Peterborough: Folklore from a Neglected Corner of England
The city of Peterborough in the east of England and its surrounding region is one of the few English areas that has not previously benefitted from a thorough study of its folklore.
Top 5 Romanian Folk Tales
Why do folktales still charm us? They hold ancient wisdom, ceremonies and life lessons but they also unravel old rituals of passage, family ties, and ancient human desires, offering us a moment of contemplation and a much needed respite from our own life stories.
Protection from Evil, Bad Traffic or Bears: Omamori in Japanese Culture
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.
Stories My Parents Tell Me: Bars of Flaming Swords
I asked my parents to tell me about folk beliefs in the Philippines. In the process, I learned some interesting family stories. “Mom, what do you know about the aswang?” My parents never told me much about Filipino folklore when I was growing up.
The Top 3 Japanese Ghosts
19th century Japan was obsessed with ghost stories. These stories are so influential that they serve as direct inspiration for today’s horror films.