To think more should be made of our local myths, folklore and traditions

[Feelingathomenow]

Britain, and indeed the whole of the western world, seems to be becoming increasingly divided. Political ideologies v political ideology, Religion against religion, race against race, sex against sex.

For a society to be strong, it needs common values, common beliefs and common rituals. It needs shared stories we can relate to and make reference to.

This is where myths and traditions have always played a vital part. Britain is full of local stories that people have all eagerly shared, stories everyone knew that brought people together. story telling is so very important to humanity and always has been. Traditions where everyone played their part either as participator or spectator, either way it brought a community together, these kinds of rituals have proven benefits for all.

People in Devon and Cornwall always knew about the pixies and people round here often blame/thank the Pixies for good/bad luck. We have the Tar barrels every November which provides a focus for people, newer traditions referencing the old, like the pirate festival, celebrations around the landing of William of Orange etc. People talk about hairy hands grabbing the steering wheel of your car on a certain road, people know about Kitty Jays grave where fresh flowers appear on the grave of a suicide victim buried at cross roads even if your back is turned for a second or the Devil riding out across the moors with his hell hounds.

Many of these myths and legends have made it into some of the most popular stories, The hell hounds on Dartmoor made it into the hounds of the Baskerville (thanks to Doyle’s coach driver (a mr Baskerville) when he visited Dartmoor.obviously the Fantastic JK Rowling has introduced Dobies and Boggarts to children far beyond Scotland/East of England respectively. People across the world read these stories

So should we be talking about these things more, esp in schools to give common stories of Britain (or wherever you live) not so tied to the big religions or political ideologies, things that do however, fulfil the need for common stories and rituals based in the landscape of where people live? Should more be done to encourage everyone to take part in local traditions to bring communities together? Also interested to hear of any local legends/traditions etc.

Oh really?! Think it’s at my parent’s house, will text my mum! Thank you!

I’m curious… Can I ask why?

Definitely sounds like we’re close. I’ll definitely seek out Seth Lakeman - thank you for the recommendation

I teach about Welsh myths and legends in my school.

I'm in England and we have loads of local myths and legends and the traditions that go along side.

Maybe there is a north/south divide ?

Tbf the English are still of Celtic descent for the most part. They outnumber those in Scotland and Waies surprisingly enough.

Strictly speaking the Celts weren't indigenous either.

David Almond does this with the North East (Northumberland and Durham mostly) in his books. They are fantastic for giving a sense of lace and culture . He is fairly recent too, (Noughties).

It's hilarious to me that you are concerned about being accused of right wing dog whistles in positive response to a post containing that hoary old right wing dog whistle: "British culture and heritage is being erased in the name of multiculturalism."

No, it isn't.

British culture is embracing the reality of its role as a trading, sea-faring imperialist nation, the first to industrialise, ready to enjoy the benefits of an open attitude to the world, from tea drinking to fish and chips to chicken tikka masala. Nothing is being erased. People are free to continue with their older traditions. Many of us choose not to.

You also appear to not be embracing the traditions of self-deprecation and not taking yourself too seriously. People take the piss out of Morris dancing because it is a bit lame. We have heard soul music and rock'n'roll and we prefer it to English folk music.

I haven't read the full thread but have dropped in to recommend the late Phil Rickman's books. Lots of folklore, ley lines and a sense of the power of the land intertwined with detective stories. However the darkest monsters are always human

Load of old bollocks.

ordnance survey benchmarks Bet that takes the wind out of their sails fast! 😁😂

Interesting - do you see the value in traditions within a culture.

Why do you equate being concerned about a culture try to maintain its traditions with a type of politics. Do you have concerns about Indigenous peoples maintaining their cultures found the world or are you just concerned when it’s mentioned in respect of Britain?

I wish I rated him - but I didn't get on with anything of his I read!

I don’t think they are benevolent and wouldn’t like them to be given more attention than they already get.

Honestly, I have seen people arguing against all evidence that there can't be such a simple explanation! It's really depressing.

Maybe it depends where in England. I do think myths and legends are more prevalent in Celtic culture, maybe I just tune into it more in Scotland too!

There is a legend in Cornwall about a giant named Bedruthan..I seem to recall there is a legend about the beach at Portreath to do with Bedruthan throwing rocks into the sea (hence the big rocks there)

I think some people do need a conspiracy in everything , maybe it's the ley lines messing with their heads 😁😂😂

The myths and legends themselves often shed some light on their malign nature. In addition I’m personally aware of the spiritual source of power enabling these entities.

Think I’m also pretty nearby! 👋

@Feelingathomenow He dances with a male only side. Many years ago I toyed with the idea of joining a clog dancing side but alas my knees are not up to it anymore!

What is? The fact that a society has myths and legends which have been handed down through generations, or are you arguing that a society does not have traditions- excuse my questions but your short response, which I’m sure is the culmination of years of study on the subject is somewhat open to interpretation

And what would that spiritual source be?

Not good.

Why?