folklore
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folklore
The totality of the traditional heritage of a people or community, such as songs, dances, legends, customs, and handicrafts.
Die irische Folklore ist reich an Geschichten über Feen und Kobolde.
Irish folklore is rich in stories about fairies and leprechauns.
'Folklore' is an uncountable noun (Singularetantum). It is almost always used without an article or with the definite article 'die' and has no plural form.
In diesem Museum lernen Sie viel über die lokale Folklore.
In this museum, you learn a lot about the local folklore.
The positive meaning (tradition) is often connected with a region, e.g. 'bayerische Folklore' (Bavarian folklore). The negative, colloquial meaning (kitsch) is often signaled by words like 'reine' (pure) or 'bloße' (mere) and usually describes commercial events.
Die Tänze sind ein wichtiger Teil der schottischen Folklore.
The dances are an important part of Scottish folklore.
In its main meaning, 'Folklore' is often combined with a geographic origin. Typical examples are 'alpine Folklore' (Alpine folklore), 'slawische Folklore' (Slavic folklore), or 'südamerikanische Folklore' (South American folklore).
Die Musikgruppe spielt traditionelle Lieder aus der andalusischen Folklore.
The music group plays traditional songs from Andalusian folklore.
When 'Folklore' describes a kitschy event, the usage is colloquial and has a negative or disparaging meaning. It expresses that something is not authentic, but only for show.
Die Begrüßung mit Blasmusik war doch reine Folklore für die Kameras.
The welcome with brass band music was really pure folklore for the cameras.
tradition
'die Tradition' and 'die Folklore' are both connected with old customs and traditions. 'Tradition' is a general word for something that people pass down and continue doing for a long time. 'Folklore' refers especially to the traditional songs, dances, stories, clothing, or handicrafts of a community. The word can also sound somewhat negative if something seems artificially traditional and only meant for tourists. The words are easy to confuse because folklore often consists of traditions. However, 'Tradition' is broader, while 'Folklore' is more suitable for cultural presentations and folk culture.
Beim Dorffest zeigte eine Gruppe Tänze und Musik aus der lokalen Folklore.
At the village festival, a group performed dances and music from the local folklore.
Nach der Prüfung gehen alle zusammen essen, weil das an unserer Schule Tradition ist.
After the exam, everyone goes out to eat together because that is a tradition at our school.