Write a short note on what is folklore ? How does folklore in tribal society get expressed ?

Folklore: A Brief Overview

Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, dances, and practices passed down orally within a community over generations. It encompasses the collective wisdom, cultural heritage, and creative expressions of a group, reflecting their values, worldview, and identity. Folklore serves various functions, including entertainment, education, social cohesion, and transmission of cultural knowledge.

Expression of Folklore in Tribal Society:

1. Oral Tradition:
In tribal societies, folklore is primarily transmitted orally from one generation to another. Elders, storytellers, shamans, and community leaders play essential roles in preserving and perpetuating oral traditions through storytelling, recitation of myths and legends, and performance of rituals and ceremonies.

2. Myths and Legends:
Myths and legends form a significant part of tribal folklore, explaining the origins of the universe, natural phenomena, and cultural practices. These narratives often feature gods, spirits, heroes, and mythical creatures, embodying cultural values, moral lessons, and ancestral wisdom.

3. Rituals and Ceremonies:
Rituals and ceremonies are integral to tribal folklore, marking important life events, seasonal transitions, and spiritual milestones. These rituals may involve singing, dancing, drumming, chanting, and symbolic actions performed to honor ancestors, invoke blessings, or appease spirits.

4. Folk Songs and Dances:
Music and dance are central to tribal folklore, serving as expressions of identity, emotions, and community solidarity. Folk songs and dances are often performed during social gatherings, festivals, and religious ceremonies, reflecting local traditions, rhythms, and melodies.

5. Folk Art and Crafts:
Tribal societies produce a rich array of folk art and crafts, including pottery, weaving, painting, carving, and sculpture. These artistic expressions depict cultural motifs, symbols, and narratives, reflecting the community's values, beliefs, and aesthetic sensibilities.

6. Proverbs and Sayings:
Proverbs, sayings, and folk wisdom are essential components of tribal folklore, offering practical advice, moral insights, and cultural norms. These aphorisms are often succinct, memorable, and imbued with deep cultural significance, guiding behavior and decision-making within the community.

7. Adaptation and Innovation:
While rooted in tradition, tribal folklore is not static but subject to adaptation, innovation, and reinterpretation over time. As societies evolve and interact with external influences, folklore may undergo transformations to address new contexts, challenges, and aspirations while retaining its core cultural identity.

Conclusion:
Folklore in tribal society serves as a dynamic and multifaceted expression of cultural identity, heritage, and creativity. Through oral tradition, myths, rituals, music, art, and proverbs, tribal communities transmit their collective wisdom, values, and traditions, fostering social cohesion, resilience, and continuity across generations.