The Soul that Swam: Yet More Stories My Parents Tell Me

My parents tell me a few last family legends, and I contemplate on how these stories might change in the telling. “This happened to your lolo [my paternal grandfather] as a young man, before he got married,” Dad said. “It was when he was in Cagayan de Oro.” My grandfather was a priest with the […]

St Patrick’s Day Traditions: ‘My Patrick’s Pot on you!’

St Patrick’s Day, 17th March, is a key fixture in the Irish calendar, and indeed in many other places throughout the world. It may not have the wealth of traditions associated with the traditional Irish quarter days but its popularity and the festivities associated with it make it central to the Irish year.

British Legends: The Outlaws of Inglewood and the Feminine Influence

The story of William of Cloudesly is found in a 16th century ballad, Adam Bell, Clym of the Cloughe and Wyllyam of Cloudeslee, but may be older. It was included in the influential 19th century collection, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, as ballad 116, by Francis James Child. Although it is a male dominated, rip-roaring, all action story, three women play a significant part, emerging at points to influence events. Presented here is a short retelling followed by a brief discussion on the influence of the three females on the story.

What is First-footing and Can It Improve Your Year?

First-footing as a New Year custom is most common in Scotland and the north of England, but it does have regional, and international, variations.

Living at the Edge of the World: Austronesian, German and East Asian Roots of Taiwanese Folklore

closer look at Taiwanese lore reveals the true international, eclectic and intercultural roots of Taiwanese folk culture.

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