Indian Folklore: In Memory of My Lala Who is No More Now
Here Nalin Verma recalls memories of his uncle, from his childhood growing up in Bihar.
Top 5 Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World
The winter solstice has been celebrated in some form all around the world for centuries. Individual human cultures often mixed magic with religion in acknowledgement and celebration of this important astronomical event. Here we briefly look at five of these festivities from around the world, before discussing why they were so important to our ancestors and concluding with what science has to say today.
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.
May Day, Weddings and Births – Folklore Trees and Traditions in Bavaria
Maypoles are often seen as a quintessentially English tradition, yet in Bavaria the raising of the Maibaum (or May Tree) is also an important event, and it is not the only time a tree is hefted aloft in celebration.
The Folklore of Bells
Folklore shows that bells were not just used to call to prayer or to make an announcement, but also played a role in healing, superstition, and protection.