Sun Folklore

Summer is quickly approaching.  The sun stays high in the sky longer, warming up the earth for several months before making a seasonal change into Fall. Like many heavenly bodies, the sun, a big part of our summer celebrations, is the topic of much folklore. Each culture has its own myths, legends, stories and folk wisdom about how the sun first came to light up our skies.  From escaping evil spirits to needing attention, the sun is a force in many folktales. Here are some examples of folklore about this ball of fire in the sky:

Siberia- One day the evil spirits of the land stole the sun out of the sky.  The animals of the land stumbled around in the darkness looking for food and shelter.  Finally, the wise raven called a council meeting to plan how to free the sun.  The hare was sent to find the sun since he was the fastest in the group.  The hare traveled for days until he found the hole where the evil spirits had hidden the sun.  While the spirits were sleeping, the hare climbed down the crevice and stole the sun back from the evil spirits.

Cherokee - The sun was jealous of her brother the moon because the people liked him more. The sun got so angry she sent a fever to kill the people who looked at her funny.  The sun traveled every day across the sky to see her daughter, so the people placed a poisonous snake at her daughter’s door to kill the sun.  The snake bit the daughter instead and the sun was so distressed she refused to shine.  To make the sun happy again the people danced in her honor.  Today, the Cherokee Tribe continues to please the sun by performing the sun dance.

Tsimshian- The sky used to be completely dark according to Tsimshian legend.  The chief of the land’s younger son, “One Who Walks All Over the Sky,” was sad at all the darkness.  He decided to make a mask out of wood and light it on fire.  Legend says that he travels across the sky every day wearing the mask to light up the sky.

Even with today’s scientific interpretations, the Sun remains a mysterious force of nature that people still try to understand. Folklore is one very useful and long-standing way to do that.

Folk Musician Bob Marley

 Bob Marley is not only a folk artist, who is recognized for his reggae music talent and revolutionary lyrics, but he is also an iconic figure around the globe. This Rastafarian musician has set a precedent for anyone involved in reggae and the ska (rock steady reggae) genre style of music. Although he passed away on May 11, 1981 (born February 6, 1945) his presence is still felt and celebrated today.

Marley’s imprint changed popular music. He was not a powerful singer and songwriter, he was loyal to his native Jamaica and support revolution and spirituality live on through his lyrics.  The end result is that he sang about the Jamaican people’s fight for freedom.

His messages are what made him a musical folk hero that people all over the world could relate to. That’s why as a solo-artist and as a part of Marley and The Wailers, he released over 12 albums in his lifetime, selling over 20 million records.  

He was dedicated to the Rastafarian movement – a monotheistic (one-god) spiritual movement that emphasizes and traces its origin to Abraham. This commitment  played a key role in his efforts to bridge the gaps between Jamaican ‘third world’ reggae music and the world outside that allowed him to unveil political issues in and around Jamaica.

Many have said that his folk spirit expressed love, peace and freedom for all. These values add to his recognition as a folk hero.

Robin Hood: Who Was He?

One of the most popular English folk heroes is Robin Hood. This “prince of thieves” stole from the rich and gave to the poor – or so the saying goes. This subject of ballads, books and films has proven to be one of pop culture’s most enduring folk heroes.

Who was this elusive outlaw? Historical searches have turned up numerous possibilities, such as the Yorkshire fugitive Robert Hod, also known as Hobbehod or Robert Hood of Wakefield. Efforts to identify the man behind the legend are complicated because over time the name Robin Hood became a common term for an outlaw. In literature the folk hero was sometimes described as Prince John or Richard the Lionheart.
Here are some fun folklore facts about this Sherwood Forest folk hero who led his gang of Merry Men throughout Englands’ wooded kingdom: 

• In the 1400’s some Christian revelers celebrated May Day with plays and games involving a Robin Hood figure who was almost become a religious figure.
• Robin Hood and the Merry Men were often called ‘wolfsheads’ because the sheriff decreed that anyone could hunt them down and collect a bounty just as they did wolves.
• Considered a rebel, he was a faithful supporter of the rightful king, Richard the Lionheart and fought against Richard's corrupt brother, the usurper Prince John.

St. George: A Folk Hero of Faith

The celebration of St. George’s Day occurs in several countries around the world, including  Spain, Libya, Canada and Croatia. On this day, people dress up in red and white, and participate in folk dance and enjoy medieval feasts. This day is commemorative of the martyrdom of St. George. This Christian Saint day is generally celebrated on April 23, because that is the day that George died in 303 A.D.

