Frank C. Brown Collection of North Carolina Folklore : Folk Songs from North Carolina

This book is an expansive collection that delves into the rich tapestry of North Carolina's folk heritage, offering readers a unique glimpse into the cultural traditions that have shaped the region. It includes a diverse range of folk songs, ballads, and superstitions, alongside an exploration of themes such as love, courtship, morality, and human folly. Through its carefully curated selection, this volume not only preserves a crucial aspect of North Carolina's history but also places these folk traditions within the broader context of American folklore and literary history.

The thematic depth of this collection reveals much about the social and moral landscape of past generations, exploring topics from the whimsical to the solemn. Songs and ballads dealing with courting rituals reflect societal norms and values surrounding love and marriage, while those focusing on drink and gambling offer a window into common vices and their perceived consequences within the community. Additionally, homiletic songs serve as moral compasses, advising listeners on virtue and cautioning against sin.

Moreover, play-party and dance songs celebrate communal joy and social cohesion, illustrating how music serves as a binding force in community gatherings. The inclusion of lullabies and nursery rhymes highlights the transmission of cultural values to younger generations, ensuring the survival of these traditions.

In sum, this book presents an invaluable insight into the collective spirit and historical experiences of North Carolina's communities. Its compilation is not just an academic endeavor but a celebration of human expression in its most authentic forma testament to the enduring power of folklore in understanding our past and shaping our communal identity.

This book is an expansive collection that delves into the rich tapestry of North Carolina''s folk heritage, offering readers a unique glimpse into the cultural traditions that have shaped the region. It includes a diverse range of folk songs, ballads, and superstitions, alongside an exploration of themes such as love, courtship, morality, and human folly. Through its carefully curated selection, this volume not only preserves a crucial aspect of North Carolina''s history but also places these folk traditions within the broader context of American folklore and literary history.

The thematic depth of this collection reveals much about the social and moral landscape of past generations, exploring topics from the whimsical to the solemn. Songs and ballads dealing with courting rituals reflect societal norms and values surrounding love and marriage, while those focusing on drink and gambling offer a window into common vices and their perceived consequences within the community. Additionally, homiletic songs serve as moral compasses, advising listeners on virtue and cautioning against sin.

Moreover, play-party and dance songs celebrate communal joy and social cohesion, illustrating how music serves as a binding force in community gatherings. The inclusion of lullabies and nursery rhymes highlights the transmission of cultural values to younger generations, ensuring the survival of these traditions.

In sum, this book presents an invaluable insight into the collective spirit and historical experiences of North Carolina''s communities. Its compilation is not just an academic endeavor but a celebration of human expression in its most authentic forma testament to the enduring power of folklore in understanding our past and shaping our communal identity.