Have you ever wanted to learn more about the cultures of your ancestors like vietnamese christmas traditions? If so, then this blog post is for you. It contains information on the history, practices and traditions of different ethnic groups from all over the world. Most importantly, learn how to properly celebrate these folk traditions as we enter 2019 and an increasingly global society. This guide contains a total of 23 entries in one blog post! You can browse through them at your own leisure or just search for a specific topic that interests you.
1. Welsh Traditional Music (Wales)
Traditional music is what the Welsh are famous for, so it’s only fitting that Wales gets a blog entry. As well as singing and dancing, the Welsh are also known for their harpists. The national symbols of Wales are the daffodil, the leek and the red kite. The national flower is actually the daffodil, which represents rebirth and optimism.
2. Ugandan Folk Culture (Uganda)
Folk culture in Uganda is diverse with many tribes following their own traditions and customs regardless of where they reside in Uganda. Ugandan folk music is performed by singing and playing the kalimba, a type of hand percussion instrument. The national song of Uganda is “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (God Bless Africa) which was originally written by Eugène Ndayakissi and translated into English by Mary Ogot.
3. Japanese Folk Music (Japan)
The Japanese have adopted many different styles of music to suit their unique culture and traditions over the years, with one of the most famous being Kodo. The folk music of Japan is performed using various traditional instruments including taiko drums and the shamisen, a three-stringed banjo. The three pebbles pictured below symbolize the people of Japan and the country’s three islands.
4. Folk Culture from Chad (Chad)
Chad has a diverse folk culture with many different ethnic groups, including Fulani and Maba, residing in the country. The national dress of Chad includes colorful robes, hats and veils made out of camel, goat or sheep hide as well as beads made out of shells. The music of Chad can also be quite unique since each ethnic group has their own style including flutes, fiddles and drums.
5. Folk Songs of the Georgian People (Georgia)
In Georgia, folk songs are performed on traditional instruments such as the stringed instrument called the kanonche and the chiboni, a three-stringed violin. Georgia has a rich and diverse history, with its people idolizing many ancient historical figures such as Queen Tamara and King David The Builder.
6. Music from French Polynesia (French Polynesia)
French Polynesia is a popular holiday destination for Australians, Americans and Europeans alike due to its pristine beaches and weather. The music of French Polynesia is performed using many different traditional instruments including the ukulele, guitar and drums in combination with singing. The national symbol of French Polynesia is the palm tree, which represents protection and abundance.
7. Music from Greenland (Greenland)
In Greenland, traditional folk music is performed using multiple stringed instruments such as the fiddle, lyre, lyre-harp and harp-lute. The national symbol of Greenland is the walrus, which represents perseverance and hard work because the people must endure freezing temperatures for most of each year.
8. Nigerian Folk Music (Nigeria)
In Nigeria, folk music can be heard at almost every social occasion including weddings and festivals. The people of Nigeria are famous for their originality in celebration, naming and dress. The national symbol of Nigeria is the eagle, which represents sovereignty and freedom.
9. Hungarian Folk Music (Hungary)
In Hungary, folk music is performed using the fiddle and the cimbalom, a hammered dulcimer instrument. Hungarian folk music can also be heard at many social gatherings where dancing is a central facet of the party. The national symbol of Hungary is the white Stork which represents happiness, prosperity and fertility due to its large family size. Traditional dress from Hungary also includes much embroidery as well as bright colors such as red, yellow and blue to represent the nation’s lush greenery.
10. Irish Folk Music (Ireland)
Folk music is an intrinsic part of Irish culture that can also be heard in different forms such as fiddle, pipes and drums. Traditional folk songs are often accompanied by vocal harmonies as well as bagpipes to give them a hauntingly beautiful sound. Indeed, many Irish people claim that songs such as “Danny Boy” and “The Fields of Athenry” have the power to bring about a sense of homecoming for anyone who hears them. The national symbol of Ireland is the shamrock which signifies the three elemental gifts of earth, fire and water.
11. Music from Finland (Finland)
In Finland, folk music is most commonly heard at ice hockey games where the fans get very passionate and are known for shouting at their team to win. Folk music in Finland is called yhtye which means “band”. The national symbol of Finland is the blue-green Finn-dog which represents loyalty, faithfulness and happiness. The national dish of Finland is a piece of fish that’s graced with parsley, dill and horseradish.
