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Folklore
From the scholarly perspective folklore is often hard to define. Often we think of folklore as something outside of the "real world" that carries with it a certain lack of truth. We associate folklore with stories passed down through generations, old-fashioned beliefs and practices, or simply something viewed as antiquated. Folklore is everything but lacking in truth and antiquated. Folklore is knowledge and experience which is learned in an unofficial manner to create and interact with our world, communities, belief, and traditions.
"Folklore is not just another form of anthropology or literary study. The study of folklore touches on every dimension of human and artistic expression". |
The complexity and vagueness of folklore itself has resulted in a desire to categorize folklore as a means to ease the study and better understand the connections between folklore. Scholars have devised a system of three genres to develop a common language so as to discuss and share ideas and interpretations. The three genres of folklore are as follows:
The genres of folklore often overlap with one another. More often than not a single piece of folklore cannot be described by one genre. As a result the genres of folklore aid in the slightest way to create a more simplistic foundation for study.
- Verbal Folklore: Verbal folklore is any kind of lore that involves words. The words involved could be simple a way to convey messages or stories, lyrics to a song, or simply the words which label the folklore itself. Kabuki theater can be categorized as verbal folklore due to it's heavy reliance upon and unique style of verbal storytelling.
- Material Folklore: Material folklore can be viewed within any physical manifestation whether that be permanent or temporary. This genre of folklore includes historic buildings such as the Pyramids of Giza or something as small as a family heirloom. Within this genre kabuki theater can also be found. The theaters which showcase the performance art are objects of folklore in and of themselves. In addition to this kabuki performance requires heavy usage of physical objects, movements, and costuming to convey a story.
- Customary Folklore: Customary folklore is much harder to define than the previous genres due to it's breadth. From the folklorists perspective, customs often refer to a repeated, patterned behavior which typically signifies some level of membership within a group or community. A secret handshake between friends is a simple yet common example of such customary folklore.
The genres of folklore often overlap with one another. More often than not a single piece of folklore cannot be described by one genre. As a result the genres of folklore aid in the slightest way to create a more simplistic foundation for study.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Dumphasizer