Folklore of Nova Scotia: Traditions and Culture

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Exploring Nova Scotia Folklore
Rituals Associated with Communities Living in Nova Scotia
Artifacts and Nova Scotia Folklore
Oral Traditions
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

Folklore is a piece of art that is preserved and treasured by a group of people. Examples of such features include, among others, tall tales, fairy tales, legends, and popular beliefs associated with a particular community. Others are jokes, music, proverbs, and customs. They are important tools for the preservation of culture in a given community. Folklores are preserved through narration and performance. They are passed from one generation to the other by word of mouth.

The practice ensures that the culture of a community is not lost with time. Folklores contain both mythical and religious elements. They are mostly related or associated with the traditions behind the day to day lives of the members of the community (Fraser, 2007, p. 1). For this reason, these cultural elements are only relevant to the members of the community from where they originate. Folklores are mostly exaggerated and the characters used are stereotyped. Sociologists, anthropologists and other professionals study these cultural artifacts to understand the traditions behind the activities of a community. Such a study is referred to as folkloristic. The major areas of study in folklores include artifacts, rituals, oral traditions, and culture.

In the current paper, the author attempts to explore one genre of folklore. To this end, Nova Scotia folklore is examined. The author highlights the traditions, culture, and beliefs of the people living in Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s provinces. Nova Scotia folklore is usually associated with the people living in the peninsula of this region and those in Breton (Fraser, 2007, p. 1). The Acadians and Micmac Indians were some of the earliest inhabitants of the land. For this reason, the folklore mainly concentrates on the culture and traditions of these people. Different aspects of the Acadians and the Indians are highlighted in this paper. The elements include rituals, oral traditions, artifacts, and culture.

Exploring Nova Scotia Folklore

The Culture of Nova Scotia Communities

Micmac Indians

Micmac Indians have a long history in the region. They are believed to be the original inhabitants. They were engaged in fishing and hunting for survival (Fraser, 2007, p. 11). The two (fishing and hunting) were their main economic activities. The nature of the land at the time supported these economic undertakings. The folklore of Nova Scotia clearly states that the land was surrounded by water bodies. The availability of these features promoted fishing in the community. Just like many coastal communities in contemporary and ancient times, the Micmac Indians saw their proximity to the ocean as an opportunity to exploit aquatic resources. Their land was also characterized by dense forests that acted as a habitat to a number of wild animals. The Micmac Indians hunted these animals for food and other valuables. At the time, farming had not been introduced in the region. As such, the community relied on the sea and the forests for food.

Micmac Indians valued the boy child more than girls. A feast was held to celebrate the birth of a male child (Fraser, 2007, p. 56). Girls were not accorded the same treatment. The scenario is an indication of social and economic inequalities in the community. Boys had their first tooth cut when they started walking. A feast was hosted to celebrate this rite of passage. At the time, most Micmac Indian parents preferred a boy child. The male child was valued in the community more than a girl for a number of reasons. For example, it is noted that hunting and gathering was done by men. They provided food for women, girls, and the elderly in the society. As a result, it was a joy when a boy killed his first wild animal.

A Micmac Indian was expected to take their last breath on a bed made of spruce boughs at their time of death (Fraser, 2007, p. 15). A number of rituals were observed before the dead could be buried. For example, a platter of salt was put next to the corpse. The aim was to shield the deceased from corruption. Death was not grieved in the community. On the contrary, the passing on of an individual celebrated. Members of the community believed that the dead were happy since they were to be united with their ancestors. For this reason, a great feast was prepared as a send-off for the deceased.

The culture of Acadians

There is little information about the Acadian people and their culture before the coming of the missionaries. The Acadians were religious people. Religion was introduced in Nova Scotia by the missionaries indicated earlier. The religious ambassadors were mostly from France and England (Fraser, 2007, p. 4). The introduction of religion made Acadians one of the most peaceful communities in the region. For this reason, they were able to peacefully coexist with the Indians living amongst them. Many churches were built in the land to celebrate the new religion. Catholic was the dominant faith in the island. Every Sunday, the Acadians would gather in churches to pray and worship. Nova Scotia folklore indicates that some of the people travelled miles through the forest to attend church services. Such observations are indication of their dedication to the new faith.

Marriage ceremonies took place in churches. Historians record that families in the region were on August 1755 by Colonel Winslow. However, in spite of this apparent severance of familial ties, members of the community were able to reunite on a weekly basis to attend church services. According to Fraser (2007), white mass was conducted during these services (p. 7). The mass prayers had to be read out and the rosary recited. Even individuals who had been exiled were allowed to return to the island to participate in prayers. In light of this, one can argue that religion was one of the major forces that held the people of Nova Scotia together.

Rituals Associated with Communities Living in Nova Scotia

Prior to the coming of the missionaries, the Micmac Indians held very interesting beliefs. For example, they believed in Glooscap (Fraser, 2007, p. 57). He was the guardian spirit who resided in water. For this reason, babies were immersed in cold water on birth. The practice was viewed as a means of worshiping Glooscap. Mothers who failed to do this were considered to be ‘disfavored’ by the guardian spirit until they performed the ritual.

