Classification of Folklore
Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices passed down orally or through imitation in a community. It can be broadly classified into three major genres:
1. Verbal Folklore (Oral Literature)
This includes all folklore expressed in spoken or written words. It is the most studied type and is primarily oral in transmission.
Subcategories:
| Form | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Folktales | Prose narratives with fictional characters and events | Panchatantra stories, Akbar-Birbal tales |
| Myths | Sacred stories explaining origins, gods, and cosmology | Creation myths, Puranic stories |
| Legends | Semi-historical stories tied to a place/person | Story of Raja Harishchandra, Bhagat Singh |
| Epics | Long poetic narratives, often heroic | Ramayana, Mahabharata |
| Proverbs | Short, witty sayings expressing wisdom | “Jaisa karni waisa bharni” |
| Riddles | Word puzzles or questions with hidden answers | Traditional riddles asked in village games |
| Ballads & Songs | Narrative or lyrical songs sung orally | Lores of Mirabai, Baul songs of Bengal |
| Chants and Incantations | Religious or magical words | Mantras, marriage chants |
| Prayers | Religious pleas or expressions | Bhajans, Sufi prayers |
2. Nonverbal Folklore (Material and Customary Folklore)
This includes folklore expressed without words, through actions, artifacts, and rituals.
Subcategories:
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Folk Art & Craft | Decorative or utilitarian items with traditional knowledge | Madhubani painting, Warli art, bamboo crafts |
| Folk Architecture | Traditional housing and buildings | Bhungas of Kutch, Toda huts |
| Folk Music & Dance | Cultural expression through music and body movement | Bhangra, Garba, Kathak |
| Rituals & Ceremonies | Customary religious/social acts | Weddings, festivals, coming-of-age ceremonies |
| Folk Costume | Traditional dress with regional identity | Ghagra-Choli, Dhoti-Kurta, Khasi dress |
| Body Art | Symbolic adornment or markings | Mehendi, tattoos, tilak |
| Games & Sports | Traditional physical activities | Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Gilli Danda |
| Folk Food Practices | Traditional food and preparation customs | Pongal rice, tribal fermentation techniques |
3. Intermediary Folklore (Mixed/Performative Genres)
These forms combine both verbal and nonverbal elements, especially those involving performance, interaction, and embodiment.
Subcategories:
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Folk Theatre | Live dramatic performances using words, costumes, music | Nautanki (North India), Yakshagana (Karnataka), Jatra (Bengal) |
| Festivals | Community events combining rituals, performances, and food | Holi, Onam, Bihu, Hornbill Festival |
| Storytelling with Action | Narratives with expressive gestures, dance, props | Kathakalakshepam, Pandavani |
| Ritual Drama | Religious enactments or temple rituals | Ramlila, Theyyam, Bhagavata Mela |
| Folk Healing Practices | Mixture of chants, touch, herbs, and rituals | Ojha healing, tribal shamanism |
| Mask and Puppet Shows | Visual art + speech/dance | Chhau masks, Kathputli puppets |
Conclusion
The classification of folklore into verbal, nonverbal, and intermediary helps in understanding its holistic role in preserving cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and collective memory of communities. Each genre reflects the values, history, and worldview of the people who practice it.
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