Author: PM

Folklore is a tapestry of human culture, woven from the threads of tradition, stories, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations. It’s the living, breathing embodiment of a community’s collective memory, expressed through a variety of means like oral traditions, music, dance, legends, myths, rituals, and more.

At its core, folklore is the art of everyday people. It isn’t found in the grandeur of royal courts or the eloquence of scholarly tomes but rather in the hearts and minds of common individuals. It’s the essence of shared experiences, values, and the wisdom of a culture.

Oral tradition is a fundamental aspect of folklore. Through storytelling, songs, and proverbs, communities preserve their history, teachings, and worldview. These narratives often include myths, legends, and folktales, each contributing to the colorful fabric of a culture. For instance, Greek mythology’s tales of gods and heroes, passed down orally for centuries, are an excellent example of folklore’s enduring impact.

Folklore is not static; it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving entity. As time progresses and societies change, folklore adapts, absorbing new elements while shedding others. In this way, it remains relevant and reflects the ongoing cultural development of a community.

Folklore plays a crucial role in identity formation and preservation. It connects people to their roots, helping them understand where they come from and who they are. By engaging with folklore, individuals find a sense of belonging and connection with their ancestors, fostering a stronger bond with their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, folklore is the cultural heritage of humanity, encompassing the tales, traditions, and expressions that shape who we are. It celebrates the ordinary and the extraordinary, connecting us to our past and guiding us into the future. Whether it’s the stories told around a campfire, the songs sung at a family gathering, or the customs followed during a festival, folklore is an enduring testament to the richness and diversity of human culture.

References:

1. Dundes, A. (1965). The study of folklore. Prentice-Hall.
2. Abrahams, R. D. (1968). Toward an ethnography of folklore. Western Folklore, 27(1), 1-15.
3. Tokumaru, Y. (2010). The dynamic nature of folklore: Theoretical discussions and case studies in Japan. Asian Ethnology, 69(2), 205-221.
4. Dorson, R. M. (1978). Folklore and folklife: An introduction. University of Chicago Press.
5. Dégh, L. (2001). Legend and belief: Dialectics of a folklore genre. Indiana University Press.

In the age of the internet, our lives have become intertwined with digital culture, and with it, a new form of folklore has emerged. Digital Folklore is a captivating fusion of audio drama and narrative documentary that delves deep into the heart of online expressions and culture. This innovative exploration shines a light on how the stories, trends, and customs that populate our digital realm are, in essence, contemporary folklore.

Folklore is traditionally associated with ancient myths, legends, and tales passed down through generations. However, Digital Folklore shows us that folklore is far from outdated. It’s alive and thriving in the world of the web. From eerie creepypastas and urban legends to the lighthearted and ubiquitous cat memes, these online expressions are the modern myths of our time.

Digital Folklore seeks to answer the question: What makes something folklore? The answer lies in the way these stories and phenomena resonate with people, evoke emotions, and become part of their collective consciousness. Just like ancient legends told around a campfire, these digital narratives bind people together through shared experiences.

One aspect that makes Digital Folklore so intriguing is its fluid and dynamic nature. Online culture evolves rapidly, giving birth to new stories and trends every day. What’s in vogue today could be a distant memory tomorrow. In the digital realm, folklore is in a constant state of flux, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the internet.

Digital Folklore is a testament to the power of storytelling in the digital age. It reminds us that, in an era where information travels at the speed of light, stories still hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s a chilling Reddit thread or a heartwarming tale of online communities coming together, these digital narratives define our online existence.

In conclusion, Digital Folklore is a captivating journey into the heart of our online culture. It shows us that the myths and stories of today are not carved on ancient stones but typed on screens, shared with millions, and etched into the collective memory of the digital age. This blend of audio drama and narrative documentary beautifully captures the essence of the online world, where scary stories and cat memes stand as the living folklore of our time.

References:

1. Burgess, J., & Green, J. (2009). YouTube: Online video and participatory culture. John Wiley & Sons.
2. Mavridou, O. (2017). Memes and folklore: Exploring online transmission of humor and urban legends through digital media. Journal of Folklore Research, 54(2-3), 119-140.
3. Tokumaru, Y. (2015). Digital folklore in contemporary Japan: Reflections on online narratives. Journal of Folklore Research, 52(2-3), 211-229.
4. Overell, R. (2016). “Baiting” and “shaming” young men: Ethnographic reflections on sex and misogyny in public digital culture. Feminist Media Studies, 16(5), 849-865.
5. Glassie, H. (1995). Passions for the past. In Folklore and Fable: Aesop, Grimm, and Andersen (pp. 218-238). Indiana University Press.