Fabric of Folklore

What do you know about the evil Baba Yaga, the most famous of the Russian fairy tales? Baba Yaga is one of the complex characters, and therefore one of the most fun and fascinating to discuss. In episode 7 of Fairy Tale Flip, Donna Lee Fields and Vanessa Y Rogers discuss the deeper meaning of this ambiguous child-eating witch who lives in a hut with chicken legs. We discuss the significances of her hut lit with skull lanterns deep in the forest. We explore the hidden meanings of the forest, Baba Yaga's frightening physical characteristics of iron teeth and long nose. We delve into other mythological figures, goddesses and trickster characters that share similarities with Baba Yaga. We look at the symbolism of death and rebirth, agism, finding one's own hero's journey. Its such a great episode! Further Reading Baba Yaga by Andreas Johns The Witch Must Die Sheldon Cashdan Baba Yaga (the version read for this session) Vasilisa the Beautiful and Baba Yaga BABA YAGA STORY TIME on YouTube Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

How can storytelling be used to heal? In episode 52 with Jazmine, a Lebanese-Australian a bilingual storyteller, we discuss the benefits of storytelling craft for both for the immigrant experience, but also as a medical tool. The daughter of a multilingual and multi-faith family, Jazmine is a domestic violence worker, writer, educator and oral bilingual storyteller and performer studying creative arts, and health and wellbeing. Through storytelling, she empowers marginalized communities using creative arts for therapy and education. Jasmine's programs cater to refugees, children with various backgrounds, and those facing health issues. We also talk about how oral storytelling is at risk due to modern educational trends moving away from traditional narrative forms. Jasmine aims to preserve ancient wisdom by reviving Nasreddin stories which are rich in moral teachings to help foster empathy, connection, and resilience-building skills essential for personal growth beyond academic settings. Don't miss this one! Links to connect with Jazmine https://www.youtube.com/beauxpetitsenfants https://www.instagram.com/beauxpetitsenfants/ https://www.jasmineb.com.au/ Notes: Diversity in SydneyJasmineStorytelling BenefitsJasmineBilingual StorytellingJasmineMultilingual SchoolsTeaching LanguagesJasmineCareer Change to StorytellingJasmineStorytelling ProgramsJasmineCultural InclusionJasmineMultilingual PerformancesJasmineStorytelling ResearchTimeline SFollow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas. The work you do is important. Mothers make the world go round! Episode 51, we're celebrating American Revolutionary Mothers and their accomplishments with historian, author, playwright, actress and storyteller Darci Tucker. She is the author of a one-woman play, Revolutionary Women, and the book ‘Embodying the Story through Character Interpretation'. We focus on two incredible women, Jane Long, nicknamed "Mother of Texas" and her contributions behind-the-scenes during the Republic of Texas's creation, and Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the elite forces in the American Revolutionary War. We also discuss the challenges faced by historical women and how the role of motherhood has changed. This is an episode, you won't want to miss! Darci's Website: https://americanlives.net/ 🎭 Combining History and Storytelling 🗣️ Character Development 📚 One Woman Plays 💡 Writing and Research 🌟 Mother's Influence Outline: Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Why does the Welsh flag have a dragon on it? In episode 50 with fairy tale author Claire Fayers, we explore this and more Welsh folklore mysteries. In our discussion, Claire, author of 'Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends', gives us insights into Welsh language revival efforts and the resurgence of interest in Celtic traditions. Claire was born and brought up in South Wales and has built a successful writing career, including her award-winning children’s book The Accidental Pirates: Voyage to Magical North. We explore the darker themes of traditional fairy tales, her creative writing process, and how fairy tale retellings are adapted for modern audiences. Other questions we discuss based off her fairy tale adaptations include, should you ever trust the magical Tylwyth Teg and how did the town of Beddgelert get its name? Don't miss this fun episode! Links: https://clairefayers.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Welsh-Fairy-Tales-Myths-Legends/dp/0702305510 Notes: 📚 Claire's Writing Career 🗣 Language Preservation 📖 Research Methods 📚 Story Selection 🔍 Challenges of Retelling Stories 🌟 Impact of Storytelling Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

