Folklore: meaning, definitions and examples

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folklore

[ˈfəʊkˌlɔːr ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

traditional stories and beliefs

Folklore refers to the traditional stories, beliefs, customs, and practices of a community, passed down orally from generation to generation. It encompasses myths, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, songs, and rituals that reflect the cultural heritage of a group of people.

Synonyms

folk tales, oral tradition, traditional stories.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
folklore	Use when referring to the beliefs, customs, and stories of a community passed through generations, especially in a more formal or academic context. The folklore of the region includes many tales about mythical creatures. He studied the folklore of the indigenous people for years.
traditional stories	Suitable in general contexts when referring to long-established stories that are part of the culture and heritage of a group. Traditional stories often explain the origins of rituals and customs. Students learned about traditional stories from different cultures.
oral tradition	Appropriate when focusing on the method of passing cultural information, stories, and history through spoken word rather than written texts. Oral tradition is crucial for preserving the history of non-literate societies. They rely on oral tradition to keep their customs alive.
folk tales	Best used when talking about simple, traditional stories passed down orally among common people, often featuring moral lessons or cultural values. Grandma used to tell us folk tales about heroes and monsters. The book is a collection of folk tales from around the world.

Examples of usage

Folklore often includes tales of mythical creatures and supernatural events.
Many cultures have their own folklore about the origins of the world.
Exploring folklore can provide insights into the values and traditions of a society.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'folklore' was first coined in 1846 by William Thoms to describe the traditional art, literature, and customs of the people.
Many early stories were orally transmitted, meaning they were spoken rather than written down, allowing them to change over time with each storyteller.
Folklore includes a wide variety of forms, including fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends, often featuring morals or themes relevant to the society.

Cultural Significance

Folklore helps preserve cultural identities, especially for communities with rich oral traditions that may not have extensive written records.
Many holidays and festivals around the world are rooted in folklore, celebrating traditional stories and practices that unite communities.
Folklore can serve as a way to convey social values, educate children, and entertain, often reflecting the beliefs of a society.

Literature

Many famous works of literature and theater are inspired by folklore, such as Shakespeare's use of folk tales in plays like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'
Folktales often appear in children's literature, providing moral lessons and imaginative storytelling, as seen in works by authors like the Brothers Grimm.
Some contemporary authors intentionally weave folklore elements into their novels to connect readers with timeless themes and cultural roots.

Psychology

Folklore plays a role in shaping a person’s identity and sense of belonging, connecting them to their heritage and community.
The familiarity of folklore can comfort individuals, offering a shared space of understanding and tradition, influencing societal norms and behaviors.
Stories from folklore often teach resilience and problem-solving through characters overcoming challenges, providing guidance for real-life situations.

Modern Adaptations

In recent years, fairy tales from folklore have seen a resurgence in popular culture, reimagined in films and series, appealing to both children and adults.
Video games and graphic novels often draw upon folklore elements, integrating traditional stories into interactive experiences for modern audiences.
Social media has become a new platform for sharing and evolving folklore, where people reinterpret old stories to reflect contemporary issues and perspectives.

Translations

Translations of the word "folklore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 folclore

🇮🇳 लोककथाएँ

🇩🇪 Volkskunde

🇮🇩 folklore

🇺🇦 фольклор

🇵🇱 folklor

🇯🇵 フォークロア

🇫🇷 folklore

🇪🇸 folclore

🇹🇷 folklor

🇰🇷 민속

🇸🇦 فولكلور

🇨🇿 folklór

🇸🇰 folklór

🇨🇳 民间传说

🇸🇮 folklor

🇮🇸 sagnfræði

🇰🇿 фольклор

🇬🇪 ფოლკლორი

🇦🇿 xalq ədəbiyyatı

🇲🇽 folclore

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,910, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11907 machining
11908 seedling
11909 plunder
11910 folklore
11911 anaerobic
11912 adversaries
11913 dummy
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