Nederlandsche Volkskunde

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22968

Title

Nederlandsche Volkskunde

Language

nl

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Dr. Jos. Schrijnen's 'Nederlandsche Volkskunde' explores the soul of the Dutch nation through folklore, folk customs, and rural architecture. This scholarly yet accessible work argues that true national identity lies in the 'underculture' of folk beliefs and traditions rather than modern industrialization. Rich with riddles, legends, and ethnographic maps, it serves as a passionate plea to preserve the unique character of 'Groot-Nederland' against the homogenizing forces of international civilization.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Nederlandsche Volkskunde*, Dr. Jos. Schrijnen presents a comprehensive treatise on folklore, defining it not merely as the study of common people but as the systematic investigation of the 'underculture' that forms the foundation of a nation's character. Schrijnen contrasts the 'arm' and 'cold' modern age, driven by steam and electricity, with the vibrant, poetic life found in folk customs, legends, and rural settings. He argues that while high culture evolves, folk culture provides the essential roots for national identity and moral strength. The work begins by distinguishing folklore from ethnology, emphasizing its comparative nature across related tribes. Schrijnen details the specific Dutch 'volksaard' (national character), noting regional differences between North and South influenced by geography and history. A significant portion is dedicated to the architecture of peasant homes, analyzing distinct styles such as the Saxon, Friesch, Frankish, and Frankisch-Romeinsche types, complete with floor plans illustrating their unique layouts. The text delves deeply into specific folkloric elements, cataloging a vast array of riddles ('raadsels') ranging from simple questions to complex narrative puzzles involving biblical figures like Jonas or historical scenarios like the hanging of criminals. These are followed by an extensive collection of proverbs ('spreekwoorden'), which Schrijnen views as the condensed wisdom and ethical conclusions of the people. The book also examines folk religion, festivals, and the private life cycle from birth to death. Schrijnen further explores the folk language, dialects, and place names, arguing that these linguistic elements are vital to national independence. He includes an ethnographic map analysis, tracing lines of cultural influence such as Celtic, Saxon, and Frankish invasions across the Dutch soil. The work concludes with a strong patriotic appeal, urging the preservation of the Dutch national spirit. Schrijnen warns that without rooting high culture in the fertile soil of folk traditions, the nation risks losing its distinctiveness to a 'colorless' international civilization. Ultimately, the book presents folklore as a living, breathing entity that nourishes the nation, offering a defense of tradition against the encroaching uniformity of modernity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Social Life and Customs