My family passed down lore from our culture (Mexican). We celebrate Dia de Los Muertos for one, where we prepare foods and bevrages for our departed ancestors so that they know they are remembered on All Souls' Day. Grew up with altars, curanderas, alijibres,warding off the "evil eye" (ojo), etc. As children, we were often warned about staying outside late at night and especially crossing creeks and bridges at night because "La Llorona" would get us. She was one who drowned her children after being scorned by a rich man who woowed her, took her virginity then did not keep his word about caring for the children with her that he sired. One day she discovered he had married and was coming to take his children from her. Rather than lose them to him and his new wife, she drowned them in a river. She haunts water ways at night, wailing for her dead children. Tragic story, but a warning to young girls to not have extramarital sex and or believe smooth-talking gentlemen whose intent is to de-flower maidens. Also a warning to not be out late at night because bad things can happen. Anyway, we believe in spirits. shape-shifters, demons, angels, etc. I love folklore.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I grew up in San Diego, about 25 miles from the border with Mexico, so I have a little familiarity with the folklore and rituals you describe. The story you tell of La Llorona is both intriguing and frightening at the same time. She reminds me of a nursery bogie, like Jenny Greenteeth, but for teens and young adults. I love folklore, too!
This is so fascinating, I really wanted to read the Encyclopedia of Faeries, did you find it to be scary at all? I'm a pretty big scaredy cat and get nightmares very easily. Also four leaf clovers have always been such a sign for me so I loved learning more about the folklore you captured here. Biologically I believe clovers (not just four leaf) cleanse the soil, so they often grow and replenish soil before something new can grow. I thought you'd enjoy this aspect of their function because it kind of ties into some of the folklore around them as well.
Thank you! What a keen observation you've made between the role of clover in improving soil and the folklore surrounding it! This is what I love about folklore and folktales--they are often layered in meaning. I'm so glad this piece connected with you! As for An Encyclopedia of Fairies, the book I referenced in my post and included in the photo, it was written by the folklorist Katharine Briggs. It presents all sorts of faerie folklore topics through alphabetical entries, some of which may be a little dark. But you might be referring to Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. This is on my tbr list, too. From descriptions of the book that I've read online, it sounds like cozy fantasy, with some romance, so I would think that it wouldn't be too scary. :)
Oh you may be right, I may be confusing the two encyclopedia books. I'll have to do more research, but will likely opt for the cozier of the two. Thanks for pointing that out! And yes I really enjoyed this post, I can't wait to read more of your posts this topic is so interesting and you can tell how much research and knowledge you put into your writing on it.
You're welcome! When Heather Fawcett's book came out, I first thought it was a nonfiction reference work, like Brigg's. But then I discovered that it was a novel. :) Thank you for your kind words--I appreciate your support! I really enjoy researching and writing the newsletter. I send one out once a month in order to balance it with my creative writing.
Another interesting read! Remind me to bring you a couple of fairy tale books I brought with me from Ireland.
Thanks, Marianne! That would be great to see your fairy tale books--thank you!
My family passed down lore from our culture (Mexican). We celebrate Dia de Los Muertos for one, where we prepare foods and bevrages for our departed ancestors so that they know they are remembered on All Souls' Day. Grew up with altars, curanderas, alijibres,warding off the "evil eye" (ojo), etc. As children, we were often warned about staying outside late at night and especially crossing creeks and bridges at night because "La Llorona" would get us. She was one who drowned her children after being scorned by a rich man who woowed her, took her virginity then did not keep his word about caring for the children with her that he sired. One day she discovered he had married and was coming to take his children from her. Rather than lose them to him and his new wife, she drowned them in a river. She haunts water ways at night, wailing for her dead children. Tragic story, but a warning to young girls to not have extramarital sex and or believe smooth-talking gentlemen whose intent is to de-flower maidens. Also a warning to not be out late at night because bad things can happen. Anyway, we believe in spirits. shape-shifters, demons, angels, etc. I love folklore.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I grew up in San Diego, about 25 miles from the border with Mexico, so I have a little familiarity with the folklore and rituals you describe. The story you tell of La Llorona is both intriguing and frightening at the same time. She reminds me of a nursery bogie, like Jenny Greenteeth, but for teens and young adults. I love folklore, too!
This is so fascinating, I really wanted to read the Encyclopedia of Faeries, did you find it to be scary at all? I'm a pretty big scaredy cat and get nightmares very easily. Also four leaf clovers have always been such a sign for me so I loved learning more about the folklore you captured here. Biologically I believe clovers (not just four leaf) cleanse the soil, so they often grow and replenish soil before something new can grow. I thought you'd enjoy this aspect of their function because it kind of ties into some of the folklore around them as well.
Thank you! What a keen observation you've made between the role of clover in improving soil and the folklore surrounding it! This is what I love about folklore and folktales--they are often layered in meaning. I'm so glad this piece connected with you! As for An Encyclopedia of Fairies, the book I referenced in my post and included in the photo, it was written by the folklorist Katharine Briggs. It presents all sorts of faerie folklore topics through alphabetical entries, some of which may be a little dark. But you might be referring to Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. This is on my tbr list, too. From descriptions of the book that I've read online, it sounds like cozy fantasy, with some romance, so I would think that it wouldn't be too scary. :)
Oh you may be right, I may be confusing the two encyclopedia books. I'll have to do more research, but will likely opt for the cozier of the two. Thanks for pointing that out! And yes I really enjoyed this post, I can't wait to read more of your posts this topic is so interesting and you can tell how much research and knowledge you put into your writing on it.
You're welcome! When Heather Fawcett's book came out, I first thought it was a nonfiction reference work, like Brigg's. But then I discovered that it was a novel. :) Thank you for your kind words--I appreciate your support! I really enjoy researching and writing the newsletter. I send one out once a month in order to balance it with my creative writing.