‘Gather far, gather near, gather all the milk and butter here!’ Some May Day Traditions from Ireland

May 7, 2020 by Conchúr Mag Eacháin

In Cork, on May morning before sunrise, a person went out and brought back a branch of hazel, holly and mountain ash and returned to the house singing the above verse to ‘bring in the summer’. In Ireland, as in many parts of Western Europe, May marked the beginning of summer…

The Lessons of Monsters: As Learned from Cultural Demons Krampus and Namahage

February 1, 2018 by Chris Kullstroem

Chris Kullstroem delves into the world of monsters, their cultural festivals and scare tourism…

Skeleton Folklore: “I Can Feel it in My Bones”

October 26, 2017 by Icy Sedgwick

Icy Sedgwick explores the folklore, beliefs, and superstitions associated with the human skeleton in traditional and contemporary cultures across the world.

Protection from Evil, Bad Traffic or Bears: Omamori in Japanese Culture

May 17, 2018 by Kim McGreal 

Although their origins lie in Japanese folk traditions, omamori are still a popular sight throughout Japan. The word itself, 御守り, doesn’t have a direct translation into English, but they are protection charms – usually for sale within both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines – which are said to contain spirits.

Folk Healing & Hypnotism: Arthur Spray, ‘The Mysterious Cobbler’ of Bexhill

July 20, 2017 by Julian Porter

Arthur Spray, known as ‘The Mysterious Cobbler of Bexhill’, wrote an autobiography in 1935 which detailed his famed powers in healing and hypnotism.