Uncommon Folk

Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

The Bear Dance in Romania blends ancient traditions with modern celebrations, invoking powerful folklore and community spirit during New Year's Eve. Delving into its origins with the Roma and exploring both the joyous and darker elements of the tradition captivates listeners with rich storytelling.• Exploring the Bear Dance tradition in Romania • Celebration of New Year's Eve through unique customs • Role of the Roma in shaping the Bear Dance • Interesting practice of ‘Bear Therapy’ • Examining the historical treatment of performing bears • Community joy and its significance in cultural heritageSend a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Discover the whimsical world of Calenig, a cherished Welsh New Year tradition that promises to enchant and amuse. Imagine children parading through the streets with ornately decorated apples and oranges, transformed into charming tripods with flour, nuts, oats, and fragrant herbs. Weaving through communities with rhymes and songs, these young ambassadors of the new year collected coins, bread, and cheese, all while delighting in the varied responses of their neighbors. From the warmth of generous hosts to the antics with miserly ones, Calenig brings to life a vivid tapestry of community spirit and festive creativity.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Ever wondered why some people ring in the New Year by setting scarecrows ablaze or hurling plates at their friends' doors? Discover the quirky and colorful customs that people around the globe embrace to usher in a prosperous year, from Ecuador's fiery traditions to Japan's bell-ringing sin banishment. We'll unravel the secrets behind wearing specific colors of underwear in South America and the joyful chaos of polka dots in the Philippines, promising you a front-row seat to this fascinating global celebration.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

This episode explores the fascinating tradition of hunting the Wren, a symbolic custom celebrated on St Stephen's Day featuring folklore, music, and community spirit. We delve into its historical roots, modern adaptations, and the stories that keep this tradition alive. • Overview of the Wren hunting tradition • The role of the Wren Boys and community involvement • Historical context and folklore surrounding the Wren • The shift from killing to symbolic representations • Variations of the Wren tradition across cultures • Connection to animal rights and ethical considerationsSend a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

It's time to celebrate Christmas with a Spooky story from the mind of MR JamesSend a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

In this episode we explore the god of frost, Gohone.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

