the unwritten lore (stories and proverbs and riddles and songs) of a culture
"During the festival, elders gathered around the fire to recite ancient folklore that had been passed down through generations."
The tales, legends and superstitions of a particular ethnic population.
"The village elder spent hours recounting local folklore about spirits that guard ancient forest paths."
In plain English: Folklore is the collection of traditional stories, songs, and customs that people pass down from generation to generation within their culture.
"The local festival celebrates stories and legends from our region's folklore."
Usage: Do not confuse this term with "folklife," which refers to the broader customs and daily practices of a culture rather than just its stories. It is also distinct from "mythology," as folklore encompasses both traditional narratives and contemporary oral traditions passed down within communities.
The word folklore was coined in 1846 by British writer William Thoms to replace older terms like "popular antiquities." He modeled the new term on German phrases meaning people's customs or popular traditions.