Mermaid Folktales: A 19th Century History
During the nineteenth century, mermaids regularly appeared in art, literature, and music, as well as in the news, with reported public sightings recorded.
Folklore Festivals: Five Italian Folklore-Filled Weekends in October
Italian festivals offer glimpses of life in a previous time through food, re-enactments and sporting events. These events will satisfy history buffs and foodies alike. PALIO degli ASINI – Race of the Donkeys October 2 – Alba, Piedmont/Piemonte Region, Italy When one thinks of the words “Italy” and “Palio” in the same sentence, it is […]
Winter Folklore: The Creatures of Christmas
From the animals that witnessed the Nativity, to the robins on our greetings cards and Santa’s reindeer, the creatures of Christmas truly animate the magic of the festive season.
Snow Queens and Winter Witches from Around the World
Through myth, fairy tale and legend, powerful women are depicted as dark, cruel and calculating, and they are often naturally associated with winter – a season where all warmth withdraws, and the land is covered with snow and ice, and life is no more than a battle of survival against the elements.
Roses are Red: The Sinister Side of Valentine’s Day Folklore
![Lupercalia by Andrea Camassei, c. 1635 [Public domain] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Camasei-lupercales-prado.jpg#/media/File:Camasei-lupercales-prado.jpg](https://folklorethursday.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/valentinesday.png)
Sending mean cards? Eating mashed earthworms? Using jack o’lanterns to light medieval love banquets? They’re all surprising yet vaguely sinister ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.