What drives a community to create new traditions in the face of commercialization? Join us as we explore the magic of Burning the Clocks, Brighton's unique winter solstice festival that turns the typical holiday narrative on its head. Born from the creative minds at Same Sky, this event offers a refreshing antidote to the commercial frenzy of Christmas. Imagine the streets of Brighton alive with a dazzling procession of handmade lanterns, each one symbolizing the passage of time and adorned with clock faces. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Discover the enchanting world of pantomime, a theatrical tradition that's as British as a cup of afternoon tea. Ever wondered why a young woman plays the principal boy or why the pantomime dame is always a man in drag? We're unveiling these intriguing customs and more in our latest episode. From slapstick comedy to audience interaction, pantomime is a whirlwind of laughter and nostalgia, perfect for both seasoned theatergoers and newcomers alike. You won't want to miss the fascinating history and evolution of pantomime, tracing its roots from Roman theater to its vibrant presence today.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Ever wondered how a fearsome figure demanding gifts turned into the jolly Santa Claus we know today? Get ready to uncover the captivating transformation of Yulepukki, Finland's own Santa Claus. Once a formidable character with a mask and horns, Yulepukki's evolution is steeped in rich folklore and fascinating connections to Nordic mythology, including ties to the Norse god Odin and his legendary wild hunts. .Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Experience the chilling allure of the Wild Hunt, an ancient myth deeply woven into the fabric of Norwegian and Germanic folklore. Imagine a supernatural procession led by the mighty Odin, riding his eight-legged steed Sleipnir beneath the wintry night sky, and accompanied by a host of spectral hunters. This episode uncovers the haunting traditions surrounding this ethereal chase, often associated with Yuletide rather than the more common Samhain or Halloween. We'll unravel how communities once honored their ancestors by leaving earthly gifts in hopes of securing prosperity with the onset of a new year.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Can ancient traditions offer light in our modern darkest days? Discover the secrets of the Yule Log, a symbol steeped in history from the proto-Indo-European customs to the festive hearths of Europe and North America. Explore how this legendary log has evolved from pagan solstice celebrations into a cherished holiday custom embraced by many cultures and adapted by Christianity over the centuries. We'll uncover the fascinating rituals that accompanied the Yule Log, such as the intriguing practice of spark-counting divination and the tradition of saving a piece of the log to ignite the next year's flame.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Could the legendary Yeti be more than just a frosty myth, lurking in the snowy peaks of the Himalayas? Join us on a captivating journey as we unravel the lore surrounding the Abominable Snowman, a creature that has intrigued locals from Nepal to Tibet and captured the imaginations of Western explorers since the 19th century. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Uncover the chilling origins of Père Fouettard, the sinister sidekick to St. Nicholas, whose terrifying tale is sure to send shivers down your spine. Known as Father Whipper, this dark figure of French folklore was a malevolent butcher who, along with his wife, abducted and murdered children, only to be thwarted by a miraculous intervention from St. Nicholas. We unravel the grim details of how this character evolved through history, including a bizarre connection to the Siege of Metz and an eerie transformation into Father Flog or Spanky in the United States. Journey with us as we explore the unsettling side of holiday tradition, where lumps of coal and beatings served as deterrents for childhood misdeeds.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Uncover the captivating history of the Lord of Misrule, a tradition that once turned Christmas on its head with a bold promise of chaos and joy. Travel back to a time where peasants and sub-deacons presided over England's grandest revelries, commanding the festivities with unchecked merriment. You'll learn how this eccentric leader orchestrated wild parties, much to the dismay of the Puritans who eventually put an end to the disorderly fun by the 17th century. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Uncover the mysteries of Aztec mythology and decode the transformative journey of Itztlacoliuhqui, the enigmatic god of frost. How did a deity of dawn become a harbinger of winter’s chill? Join us as we unravel this  transition, exploring the cosmic clash with the sun god, Tonatiuh , that forever altered Itztlacoliuhqui's role in the celestial hierarchy. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Ever wondered how a seemingly ordinary thorn tree could bridge the gap between myth and history? Tune in to discover the enchanting tale of the Glastonbury Thorn, a tree that defies the ordinary by blooming twice a year and intertwining itself with centuries of English lore. We journey to the mystical lands of Glastonbury, Somerset, to unravel the captivating story of Joseph of Arimathea and the extraordinary origins of this legendary tree, which has captured the imagination and hearts of many through its unique dual blooming cycles and thorny defenses.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Some ancient traditions can still bring warmth and cheer in the dead of winter. Let us take you on a journey to discover the captivating world of apple cider wassailing—a centuries-old ritual full of song, dance, and rich customs aimed at ensuring a fruitful harvest. From its origins in pre-Christian Britain to its modern-day celebrations, wassailing brings communities together with the jovial clamor of pots and pans, the aroma of mulled cider, and the lively chants meant to scare away evil spirits from orchards. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

 Discover the haunting legend of Hans Trapp, a character so entangled in greed and misdeeds that his story carries echoes of the notorious Ebenezer Scrooge—only far more macabre. Journey with us as we unravel his chilling transformation from a man driven by ambition to a spectral menace feared by the young. His narrative is not just a ghostly tale but a powerful allegory of how unchecked ambition and nefarious pacts lead to ruin.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Uncover the enigmatic practice of year walking, an ancient Swedish divination ritual. This episode promises to immerse you in the mystical world of spiritual quests undertaken during the festive season. Imagine fasting and venturing to a place of power, all in pursuit of prophetic visions for the year ahead. We unravel the rigorous preparation and the profound challenges faced by year walkers, who not only risked their physical well-being but also their very souls. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Unlock the secrets of an ancient tradition that goes far beyond holiday kisses. Did you know that the mistletoe's romantic legacy has roots in age-old fertility rites? Tune in to explore how this plant's clever survival tactics mirror its enchanting mythological roles, from playing a pivotal part in Norse legends to its revered status in Druid rituals.  Whether you're a folklore fanatic or a holiday romantic, you'll find a story worth sharing in every branch of mistletoe lore.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Experience the magic and wonder of a Welsh Christmas like never before as we unravel the captivating tradition of Plygain. Imagine the early hours of Christmas morning, where candlelit processions weave through village streets and into churches, transforming them into vibrant spaces of devotion and celebration.  This journey into the heart of Welsh tradition offers an insightful look at how these ancient rituals continue to capture the essence of Christmas, blending joy, community, and faith in celebration.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Unlock the mysteries of Gaelic mythology as we explore the enigmatic figure of the Cailleach, a powerful divine hag whose presence looms large in the folklore of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. What secrets does she hold in her giant form, with her blue skin and single eye, as she shapes landscapes and wields the forces of winter? Join us as we unravel her dual nature, one that both resists the coming of spring and guides those worthy of her wisdom. Discover how she collaborates with the goddess Bridey in the eternal dance of the seasons, leaving an indelible mark on myth and poetry. Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Ever wondered what happens when folklore meets festive cheer? Discover the enchanting and slightly mischievous world of Iceland's Yule Lads as we promise to fill your holiday season with a curious blend of laughter and lore. These 13 pint-sized pranksters, each with their own peculiar habits, bring a unique charm to Christmas with their playful antics and mysterious mountain origins. From Steggjasta, who comically chases sheep on his peg legs, to Skir Gamur, whose love for Icelandic yogurt knows no bounds, we uncover their delightful stories alongside their fearsome mother, Gríla, the legendary ogress with a penchant for misbehaving children.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Holly is all about at Christmas, spiking the unwary. Let's have a look at the king of Holly....Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Today we explore a Japanese spirit of Winter- The Yuki Onna. What is She? Can we actually decide on her name?Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

