Ben Edge, an artist and filmmaker, discovered a passion for British folk custom events after stumbling upon a Druid procession in London. He has since witnessed a surge in Gen Z participation, particularly at iconic events like the summer solstice at Stonehenge. This 'folk revival' is driven by a desire to connect with nature and challenge societal norms.
Do YOU attend British folk events? If so, email [email protected] was a dreary afternoon back in 2014 when Ben Edge took one of his usual walks through London.
For them, the day the Earth's axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight is a celebration, and can be dated back to the Iron Age. Ever since he started attending these unique celebrations, Ben has noticed their growing popularity, particularly within the Gen-Z population
He explained: 'They are practices by communities, which are a collective celebration of many things. A celebration of regional culture, which has been taking place in those communities for centuries. Ben defines a folk custom as a community-based practice, usually in rural areas, which have taken place for centuriesA number of TikTok videos show how young people are embracing these celebrations
A folk custom as a community-based practice, usually in rural areas, which have taken place for centuries Read More From nettle eating and gurning to bun throwing and Vikings: How Britain's centuries-old weird and wonderful traditions are still going strong today The custom dates back to the 1800s, when plough boys would dress in straw whilst they attempted to steal food and drink during the lean winter months.
But it is not just Ben who has been gripped by these custom. Events are becoming more popular with younger people and Gen Zs in the post-Covid era. The last summer solstice at Stonehenge saw thousands of Gen Z dressed in floral headdresses and colourful make-up celebrating with the Druids and pagans. 'There is a slight punk aspect, like an alternative perspective on the world. It isn't about just kind of like the standard nation state. It's more about yeah, this kind of more local nuance, but more, maybe inclusive view of the world.'
Folklore Tradition Gen Z Summer Solstice Stonehenge
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