CultureJuly 20, 2026
folklife
/ˈfoʊk.laɪf/
Definition
The everyday customs, traditions, arts, and oral history of a specific regional or cultural group.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the Old English 'folc' (people or nation) and 'lif' (life or existence). It emerged in the 20th century as a scholarly term to describe the living traditions of a community rather than just static museum objects.
In the news
In this article, folklife refers to the documented traditions, music, and lore of the Ozarks region that Gordon McCann spent his life preserving. It encompasses the entirety of the community's heritage, from local music and stories to historical ephemera.
Gordon McCann, champion of Ozarks culture and music, dies at 94
Read the full article ↗Springfield Daily Citizen