Popular Wisdom

We explain what popular wisdom is, what its characteristics are and how it is transmitted. Also, some examples.

Nepalese people light candles following popular tradition.
Popular wisdom is passed down from generation to generation.
Summary of Contents

Popular wisdom is set of knowledge, beliefs and values ​​that are typical and traditional of a people. It is transmitted from generation to generation within a community, through traditions, proverbs, folk tales and other forms of cultural expression.

Popular wisdom integrates ideas and teachings of different nature and, many times, of uncertain origin. It reflects the way in which a society interprets and responds to its environment, common problems, human relationships and other aspects of daily life. This is not knowledge proven by science, but it often includes practical advice that has been proven to be useful in facing challenges and solving problems in daily life.

On the other hand, popular wisdom establishes social and ethical norms that regulate behavior and interactions between individuals. It fosters social cohesion by establishing common expectations and promoting a sense of shared cultural identity, thus facilitating coexistence and collaboration between individuals.

  • See also: Popular knowledge

Popular wisdom is characterized by:

  • Orality and tradition. It is transmitted mainly by word of mouth, through stories, proverbs, sayings and other unwritten means. Through this process, the lessons learned are kept alive and form part of the community's tradition.
  • Pragmatism. It focuses on offering practical solutions and useful advice for everyday life. Popular sayings and proverbs often encapsulate this advice in the form of metaphors or images that facilitate memorization and understanding.
  • Cultural belonging. It varies significantly from one culture to another, reflecting the particularities and values ​​of each community. Popular knowledge is specific to the history, characteristics and experiences of each society.
  • Flexibility. Although rooted in tradition, folk wisdom can be adapted as circumstances change in each society's history. Popular knowledge can be applied to different situations and contexts.
  • Worldview. It offers a deep insight into how a community interprets and relates to the world. It may include advice on ethics, morality, superstitions, and other beliefs rooted in local culture.
  • It may help you: Cultural manifestations

Popular wisdom is expressed and transmitted in various ways within a community. Among the most common forms are:

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Sayings and proverbs

Sayings and proverbs are short, memorable expressions that encapsulate practical lessons and advice. They are transmitted from generation to generation orally and are often based on metaphors or images that facilitate their understanding and memorization.

Among the best-known popular sayings and proverbs are:

  1. “Better late than never” which means that it is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
  2. “Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today” which expresses the importance of not postponing responsibilities.
  3. “Whoever gets up early, God helps him” which highlights the benefits of taking advantage of the first hours of the day.
  • Saying

Tales and legends

The stories and legends are traditional stories that can transmit ethical values, moral lessons and practical knowledge about life.

Some examples are:

  1. The legend of Robin Hood which teaches about justice and helping those in need.
  2. The story “Cinderella” which highlights kindness and the reward for perseverance.
  3. The story “The Little Shepherd and the Wolf” which warns about the dangers of dishonesty.
  • Legend

Tips and recommendations

Advice and recommendations are practical guidelines about how to behave in specific situations, how to face common challenges or how to maintain health and well-being.

For example:

  1. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” It is a phrase that encompasses the custom of including fruits in one's diet to maintain health.
  2. “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.” is another popular saying that advises having a hearty breakfast, a moderate lunch, and a light dinner to maintain energy throughout the day.
  3. “Sow today and you will reap tomorrow” It is advice about the importance of planning, patience and effort in the present for future benefits.
  • See also: Custom
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Practices and rituals

The practices and rituals are customs and ceremonies that reflect cultural beliefs and values transmitted over time. These practices can include everything from marriage rituals to festive celebrations.

For example:

  1. Chinese New Year Celebration includes rituals to attract good luck and prosperity.
  2. The tea ceremony in Japan It symbolizes important values ​​for Japanese culture, such as respect, harmony and tranquility.
  3. The rites of passage like weddings and funerals, mark and order social behavior at important life transitions.
  • Ritual

Idols and role models

The idols are historical characters or figures who embody values ​​and virtues admired within the community and whose actions and decisions are used as models of desirable behavior.

Some examples are:

  1. Mahatma Gandhi spiritual and political leader of India, is an example of ethical principles and how social change can be achieved through pacifism and civil resistance.
  2. Florence Nightingale nurse and social reformer, is an example of dedication and compassion in caring for the sick and injured.
  3. Ernesto “Che” Guevara revolutionary leader and communist guerrilla, is a symbol of rebellion and fight for social justice in Latin America.
  • Leader

Popular wisdom is a very varied linguistic set that represents a kind of archive or popular memory. Thanks to it, a town keeps alive some of its customs and points of view. For this reason, it is often the object of study by folklorists, linguists, sociologists and other academics, or also by artists seeking inspiration for their works.

This type of wisdom is appreciated for its ability to encapsulate common human experiences and transmit cultural values. However, is not exempt from criticism and controversy.

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A common criticism is its tendency to simplify complex situations which can lead to erroneous decisions or failure to consider important nuances. Furthermore, many of these expressions lack solid scientific support, which can lead to ineffective or even harmful practices from a medical or technical perspective.

Another problematic aspect of popular wisdom is its tendency to perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. Some sayings may reflect misconceptions about specific groups of people or situations, which may contribute to discrimination or lack of inclusion.

Therefore, it is important to critically evaluate popular wisdom recognizing its value in cultural transmission but also being aware of its limitations. In order to make informed and effective decisions, it is necessary to complement popular wisdom with up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge.

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References

  • Bauman, R. (1992). Oral culture; Folklore; Folktale; Proverb; Riddle. Folklore, Cultural Performances, and Popular Entertainments. Oxford University Press.
  • Green, T. (1997). popular culture; Proverb; Riddle; Legend. Folklore. An Encyclopedia of Beliefs, Customs, Tales, Music and Art. ABC-CLIO.
  • Thompson, S. (2024). Folk literature. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/

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