What musical traditions do you enjoy? In our conversation with Juan Dies the Co-Founder & Executive Director the two-time GRAMMY Nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble in episode 49, we discuss the importance of folklore in reflecting society's values and how music can be a tool to discover and embrace one's heritage. Raised in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Juan first developed a passion for music, learning to play the guitar at age six. At age 18, he migrated to the U.S. and explored new musical styles including jazz, folk, reggae and rock. He served as Director of Community Programs for Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music before co-founding Sones de Mexico Ensemble. Juan shares insights into Mexican folklore, showcasing the importance of cultural preservation through education. We also chat about narratives like corridos which are tragic ballads steeped in history and tradition, to underscore the power of storytelling in maintaining heritage. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Sones de Mexico: https://sonesdemexico.com/ Timestamps: • 02:12 Journey into Ethnomusicology • 07:29: Discovery of interest in anthropology and comparative cultures. • 13:19: Contrasting anthropology and folklorist approaches to studying culture. • 14:54: Folklorists reconstructing unwritten history and focusing on oral traditions. • 16:03: Historical geographical method in studying Europe's unwritten history. • 23:47: Application of oral literature theories to various art forms. • 27:42: History of ethnomusicology and exploration of diverse musical systems. • 32:00: Research project with a multidisciplinary team. • 45:13: Transition to Sones de Mexico Ensemble • 1:00:18: Introduction to corridos as storytelling ballads. • 1:03:47: Teaching individuals to write corridos • 1:06:02: Development of recitation in English for corridos with subtitles. • 1:10:58: Importance of cultural education for age groups 9 to 14. • 1:12:06: Benefits of starting cultural education at a young age. Notes: 🎼 Background and Interest in Ethnomusicology • Juan discussed his background, comparing cultures and exploring beyond his local world. • Introduced to ethnomusicology by a professor, leading him to attend the Society for Ethnomusicology meeting. • **Interest in vernacular music, American pop music, Mexican music, and African music sparked his journey into ethnomusicology. 🌍 Exploration of Spanish and Mexican Music • Juan traveled to Spain and Kenya to learn about their music languages. • Shared insights into Spanish and Mexican music, exploring different regions and music styles. 🎤 Corridos and Storytelling • Juan specializes in corridos, a genre he teaches others to write based on local stories. • Described corridos as being delivered journalistically, often including humor about past events. 📚 Teaching Approach and Language • Juan teaches music classes exclusively in Spanish to provide a unique learning experience. • Emphasized the importance of starting music education early for better results in the future. Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Do you know what the oldest fairy tale known to modern times is? If you don't now, you will soon! The Smith and the Devil is a fairy tale found all over the world throughout countless cultures. But why? Why has that fairy tale been maintained through the not hundreds of years but thousands? What is the connection with blacksmiths and devils? Is the devil a bad guy in the story? In this fascinating episode we reflect on themes of duality and power dynamics, intricate relationship between blacksmiths, fire symbolism, and alchemical powers stood as a central theme in understanding narratives. We discuss ancient and modern interpretations, highlighting variations found in Russia, Scotland, Appalachia, the American West among others. Our conversation included the Greek and Roman gods like Hephaestus and Vulcan, as well as, the linking of the devil and Pan, highlighting themes such as societal perceptions, trickery, honor and respect. Don't miss this enlightening and incredible episode! 📖 Fairy Tale Discussion 🧠 Philosophical Discussion 🌍 Variations of Fairy Tales 🔬 Research Findings Links to research mentioned: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.150645#F4 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320562318_Magical_and_Maligned_Metalworkers_Understanding_Representations_of_Early_and_High_Medieval_Blacksmiths_The_Occult_in_Pre-Modern_Sciences_Medicine_Literature_Religion_and_Astrology https://www.recordonline.com/story/lifestyle/2011/02/28/tell-me-story-knight-fairy/50183853007/ Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Is fantasy just the next step of folklore? Folklore is often a core element of fantasy fiction. Rebecca Heidt, an LGBTQ+ writer of the fantasy fiction "Acceptance" series, talks to us about how she uses folklore in her writing, as well as anthropology, history, spirituality and nature. In episode 48, Rebecca chats with us about her award-winning series, and her research into world mythologies. We discuss various mythological elements like nymphs and fairies from Greek, Roman, and Norse beliefs. We explore the symbolism of elements such as the tree of life in different cultures and unique celebrations, such as Midsummer Day. This is the episode where fantasy and folklore collides. Don't miss it! Find Rebecca here: https://www.rebeccaheidt.com/ Notes: Rebecca's Writing JourneyShe shared her writing process and inspiration for the series.Exploring Folklore and MythologiesRebecca highlighted the cultural and historical connections in her stories.Research ProcessFlora and Spring SymbolismRebecca shared her passion for incorporating flora symbolism into her work.Acceptance Series and FolkloreLinked the series to unlocking personal growth through overcoming dissociation.Tree of Life SymbolismUpcoming ProjectsScript completion and preparations for filming in progress.Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Did you know there are over 400,000 Quinceañera's celebrated annually in the United States alone? In episode 47, Rachel V. González-Martin joins us to shed light on the evolution of Quinceañera over time and their connections to modern Latinx cultural values. Dr. Rachel Valentina González-Martin is an assistant professor of Mexican American and Latina/o studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She is the coeditor of Race and Cultural Practice in Popular Culture and Author of Quinceañera Style: Social Belonging and Latinx Consumer Identities. We chat about the societal impacts of Quinceañeras, with a focus on community building, family dynamics, and youth empowerment among Latina girls in the US. We also explore the historical origins of Quinceañeras and how it is a blend of European court customs with indigenous roots and modern influences like social media. This is a fascinating conversation that you do not want to miss! Buy her book here: Quinceañera Style: Social Belonging and Latinx Consumer Identities Timestamps: Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Have you heard of the Aztec Legend of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl? At the heart of this Mexican Legend from Aztec Mythology are two volcanoes overlooking Mexico City. A legend sometimes referred to as the Romeo and Juliet of Central America, this legend tells of a princess and a warrior whose love burns bright, but because of unfortunate circumstances, die of grief and are turned into the beautiful snow capped mountains looming large over the city. In Fairy Tale Flip episode 5, Donna Lee Fields of Doorways to Learning and Vanessa Y Rogers of Fabric of Folklore dive into the history of the Aztecs, the legend, the language, spirituality, connection to nature and the different versions to understand the story's hidden meanings. Don't miss this one! All Three options given for the month: The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf: https://youtu.be/YPnH9cPK0eE The Wild Swans: https://youtu.be/kPuz286p47g The Legend of Popocatepetl & Iztaccíhuatl: https://youtu.be/SNXLxggR5b8 Description of all THREEt: https://fabricoffolklore.com/?p=1087 The Vital Organs of Planet Earth Video Correction: The word Popocatepetl is divided in 5 syllables: Po-po-ca-te-petl. (not 7 like Vanessa stated) Music credit: Celtic Impulse - Celtic · Kevin MacLeod Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

