Ruins of Eighth-Century Pagan Temple Found in Norway
The structure—built to honor Norse gods like Thor and Odin—is the first of its kind discovered in the country
Why Bigfoot and the ‘Abominable Snowman’ Loom Large in the Human Imagination
In cultures around the world, folklore of a ‘Wild Man’ share a common narrative
Before Chain Letters Swept the Internet, They Raised Funds for Orphans and Sent Messages From God
Recipe exchanges, poetry chains, photo challenges and other ostensibly comforting prompts are enjoying a resurgence amid the COVID-19 pandemic
How to Detect the Age-Old Traditions of Folklore in Today’s COVID-19 Misinformation
Smithsonian folklorist James Deutsch says the fast spread of stories and memes are cultural expressions that build cohesion and support
215-Million-Year-Old, Sharp-Nosed Sea Creature Was Among the Last of Its Kind
Researchers gave the marine reptile the genus name Gunakadeit in honor of a sea monster from Tlingit oral history
Grammy Nod to Folkways’ Pete Seeger Collection Is a Fitting Tribute
The producers aim to inspire future generations to carry on the singer’s legacy
From the Archives: Pete Seeger on What Makes a Great Protest Song
To mark the centennial birthday of the late folk icon, Smithsonian Folkways has released a six-CD collection featuring 20 previously unreleased tracks
A Smithsonian Folklorist Delves Into the Rituals and Rewards at the Academy Awards
Folk belief holds that if you have won one Oscar, your odds of ever winning a second are greatly diminished by the dreaded “Oscar Jinx”
Hitting the High Notes: A Smithsonian Year of Music
Rhiannon Giddens’ 21st-Century Sound Has a Long History
Inspired by long-lost folk melodies, gospel, opera and bluegrass, the electrifying singer and banjo player gives fresh voice to old American traditions
Play a Groundhog Day Song on a Continuous Loop
Like Bill Murray, wake up to Groundhog Day everyday with the Smithsonian Folkways’ groundhog playlist
Why a New Robin Hood Arises Every Generation
Troubled times always bring out the noble bandit who, in the face of tyranny and corruption, robs from the rich to give back to the people
Illuminating the Shadowy Art of Armenian Puppet Theater
Tricksters and beasts dance across the imagination in these silhouetted puppet shows
Meet The Devotees of the Growing Lao Food Movement in a New Video from Folklife
Seng Luangrath opened a Lao restaurant in Washington, D.C. and made it a community for other immigrants
Exclusive: Watch a Dynamic Reinterpretation of Joan Baez’s “Civil War”
Part of a visual album accompanying the folk icon’s new release, this choreographed performance takes a lyrical look at the American conflict
How One Impromptu Jam Session Spawned a Sweeping Irish-American Music Revival
For 40 years, Green Fields of America has told traditional Irish stories through song
A New Way to Show Your Devotion in Mexico City: Wear a T-Shirt
A Smithsonian folklorist makes the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and discovers an emerging tradition
Super Pictures Capture This Year’s Only Visible Supermoon
If you missed last night’s celestial show, these images feature our lunar orb in all its glory
How We Can Support the World’s Rich Musical Diversity
Some music thrives, while other musical traditions are on the verge of disappearing
The Centuries-Old Tradition of Military Quilting Is Getting Its First Exhibition in the U.S.
The display celebrates the art and craft of soldiers at war and offers insight into life in the military
Christylez Bacon on Finding His Voice through Music
The Grammy-nominated artist takes inspiration from weaving together seemingly disparate musical forms
Page 2 of 4