Following the coming of the missionaries, marriage ceremonies became some of the most important rituals for the people of Nova Scotia. The institution of marriage was viewed as holy (Fraser, 2007, p. 6). For this reason, such festivities were conducted in churches. They were presided over by priests. As already indicated, Catholic was the dominant religion at the time. As such, the ritual was conducted in accordance with the dictates of this faith. Married couples were allowed to live together and have children. As a result of the religious aspect of marriage, men highly regarded their families. When Colonel Winslow separated family members from each other, the Acadians were greatly affected. Some of them travelled from miles away on Sundays to see their families. The marriage ceremony and the resulting family were highly regarded by the members of the community. For example, MacDonald allowed over nine couples to hold their weddings in his house.

Baptism was another ritual that was practiced by the people of Nova Scotia. Members of the society were required to baptize their children after birth (Fraser, 2007, p. 6). The baptismal ceremonies, just like weddings, were held in churches. A priest presided over the occasion. The practice was introduced to the Acadian people by the missionaries. The governor of Nova Scotia had invited outsiders to settle in the lands that were sparsely populated. Many foreigners occupied the region and introduced their religion. Baptism was one of the religious practices that were brought by these settlers, who later came to be referred to as missionaries.

Oath taking was another cultural activity that was practiced by the Acadian people. ‘Oathing’ ceremonies were mostly used to seal agreements. For example, the Acadian people living in the peninsula of Nova Scotia were required by their leaders to take the oath of allegiance to Britain. It was the only way that they could be assured of protection from the French people, who had already taken over Breton (Fraser, 2007, p. 50). However, some of the people refused to take the oath. Their actions were considered by the Britons as an act of defiance. The rebels were cast out of the land. Taking the oath made the people of the peninsula neutrals. As such, they would receive the protection of the Britons against any form of invasion. The oath was an important aspect of treaties in the region.

Artifacts and Nova Scotia Folklore

Prior to the coming of the missionaries, the people of Nova Scotia engaged in a number of economic activities. The Micmac Indians, for example, engaged in fishing and hunting. The two activities required specialized tools, such as bows, arrows, and spears (Fraser, 2007, p. 15). The artifacts provided the communities with a source of livelihood. Without them, a Micmac Indian would not be in a position to look for food. Besides hunting and fishing, the artifacts were also used for protection. They were mostly used in conflict as fighting tools.

Micmac Indians also used various artifacts during rituals and cultural ceremonies. An example is where an individual was buried with a number of items, such as knives, arrows, and bows (Fraser, 2007, p. 15). The graves were large enough to accommodate these items. It is also important to note that the graves were dug using specialized tools. The presence of artifacts in those days means that the people of Nova Scotia had a distinct way of life even before the coming of the missionaries.

The coming of the missionaries, the French, and the Britons signified the start of civilization in Nova Scotia. A number of artifacts were designed to serve a number of purposes in the community. Traditionally used tools were also modified and improved. Ships were some of the pieces of art that were highly valued following civilization. The vessel was an improvement of the traditionally used rafts. Considering that they were living in an island, the people of Nova Scotia needed ships for transport.

The Acadians sought permission to leave. However, they were detained by the governor. The reason for their detention is that there were no ships for them to use in evacuating the island. The Acadians were relentless on their quest to leave. They built their own ships to aid them in their exit (Fraser, 2007, p. 5). As such, ship building emerges as one of the form of arts possessed by the Acadians. The art of ship building is seen to have been encouraged by the fact that the land they were living in was surrounded by water bodies. They needed a way to travel in and out of Nova Scotia. Ships were the only means for them navigate the waters.

Oral Traditions

The people of Nova Scotia had a number of oral traditions. One of the most common among the Indians was the legend of the Micmac. According to the legend, Glooscap was the ideal Micmac (Fraser, 2007, p. 15). The community idealized this guardian spirit and created a lot of myths around him. According to the natives, he was a titan and a Hercules. He was neither a man nor a god. He was also neither a moon nor a star. The legend states that he possessed a combination of all these aspects. The legend also regarded Glooscap as a ‘coequal’ of the creator (Fraser, 2007, p. 15). He lay on his back with his arms stretched over the north and south poles. His head was stretched towards the direction of sunrise and his legs over the sunset. The ideals and fancies associated with Glooscap made him to be referred by the Indian people as their master, Micmac, and parlance.

The people of Nova Scotia also have oral traditions that explain the occurrence of various geographical features in their land. However, all the oral traditions are linked to the legend of the Micmac. One such oral tradition is the one that explains the occurrence of the five islands that make up the Minas Basin (Fraser, 2007, p. 17). Once upon a time, it is believed that there lived a giant beaver who owned Minas Basin. The beaver was an enemy to Glooscap.

The hatred led to a fight. Glooscap broke the rocky dike at the basin. He used the shrapnel to kill the beaver. The broken pieces of rock came to be the five islands that make up the basin. Other oral traditions by the people of Nova Scotia revolve around magic. Glooscap had his own magic, but did not encourage the use of these powers among Micmac Indians. He used his magic to subdue monsters and other enemies who attempted to harm the people of Nova Scotia. Forerunners were also some of the legends in the land (Fraser, 2007, p. 45).

Conclusion

Folklores are customs, traditions, beliefs, and tales associated with a given community. They are legendary and superstitious in nature. The customs and traditions are preserved and passed down through generations. As a result of this, the study of folklores is important for a student who wishes to acquire knowledge on the traditions and culture of a community. Such a student will be in a position to explain the reasons why people behave the way they do. The study is also of great importance in the documentation of myths and beliefs of a people. Folklores explore for main aspects of a community. It analyzes the artifacts, rituals, oral traditions, and culture of such communities.

Reference

Fraser, M. (2007). Folklore of Nova Scotia. Web.

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