As we dive into the colder winter months, we look to stories to provide an open world for us to explore beyond our cozy, warm homes. With folklore, we look to these stories for guidance, inspiration, and knowledge as we go about our daily lives. But with some folklore, we look to them as warnings and cautions about what lies beyond our walls.
Here are a few suggestions from the CCPL catalogue for our winter folklore:
An exploration of the origins of Christmas and all the forgotten ghouls of Yuletide past. Learn about our jolly Christmas host, Santa Claus, and his dastardly counterpart, Krampus, and so many more ghouls!
The Herbal Year: Folklore, History & Remedies by Christina Hart-Davies
From sweet violets in spring to rosemary in winter, via marigolds, sage, elderberries, and hops, every season has its own bounty of herbs and plants. This book explores not only different herbs for each season, but also folklore associated with these herbs and seasons. Beautifully illustrated by the author herself, this book is a great read for those wanting to understand herbs better.
Winter Tales: Stories and Folklore from around the World by Dawn Casey
A book that showcases 18 stories from different regions of the world about winter and its significance in these parts.
While the Bear Sleeps: Winter Tales and Traditions by Caitlin Matthews
A young girl travels through time with a bear as her guide in this glowing anthology of winter customs, including the Nativity, Christmas in Mexico City, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. She discovers the origins of winter tales and traditions from the first snowfall to the return of spring.
Fireside Stories Tales for Winter’s Eve by Caitin Matthews
Another book that is a collection of stories from around the world, journeying from the first autumn leaf falling into the cold midwinter from Scottish, Russian, Inuit, Austrian, Czech, and Jewish lore.