When a language dies, why should we care? Don Kulick, a distinguished University Professor of Anthropology at Uppsala University and head of the ENGAGING VULNERABILITY research program talks to us in episode 46 about the death of languages. We delve into his book, A Death in the Rainforest: how a language and a way of life came to an end in Papua New Guinea, discusses his work in the tiny village of Gapun in New Guinea to document the death of the native language and why that matters. We explore the evolution of anthropological fieldwork from historical methods to current approaches, benefits of learning about other cultures, and the importance of documenting dying languages. You're going to love it! His book: A Death in the Rainforest: how a language and a way of life came to an end in Papua New Guinea Notes: •🌏 **Anthropology and Linguistics** •Dr. Kulick’s journey into anthropology from linguistics. •Interest in people who speak different languages. •Multilingualism among groups in Papua New Guinea. •Impact of language on worldview and self-presentation. •👥 **Evolution of Anthropology** •Comparison to Margaret Mead's fieldwork methods. •Emphasis on understanding specific people and cultures. •Benefits of learning about other cultures. •💬 **Language Evolution in Papua New Guinea** •Transition to speaking Tok Pisin from traditional languages. •Tok Pisin as a pigeon language with English-based words. •Challenges of understanding and communication. •📖 **Language and Culture Preservation** •Importance of documenting dying languages like Tie Up. •Socialization of children through native languages. •Observations on cultural differences and understanding. •🤔 **Cultural Exchange and Understanding** •Value of experiencing different cultures and languages. •Encouragement to step out of personal bubbles for understanding. •Appreciation of diversity and differences in people. •🌍 **Global Community Engagement** •Call for thoughts on experiencing different cultures. •Importance of learning languages and diverse worldviews. •Community engagement for broader conversations. Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

