians, Chinese, and Mayans) have prioritized astronomical events. Some have even developed elaborate systems for

The Symbolic Meanings of the 5 Primordial Elements In The Chinese Zodiac: How To Recognize Yours

The Symbolic Meanings of the 5 Primordial Elements In The Chinese Zodiac: How To Recognize Yours

According to the ancient Chinese calendar, one of the five primal elements - Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal - rules the Earth at any gi

Chinese Zodiac Signs and Meanings: A Complete Guide

Chinese Zodiac Signs and Meanings: A Complete Guide

Emerging more than 3,000 years ago, much earlier than European astrology, the Chinese zodiac has become a serious competitor to the Western

Rites and Rituals

Superstitions

Dragon Symbolism in Different Cultures: A Journey Through Myth and Legend

Dragon Symbolism in Different Cultures: A Journey Through Myth and Legend

Dragons have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, appearing in myths, legends, and folklore all over the world.

Uncover The Fascinating World of Mirror Superstitions: Discover Why Breaking a Mirror Is a No-No!

Uncover The Fascinating World of Mirror Superstitions: Discover Why Breaking a Mirror Is a No-No!

Mirrors are often seen as powerful objects that bridge the material and spirit worlds, making mirror superstitions much more fascinating.

Traditions

The Bunyip – An Enigmatic Creature from Australian Folklore

The Bunyip – An Enigmatic Creature from Australian Folklore

The Bunyip, shrouded in the depths of Australian Aboriginal folklore, stands as a testament to the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Aus

Tata Duende – Central American Forest Goblin

Tata Duende – Central American Forest Goblin

The Tata Duende, a figure shrouded in the mystique of Central American folklore, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural narr

Exploring the Origins of Superstitions, Myths, and Traditions Surrounding Halloween Celebrations

Exploring the Origins of Superstitions, Myths, and Traditions Surrounding Halloween Celebrations

Halloween is a holiday celebrated at the boundary between fall and winter, abundance and poverty, and life and death.

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Irish Claddagh Ring: Meaning, Myths, and Proper Wear

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Irish Claddagh Ring: Meaning, Myths, and Proper Wear

The Irish Claddagh ring is a beloved symbol of Irish heritage and has a rich history dating back centuries.

Urban Legends

6 Terrifying Horror Stories That Will Keep You Up at Night

6 Terrifying Horror Stories That Will Keep You Up at Night

Some of the most terrifying horror stories are not those with ghosts, demons, malevolent entities, or pagan rituals, but those based on true

4 Unsettling Japanese Urban Legends: Chilling Tales Rooted in Reality

4 Unsettling Japanese Urban Legends: Chilling Tales Rooted in Reality

Japanese urban legends, like fairy tales and childhood stories, endure because they often offer a harsh lesson to learn.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Urban Legends: Why Do People Believe These Tall Tales?

Unraveling the Mysteries of Urban Legends: Why Do People Believe These Tall Tales?

Urban legends are modern folklore circulated and retold through oral and written communication, often with an unknown author.

The Chilling Tale of Slender Man: What Is the Origin of the Internet’s Most Feared Monster?

The Chilling Tale of Slender Man: What Is the Origin of the Internet’s Most Feared Monster?

Slender Man, a menacing paranormal entity, is often depicted as a towering figure, standing 8 to 10 feet tall, with thin, elongated arms han

6 Unsettling Urban Legends and Horror Stories You Must Definitely Read!

6 Unsettling Urban Legends and Horror Stories You Must Definitely Read!

While most urban legends have their roots in fiction, some have arisen based on real events.

Witchcraft

Unraveling the Secrets of Voodoo Magic: History and Practices

Unraveling the Secrets of Voodoo Magic: History and Practices

Voodoo, also referred to as Vudu, Vodou, or Vodun is a complex religion that combines elements of African traditional religion with Catholic

Exploring the Fascinating World of Witchcraft: Types of Magic and Practices Still Used Today

Exploring the Fascinating World of Witchcraft: Types of Magic and Practices Still Used Today

Witchcraft has been a fascinating subject throughout history, and it intrigues people today.