A bizarre underground creature crawls onto land at Christmas time. What is it? Let me introduce you to the world of the Kallikantzaros.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

The Robin, an instantly recognisable symbol of Christmas and Winter. But where did its name come from? What powers does it possess? Let's find out....Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Winter, more than any other season, is a time for folklore. The darkest season  lends itself to fireside stories, traditions and songs. Allow Dan Mitchell to introduce you to 31 small gifts of folklore, for you to unwrap at your leisure.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.

Welcome to Uncommon Folk!In this pilot episode, comedians, writers, and folklore enthusiasts Dan Mitchell and Col Howarth take a deep dive into the Mari Lwyd.An exploration of folk traditions, myths, stories and culture, from stand-up comedians, writers and folklore enthusiasts Dan Mitchell and Col Howarth. A what? A horse's skull? On a stick? At the front door? In this debut episode Dan and Col explore the Welsh mid-winter wassailing tradition of the Mari Lwyd: what it is, its origins and what it means to people today, from a personal as well as a cultural perspective. Dan and Col explore reasons for the Mari Lwyd's incredible revival not only across Wales, but internationally. In this episode they join a Mari Lwyd event in Llantrisant and sing songs for mince pies and tea; they bang pots and pans at an annual wassail, and meet people who observe, preserve and revive the tradition today.  Featuring guest-speakers and contributors: Dr David R Howell: Researcher, Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently working for the National Museum of Wales. Click here for his latest research paper. Pat Smith: From the Llantrisant Mari Lwyd and legendary folk group Calennig. Pat runs the Llantrisant Folk Club. Lots of information about all of this can be found here.http://www.folkwales.org.uk/mari.html Kelda: artist, skullsandnsheets, and the designer of our amazing logo!https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/skullsandsheets Beverley Rogers: Director, Gower Unearthed, Researcher and Tour Guide.https://www.bevrogers.co.uk/ Lori McAlister: Nebraska, instrumental in the founding and directorship of: Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project - https://welshheritageproject.org/ St David's Welsh Society of Nebraska (Nebraska Welsh)https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsWelshSocietyofNebraska/ The Saint David's Welsh Society of Greater Kansas City (KC Welsh)https://www.facebook.com/TheWyattsInKC/ PJ: has played the part of the Llantrisant Mari Lwyd for over thirty years.Mark Richardson: a Gower local. With written contributions from:AC Fisher-Aldag: Michigan, author of 'Common Magick'Antone Linata Minard: Vancouver, Academic - Welsh Language and Folklore With special thanks to:Johnny NigmaMick Tems Further Links and Resources: Trac Cymru: An important source of development, education and preservation of tradition in Wales. Trac offers resources to schools, including a Mari Lwyd flat-pack kit, a Mari Lwyd book and lots of other resources:https://trac.cymru/en/  Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events, and news as it comes.You can also write to us using the form to suggest local myths, traditions, and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.Send a textThanks for listening!Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.