Folklore and Quilts Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is NOT one of the five qualities of 'true folklore' as defined by JH Brunvand?

It is traditional in form and transmission.

Its authorship is often anonymous.

Its content is verbal, customary, or material.

It exists in only one version. (correct)

How does Alan Dundes characterize 'the folk'?

As a group defined by a geographic location.

As any group sharing at least one common factor. (correct)

As a culturally homogeneous group.

As individuals with shared academic interests.

Why is folklore considered to be performed?

It requires active participation and interaction within a group. (correct)

It involves passive observation by the audience.

It focuses solely on the written tradition.

It adheres strictly to historical accuracy.

What does Dan Ben-Amos’ definition of folklore emphasize?

Folklore is artistic communication within small groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Figure 1 in the models of transmission illustrate?

Folklore is passed person to person and changes along the way. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which model of transmission features a single source delivering a consistent story to many?

Mass Culture Transmission. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What quality of folklore allows it to adapt and change over time?

Existing in different versions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically NOT associated with folklore?

It is created and passed on by famous individuals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes proverbs in terms of structure?

They have a binary structure. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a metajoke?

Two guys walk into a bar, and the third one ducks. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do proverbs convey communal wisdom?

Through short and concise expressions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the proverb 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' illustrate?

The value of certainty over potential. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which age range typically sees children starting to form short phrases?

24 months (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are contradictions significant in proverbs?

They highlight the complexity of communal wisdom. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of folklorists in their studies of language?

Descriptive studies of language. (C) Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children typically acquire full grammar and linguistic capabilities?

5-6 years (B) Signup and view all the answers

What drastic action do the stepsisters take to try to fit into the slipper?

They cut off parts of their feet. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the prince uncover the truth about the stepsisters' deception?

He sees their blood from the birds' warning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the king's daughter refuse to marry the king from Faraway Land?

He is very ugly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What condition does the old woman impose on the princess in donkey skin for her to stay?

She must keep the house clean and do household chores. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What incident occurs during dinner that involves the princess?

She loses a diamond ring in the soup. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What temporary transformation does the fairy godmother provide to the princess?

She allows her to become a beautiful girl for thirty minutes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is Cinderella confirmed as the rightful bride by the pigeons?

They show there is no blood on her foot. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the king's daughter do when forced to avoid marrying the ugly king?

She claims she would prefer to live in donkey skin. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What character trait of the crow is highlighted in the fable of the Fox & the Crow?

Vanity (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is superstition typically defined in the context of psychology?

As a belief accepted without questioning its validity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a superstitious sign?

Seeing a black cat (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does conversion in superstition refer to?

The merging of a sign with a specific magical action (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do traditional practices play in superstition?

They validate and perpetuate superstitions within folk groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario do rationalism and superstitious thinking coexist?

Through practices like dowsing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of superstitions according to the content?

They emerge from complex human situations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the folk theory of weight imply in the fable of the Fox & the Crow?

Physical objects respond to gravity similarly for birds and humans. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans believe in some form of the supernatural according to the 2005 Gallup poll?

73% (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which supernatural phenomenon had the highest belief percentage among Americans in the 2005 Gallup poll?

Extrasensory Perception (ESP) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of experience involves seeing or sensing a companion of light during a life-altering event?

Supernatural Visit (SV) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which experience is typically reported in the first month following a partner’s death according to the content?

Bereavement Visits (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common experience during sleep paralysis?

Visions of evil spirits (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cultural Source Hypothesis suggest about supernatural beliefs?

They are shaped by cultural traditions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis posits that common cross-cultural experiences are interpreted as supernatural?

Experiential Source Hypothesis (D) Signup and view all the answers

What extraordinary spiritual experience did Toni Cicoria have after being struck by lightning?

Near Death Experience (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quilts and Folklore

Quilts are valued as cultural artifacts due to their craftsmanship and emotional significance.
They can evoke feelings of nostalgia, especially those handmade by family members.

Qualities of True Folklore

Content: Can be verbal, customary, or material.
Tradition: Exists in traditional form and is passed down through generations.
Versions: Exists in multiple variations across different cultures.
Authorship: Generally anonymous, reflecting collective culture rather than individual voices.
Formulaic: Often follows established patterns or recurring forms.

Alan Dundes on Folkloric Groups

Defines "the folk" as any group sharing at least one common factor, from families to nations.
Folkloric groups can be small or expansive and are united by shared traditions or practices.

Performance of Folklore

Folklore is a performance involving active participation and interaction among individuals.
Each enactment introduces variations, enhancing the dynamic quality of traditions.

Dan Ben-Amos on Folklore

Folklore is described as "artistic communication in small groups," focusing on creativity and communal expression.

Models of Transmission of Folklore

Folk Process: Transmission resembles the game "telephone," where stories change with each retelling.
Mass Culture: Stories are delivered uniformly to large audiences with no changes, such as from television.

Proverbs as Communal Wisdom

Proverbs provide concise expressions of collective wisdom and often highlight binary relationships.
Example: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," illustrating the value of possession over possibility.

Structural Features of Proverbs

Characterized by a binary structure and figurative language, allowing for deeper meanings.

Contradictions in Proverbs

Proverbs can present opposing ideas, reflecting the complexity of communal wisdom. Example: "In union, there is strength" vs. "He who does it for himself does it for three."

Facts About Language

Over 6,000 languages spoken globally; 90% of people speak less than 10% of all languages.
Language is instinctual and universal, allowing diverse communication.
Folklorists study language descriptively to analyze folk traditions and sociolinguistic patterns.

Stages of Language Acquisition

4-6 months: Babbling stage.
10-13 months: First words begin.
24 months: Formation of short phrases.
3-4 years: Ability to form complete sentences.
5-6 years: Mastery of full grammar.

Superstition Definitions

Folkloristic: Superstitions are beliefs about chance and the supernatural.
Psychologist: Refers to unscientific, unquestioned beliefs.

Components of Superstitions

Signs: Omens or portents (e.g., "Are your ears burning?").
Magical Actions: Conditional actions to influence outcomes (e.g., carrying an umbrella).
Conversion: A sign turned into a magical action (e.g., wishing on a shooting star).

Complexity of Superstitions

Arise when outcomes are unpredictable, helping people cope with uncertainty in life.

Traditionalization of Superstition

The validation of superstitions occurs within folk groups, passing down beliefs like the luck of four-leaf clovers.

Rationalism and Superstition

Rational thinking and superstitions can coexist; for instance, dowsing serves both folkloric and rational purposes.

Findings from the 2005 Gallup Poll

73% of Americans believe in some supernatural phenomenon.
Most commonly believed phenomena: ESP (41%), haunted houses (37%), ghosts (32%).

Extraordinary Spiritual Experiences (ESEs)

Near Death Experiences (NDEs): Profound experiences at the brink of death.
Supernatural Visits (SVs): Encounters with deceased loved ones often reported shortly after death.
Sleep Paralysis (SP): Inability to move with accompanying visions of evil entities.

Cultural Source Hypothesis

Cultural traditions shape supernatural beliefs and experiences, providing understanding frameworks.

Experiential Source Hypothesis

Indicates that common human experiences are interpreted as supernatural across diverse cultures.

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Description

Explore the rich cultural significance of quilts and the defining qualities of true folklore. This quiz covers Alan Dundes' insights on folkloric groups and the performance aspect of folklore in society. Test your knowledge on these interconnected subjects and discover the emotional resonance behind these art forms.