What can we learn from Indian mythology? Sunita Pant Bansal, author of countless books of Indian mythology and children folk literature, helps us understand the life lessons mythology offers. In episode 45, author of best seller Krishna, The Management Guru and Everyday Gita, Sunita walks us through the concept of her newest book on boons and curses in Indian mythology. The discussion highlights how mythology stories carry life lessons on justice, karma, impermanence, and diversity in viewpoints. We also dive into the idea of equality among individuals, irrespective of cultural or physical differences. As an example, in Indian mythology, everyone has the power to give blessings or curses, and even powerful figures such as gods can suffer. We explore how global mythologies showcase commonalities amongst us all. Don't miss this one! Links: Sunita’s Website: https://www.sunitapantbansal.com/ KRISHNA THE MANAGEMENT GURU (PB) https://amzn.eu/d/hMgIBju EVERYDAY GITA: 365 DAYS OF WISDOM https://amzn.eu/d/cMxByiy The Return of Vikram and Betaal https://amzn.eu/d/2zRdFGb Ramayan The Journey of Ram https://amzn.eu/d/dPrPZPQ Mahabharat The Rise and Fall of Heroes https://amzn.eu/d/840k539 Puranas - The origin of Gods and Goddesses https://amzn.eu/d/6C5vDTk Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Have you heard of the Dybbuk of Jewish folklore? It is a malicious possessing spirit most well-known in Yiddish Theater, Between Two Worlds. The play was written by S. Ansky in 1914, a playwright and enthographer. The tale centers on a young woman possessed by a dybbuk- that of her deceased lover. The play became a canonical work of both Hebrew and Yiddish theatre, being further translated and performed around the world. Dr. Morris M. Faierstein joins us in episode 44 to discuss his upcoming book The Dybbuk, Its Origins and History. In this fascinating episode we discuss possession, exorcism, reincarnation, mental illness, rituals for helping spirits move on to Gehenna (a temporary place of punishment), and more modern examples of alleged possession cases being debunked as frauds or diagnosed as mental illnesses. Don't miss it! Pre-order book: Dybbuk, Its Origins and History- https://sunypress.edu/Books/T/The-Dybbuk Academia Profile Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Is Rumpelstiltskin morally good or is he evil? Why does he want the queen's baby? What does nature and the natural world have to do this fairy tale? If you have ever read a fairy tale and wondered if there was a hidden meaning, if it had a message you just weren't catching, this is the podcast for you. Fairy Tale Flip is a monthly collaboration between Doorways to Leaning and Fabric of Folklore to bring you a unique exploration of a different fairy tale each month. Each month, we have YOU, the audience, CHOOSE between three fairy tales, and this month for EPISODE 4 you choose Rumpelstiltskin. in this live episode we discussed the power of a name, the power of three, the history and the different versions found across the globe. This is such a fun episode, you wont want to miss it! Notes: Mentioned in the Episode: Name of the Wind Wizard of Earthsea How to Fracture a Fairy Tale Emma Wilby Diane Stanley Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

How does one go from slavery to equality? That is the question African Americans grappled with after their emancipation in 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation released Blacks from their enslavement, but they continued to experience inequality in all phases of American life —social, cultural, political, and economic. In episode 43, Dr. Ronald L. Sharps, Associate Dean of College of the Arts at Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ joins us to discuss his new book 'Black Folklorists in Pursuit of Equality-African American Identity and Cultural Politics, 1893–1943.' We talk about the folklore of African Americans After the Civil War and how they sought to solidify and create their identity by defining their own folklore. Through this pursuit of equality, African Americans developed movements to reveal in their rhetoric the soul of a race and a path toward civilization. Book: Black Folklorists in Pursuit of Equality-African American Identity and Cultural Politics, 1893–1943. Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Have you heard of The Hero with a Thousand Faces? What about the hero's journey? Joseph Campbell was an author, professor and global storyteller. A lecturer at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, his work continues to have ripple effects across the globe today. His works, and influence in understanding mythology around the world, are the topic of today's incredible show. In episode 42, Bruce Boyce, the creator of “I Take my History with My Coffee” blog and podcast, joins us to discuss the influential American writer and his works on mythology and world religion, including, The Masks of God. Joseph Campbell's work has inspired and influenced generations, including filmmaker George Lucas in his framing of the Star Wars Trilogy. I Take History With My Coffee: itakehistory.com I Take History With My Coffee Podcast: www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/ Here are some essays for blog related to folklore and myth: Yule (itakehistory.com) On A Midsummer's Night (itakehistory.com) NOTES: Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Have you ever wondered why humans are primed for stories? Once a story starts, its so hard to stop. In episode 41 Kendall Haven talks to us about the brain science behind why we are magnetically attracted to stories. His research, story coaching work, and two seminal books, STORY PROOF: The Science Behind the Startling Power of Story, and STORY SMART: Using the Science of Story to Persuade, Influence, Inspire, and Teach have revolutionized our understanding of stories—of the science of story, of the relationship between the human brain and story and of the power of story elements to transform communications. Connect Fabric of Folklore website | YouTube Channel | Apple | Spotify Social Media Twitter | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Linkedin Links for Kendall Haven: Website: https://www.kendallhaven.com/index.htm Books: https://www.kendallhaven.com/works.htm Notes: Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

