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As old as humanity itself, storytelling is universal. Storytelling existed before writing did. Every culture and age group experiences it. Its purpose has always been to inform, entertain, and spread cultural values and customs.
Using voice and gestures to tell a narrative is known as oral storytelling. Epic poetry, chants, rhymes, songs, and other genres are all part of the oral heritage. Not all of these tales are real or even historically correct. Providing cultural cohesiveness is more significant than the truth. Myths, stories, fables, religion, prayers, proverbs, and instructions can all be included.
Here are a few instances of cultural traditions being passed down through storytelling.
Choctaw Narrative
The Choctaw have a long history of oral storytelling, just like any other Native American group. The purpose of their stories was to teach the next generation and preserve the tribe’s past. For instance, there are two creation legends in the Choctaw oral tradition: one about creation from a mound and the other about migration from the west. History and life lessons or moral teachings are also part of the oral tradition. Animal characters are used in many Choctaw traditional stories to humorously impart these truths.
Hawaiian Native Storytelling
“Moʻolelo,” the Native Hawaiian term for story, can also refer to history, legend, tradition, and similar concepts. It is derived from two words: olelo, which means speaking or language, and mo’o, which means succession. Because all stories were passed down orally, they are the “succession of language.” The story of the first Hawaiian, who was born from a taro root, was one of the native Hawaiian legends. Other tales describe navigating the oceans.
Native Hawaiian storytellers, who were knowledgeable in genealogy and history, were traditionally respected members of the community. Hawaiian storytelling involved more than just talking; it also involved hula (dancing), oli (chant), and mele (song).
Hawaiians appreciated the stories because they taught the next generation about customs, morals, and behavior in addition to being entertaining.
Storytelling in Western Africa
Sub-Saharan African peoples have a long history of telling stories. After supper, the village gathers around a central fire in many African countries to hear the storyteller. The purpose of the storyteller is to inform and amuse, much like in other civilizations.
The griots, who served as kings’ counselors, troubadours, and storytellers, are an integral component of western African culture. They serve as ambassadors, historians, genealogists, storytellers, and more. The tale of Anansi, the cunning spider, is among the most well-known tales from western Africa.
As a profession or office that is passed down from one generation to the next, griots are customarily hereditary. More formal training is available at griot schools as well. The occupation is open to both men and women; women are referred to as griottes.
The Passover Seder and the Jewish People
Jewish families commemorate the Jewish people’s flight from Egyptian slavery on Passover. The seder, or order, is a storytelling custom that is part of the Passover festival. An oral custom that has been passed down through the generations to teach the young is the telling of the Exodus story during a meal. The youngest children in attendance pose “four questions” that serve as the catalyst for narrating the story and are a significant component of the ceremony.
Irish Narrative
The old Irish storytellers were known as seanchaí. They would recite wisdom stories and ancient lore as they traveled from village to village. In addition to local news and events, they recounted ancient mythology. Stories about kings and heroes are prevalent in the oral culture of Ireland.
It seems that storytelling and interest in it are returning in the modern era. According to one Irish storyteller, “It’s a need for connection.” Storytelling, in my opinion, fosters relationships with individuals in real life.