Folk culture is a term embracing almost every phenomenon which, in our traditional circumstances, is given the charming rustic form – monuments of dwelling and architecture, furniture of homes, pottery, textiles and other articles. These doubtlessly include folk clothing, the traditional village and regional costumes, wood carvings, painted glass, embroideries, calligraphy, and a multitude of folk traditions. But this is not by far the complete picture of cultural monuments. Let us recall the verbal and written bequest, the folk narration. The themes to follow are many. Our country deserves praise for its professional protection, study and use of these values.
Folk culture can hardly suppress all other parts of culture, but this form of expression has been influencing national feelings, awareness and creation since the national revival period. There also is great strength in collection and museums. Only a few countries in Europe have so many diverse museums and collections devoted to folk traditions. The foundations of this specific line were laid by Czech history, the collecting in the late 19th century with emphasis on the national aspect, which led to the famous Czechoslovak Ethnographic Exhibition in 1895. And so we are ahead of many other European countries which realised as late as in the 20th century that the vanishing world of traditions is an irreplaceable phenomenon of every nation.
Despite the present problems in the preservation of traditions our situation is comparatively good – and so let us not despair over it or over the future. At this time of computers, the might of the media and technical progress it is logical that we shall not find a smith hammering at the anvil, a cobbler sitting on his stool, a weaver making useless fabrics, and a potter turning his wheel. The need for them vanished due to progress. In the second half of the 20th century we found our own way of preserving these values – we transposed them into culture, art, social requirements, education. It is up to us, professionals and lovers of these branches to see that more is done for our society to be grateful for these values, appreciate crafts, be able to listen to the inimitable tones of folk music, join in singing, and be amused in the traditional style. This simple expression should be returned to families and schools. As in other parts of life, it is true in the world of folk traditions that children and youth are the only link in the living chain that heads to the future days.
Jiřina Langhammerová