Does your family have a favorite holiday meal? What are your birthday traditions? Do the older people in your family tell stories about their childhood and what life was like when they were young? All these are parts of family folklore. Tell Me a Story will help you better understand: what family is. the ways the generations are linked together. how families relate to each other. how families pass along a heritage for the future. We get strength from our familys pastand this sort of folklore also gives us hope for the future.
Contents Include: King Tut's Curse, Amazing Athletic Feats, Monster or Myth? And many more.
Did you know that if you drop a spoon, someone will kiss you soon? Did you ever hear that three spiders crawling on the wall are a sign you will soon hear of a death? Or did you know that if rabbits play in a dusty road, rain is on its way? These beliefs are folk customs found in North America. Discover more, including: ways to predict the future weather lore good luck superstitions. Folklore is shared through customs and traditions. These are patterns that shape our lives. Even in todays world, we still depend on these old ways to make sense out of life.
Did you know that todays jolly Santa Claus was originally a Catholic bishop? Or that Santa Claus is connected to Saturn, an ancient Roman god? Or that in some places, Santa rides a camel? Christmas is a holiday of light and giving, and Santa Claus has become a traditional symbol for the seasons deepest meanings. Learn more about: Santa the Christ Child Christmas animals the Wise Men Christmas plants Christmas songs and cards. Across North America, Christmas is an occasion for love and joy and celebration. Discover the traditions and folklore that make this holiday so special.
Have you heard these common proverbs? Let sleeping dogs lie. Where theres smoke theres fire. You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink. Or what about these riddles? What is black and white and red (read) all over? Why did the chicken cross the road? Why is 6 afraid of 7? Proverbs and riddles are tiny, bite-size pieces of folklore. They make us think. They tease our brains. They may make us laugh. But most of all, they tell us something about who we are and how we see the world.
Do you know who started the first volunteer fire company in the United States? Do you know who the first woman firefighter was? Or did you know that firefighters trace their heritage back to the knights of the Crusades? Sirens and Smoke is full of stories of bravery and tradition. Youll read about: the brave guards who fought fire in ancient Greek and Roman communities. the long-ago firefighters who battled the great fires that swept through Europes big cities. the community spirit that grew in the New World. the African Americans and women who added their strengths to fighting fires. September 11, 2001, when firefighters demonstrated their heroism. Fire can be an enemybut down through the ages, firefighters have risked their lives to protect others against it. Their folklore reveals a long tradition of courage.
Special days are times for fun and togetherness. They also link us to the Earths seasons, and they help us keep track of how time passes. Most of all, they are deeply rooted in folk tradition. Learn more about: the winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah. spring celebrations like Easter and Asian New Years. fall festivals, like Halloween and the Day of the Dead. summer celebrations, like the Fourth of July. Holidays and festivals draw us together. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe. As we travel through the year, folk festivals give us strength. And they make life more fun!