In Episode 3 "A Flowering Tree" Donna and Vanessa dive deep into this Indian fairy tale translated to English by A. K. Ramanujan to understand its significance, relevance and historical context. The story is a Kannada folklore that tells the tale of a young woman, Kumudha, who discovers that she has the magical ability to transform herself into a flowering tree. She uses this gift to support her impoverished family, but her transformation is later exploited. The story explores themes of magic, transformation, and the vulnerability of women, establishing a connection between women and nature. It is a woman-centered tale that highlights the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women. The narrative involves elements of impossible events and mythic archetypes that resonate with universal human experiences. What are you thoughts? What did we get wrong? Watch The Flowering Tree here: https://youtu.be/r3KqegIn6Qk?si=tOqQdw6F1xt2uFMZ Music Credit Celtic Impulse by Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/celtic-impulse Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0mmKw8WNPSY Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

Have you ever taken a journey that awakened your senses? In episode 40, we speak with Stina Gray, a professional storyteller, ethnologist and author with roots in Sweden and New Zealand. She talks to us about her heartwarming stories, performances and also her new book, When the Woods Sang: Returning to the Singing Earth. It is about her journey into the singing, weeping woods of her Motherland and to the heart of her path as a storyteller. The journey awakened her senses to the lore of the land, showing her that everyone and everything has a song to sing and a story to tell. It's a session filled with inspiration, connection to nature, and the magic of stories. Tune in now! Stina's Website Follow on Social Media Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

How can mythology and folklore be a tool for healing? In episode 39, Sabrina Fletcher, a bereavement doula incorporates myth storytelling in her grief circles for pregnancy loss, drawing on ancient stories, myths, and archetypes to facilitate healing. These narratives can act as reminders that we are not alone in our experiences. Inspired by her own loss and the lack of community support, Sabrina became a doula, offering support to others in their grief. We delve into how rituals and folktales are healing. We explore a few folktales such as Persephone's descent into the underworld (symbolizing grief) and La Llorona (a crying woman associated with loss) and how she uses them in her work. Don't miss this fascinating episode! Links: Grief Circle Enrollment :http://www.thetfmrdoula.com/ascend-apply The TFMR Doula Website: http://thetfmrdoula.com/ Apply for TFMR FB group : https://www.thetfmrdoula.com/facebookgroup.html The lack of mourning rituals : https://www.thetfmrdoula.com/writings/the-lack-of-mourning-rituals Time Stamps Folklore and its relevance to personal healing 02:43 Creating a safe space for grief and tough emotions 09:29 Questions and guidance for supporting grieving individuals 11:00 Following the lead of the grieving individual 17:00 Incorporating folktales into the healing process 24:01 Rituals and storytelling in grief circles 29:50 Structure of grief circles 42:05 Lighting candles and sharing personal experiences 42:15 Journaling prompts and writing breaks 44:16 Exploring different stories and their significance 46:15 Stories of the younger goddesses Persephone 48:10 The importance of storytelling in the healing process 59:50 Validation of grief and tough emotions in stories 1:04 Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

What if you are reading fairy tales all wrong? What if the witch is actually the good guy? In episode 38, we're talking Donna Lee Fields, a teacher-trainer and speaker in the international educational circuit with a passion for looking deeper into the underlying messages in fairy tales. The Witch as the Hero of Fairy Tales was the title of her doctoral thesis. We talked about fairy tales and how the stereotypes we’ve made about the characters of the princess and the witch, may be wrong. We also discussed winter celebrations, their similarities and differences and their related religions based off one of her student-centered activities created for educators. Links: https://www.youtube.com/@donnaleefields www.scaffoldingmagic.com As a gift for listening to Vanessa's podcast with Donna, find a free scaffold from her award-nominated website here. Subscribe and Follow: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Main Points Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin