Wobbly Poets: Joe Hill, Signe Aurell, and Scandinavian-American Laborlore
The songs and poetry of the American labor movement are an example of occupational folklore or ‘laborlore’, which records worker voices and traditions.
Halloween Folklore and Superstitions
We all know that Halloween, as a festival, is not an invention of the trick-or-treating Americans but it is far older than many people realise.
From Cow to Kitchen: The Lore of Milking and Dairy Work
If a cow lost her milk, it could prove disastrous for a hard-up family. Witches and fairies were often blamed for this. It was commonly believed that witches took the form of a hare and suckled cows dry during the night.
Cicorc Conwy: Lucky Cork Sea-Dogs
These cicorc (or cork-dogs) were seen as good luck charms and also gave the sailors something else to think about whilst preparing for long voyages.
Passing Through & Under: A Ritual Healing in England
Until the 20th century, the inadequacies of orthodox medical services left a large proportion of the population dependent upon traditional folk medicine – essentially a mixture of common sense remedies based on the accumulated experience of nursing and midwifery, combined with inherited lore about the healing properties of plants.