Folk belief
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In folkloristics, folk belief or folk-belief is a broad genre of folklore that is often expressed in narratives, customs, rituals, foodways, proverbs, and rhymes.[1] It also includes a wide variety of behaviors that are influenced by folk belief [2] through literature and theater. Examples of concepts included in this genre are magic, popular belief, folk religion, planting signs, hoodoo, conjuration, charms, rootwork, taboos, old wives' tales [3] that inspire fear and awe among those that practice folk traditions. In addition, there are omens, portents, the supernatural and folk medicine.[4]
Folk belief and associated behaviors are strongly evidenced among all elements of society, regardless of education level or income [5]. Folk belief is found in an agricultural, suburban, and urban environments alike.[6] Folk belief can appear in many different ways within a culture. [7] Folk belief is a common practice across the globe, embodying culturally distinct features dependent upon geographic location.[8]
Terminology
One of a variety of compounds extending from the coinage of the term folklore in 1846 (previously popular antiquities), the term folk-belief is first evidenced in use by British folklorist Laurence Gomme in 1892.[9]
Common parlance employs the word superstition for what folklorists generally refer to as folk belief.[10]
See also
- New religious movement – Religious community or spiritual group of modern origin
- Popular belief- Influenced by religion, but developed outside of established religious institutions
- Pseudoreligion – Non-mainstream philosophical movement which functions like a religion
- Religion – Social-cultural system
- Old wives' tales- Supposed truth that is actually a superstition
- Folk religion- Religious expression distinct from organized religious doctrines