There are many myths and legends about St. George and what he accomplished in his lifetime. It is said that he was born in Eastern Turkey, and moved to Rome to become a solider. After his service in the military, he faced a major religious conflict in Palestine. He refused to recant his faith as a Christian during a time of persecution of those who followed the Christian faith. Therefore the Emperor ordered for his beheading for his dedication to his faith. Christians around the world recognize his bravery, and he is immortalized in the hearts of many European, Canadian, and Middle Eastern people who share his faith.

Today, St. George is the Patron Saint of England. His feast day is celebrated annually, and individuals participate in folk events. England represents St. George Day as a feast day for all to enjoy music, food and patriotic unity. Spain also celebrates the feast day of Saint George with great enthusiasm. For example, in Catalonia, Spain the Christian people celebrate “La Diada de Sant Jordi” annually. St. George’s Day is a celebration of loved ones. In the myth of St. George slaying the dragon, he save the princess and presented her with a red rose. This day is now spent giving gifts to sweethearts, friends or coworkers. Millions of roses are exchanged on this day, as well as thousands of books.

The exchange of books as holds significance for the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural organization that declared this same day, April 23, International Day of the Book. Roses have been traditionally involved since the middle ages, and in more recent history books are traded gifts as recognition for writers Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare who died in April 1616.

Overall, this feast day represents faith and goodwill. Those who celebrate St. George’s Day commemorate his heroism and commitment to the Christian Church.

Wine & Dine with Writers

Wine & Dine w/Local Authors
Redwood Cafe, Cotati, CA
Tuesday, April 23,  6-8pm

Antique Farm Equipment, Historical, Chuck Elsbree
Lotus Cross, Adventure Mystery, Ray Anderson
Swimming Against The Tide, Novel, Gloria Tausk Glickman
Mill Rats, suspense novel, Gabriel  A. Fraire
Black Pepper Visions, food stories, Karen Pierce Gonzalez

Six Sonoma County authors will present their works. Call 707-889-3419 or email monamech@gmail.com to request seating at a specific author’s table.
$4.00 minimum food purchase.

Frog Lore

In the spirit of April’s National Frog Month, here are some examples of folklore and mythology surrounding this amphibious creature; especially its development from infancy to maturity. Frogs must go through the process of metamorphosis to reach the stage of being a frog. They start as tadpole, and then sprout tails and gills, and soon after that have legs and can be land or aquatic living creatures. It is no wonder they represent birth and transition in many cultures. Some societies also believe that frogs represent fertility, healing, and opportunity.Here are some examples of folk knowledge and wisdom:

• Pacific Northwest: It is believed that if you rub the tummy of a frog you will soon be rewarded with good luck. For more details, check out the Snohomish Ground Frog Day.

•  China: the frog symbolizes “Yin” or good energy. Images of frogs placed in the windows of houses can create happy family living or aid with childbirth.

•  Japan: A traveler who wears an amulet of a frog is ensured of a safe journey.

•  Ancient Egypt: The goddess “Heket,” had the head of a frog. Many worshiped her as the Goddess of Birthing. 

Rodeo Lore & Superstitions

The history of rodeos dates back to the 1700s, when men in the American wild west hosted competitions to find the best riders, ropers and cattle drovers. The rope swinging, cow tying and branding feats of these western Spanish, Mexican, and Texican men were able to transform their work as vaqueros (cattlemen) on ranches into the sport of rodeo.  They inspired those who came from the East, imitating their dress, equipment, and traditions with their competitions. These rodeo men were able to transform their work as vaqueros (cattlemen) on ranches into the sport of rodeo.  

 

Many of the first rodeo competitions were held in parts of California and New Mexico.

Interesting to note that in other parts of the world, other societies were developing their own versions of horse-related sports, including Polo which was based upon Persia military training practice. 

As the west became more developed the need for cowboys dwindled. Under the Manifest Destiny policy that the American government implemented, cowboys turned to honing their cattle handling rodeo skills for entertainment purposes rather than small territory rivalries.

Among the first most famous Wild West showmen was Buffalo Bill Cody, who became the lead organizer of the shows that are now referred to as “rodeos”. Rodeo pageantry is still present today. 

As cowboys and cowgirls prepare for competition they pay attention to rodeo  superstitions that have evolved and been shared by word of mouth. Here are a few fascinating ones:

Never set your cowboy hat on a bed. This is based on the idea that a bed is a resting place, and if a hat is set on the bed then it is likely to bring injury or death to that rider.

Wear two different colored socks.  This good luck omen has also been applied to other sports.  

 The Red Bluff Round Up competition is hosting their 92^nd rodeo, on April 19-21^st. The daily event includes barrel racing, tie-down roping, and riding competitions for both men and women. For details, click here.