
World Storytelling Day
One time there was a Storytelling Day. It was actually held in 1991 in Sweden. This event was a success and is now celebrated at an international level as World Storytelling Day. Gather your family and friends, ensure everyone is comfortable, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of stories.
Since the dawn of time, storytelling has been a part of human history. We can’t make sense of the world without narrative. Our brains are wired for stories, and we can pass them on to others!
Storytellers have been celebrated throughout history. They are often considered leaders, teachers, entertainers, and much more. For example, in the Middle Ages, wandering storytellers (also known as troubadours or minstrels) delighted royalty and peasants with their compelling tales. They often gathered them from various countries and places they traveled through.
Oral storytelling has many unique aspects. Each teller is able to make the stories their own. However, it can also be helpful to have ways to recall them. For example, Aboriginal Australians used cave drawings to commit their stories to memory. Storytellers also used songs, chants, and dance to aid in recollection. This need to remember and improvise stories is what has led to common storytelling techniques. Set phrases like ‘Once upon A Time’ and happy ever after’, traditional plot structures, archetypal characters and repetition of rhyme are all examples of how tellers have mastered this art form.
World Storytelling Day is similar to how stories can be shared and become their own life. It has slowly grown in popularity and spread around the world. It began in Sweden in 1991 when Alla berattares Dag (All Storytellers Day), was held at the March equinox. It wasn’t long until the rest of the globe started to get on board.
In 1997, the occasion had already traveled to Australia and Latin America. By 2002, it was spread throughout Scandinavia. 2009 was the first year it was celebrated on all six continents, except Antarctica. World Storytelling Day is now celebrated every year. Each year, a new theme is chosen, such as dreams, trees, and voyages.
World Storytelling Day aims to promote oral storytelling by allowing as many people around the globe to tell and listen to stories in their native languages. Participants can connect with other participants from around the world, creating a true international festival that fosters friendships and promotes understanding between cultures.
Anybody who has spent a sunny afternoon reading a book, or refused to sleep until their parents read a story to them, knows the power of stories. They take us to other worlds, help us live multiple lives, encourage us to become better people, and help us understand others.
Stories can be a way to learn, educate and share knowledge. Every generation can pass its wisdom on to the next generation, but not through a dry and dusty old book. Instead, they can share their wisdom through stories that engage the listener. Stories can help us develop empathy and allow us to view the world through their eyes. Learning from characters’ mistakes and successes can help us avoid making the same mistakes.
Stories can help us understand the world around our lives, because we are naturally drawn to patterns and explanations. Science can also be described as storytelling. From ancient gods that create thunderstorms to the Earth being at the center, to evil spirits that cause disease, to our current understandings of quantum mechanics, science uses narratives to explain the universe in which it lives.
For cultural preservation and identity, storytelling is essential. For example, some indigenous communities agree to teach storytelling cultural values. The abundance of stories not only allows us to learn more about other cultures, but also helps us build relationships and share experiences.
Today, storytelling is a key component of business, especially marketing. Consider an advertisement that sticks with you. What was the story? Advertisements that tell a story not only build emotional connections, but also make us more memorable.
There are many ways to celebrate World Storytelling Day. You can gather your family and friends around a campfire under the stars, or somewhere warm and cozy inside to share your favourite stories. You can engage your audience by using suspenseful pauses and different voices for each character. This will help you get them to participate in the story.
Children love stories and it’s great to involve them. You can create some amazing scenery, props, and costumes. Or you could even make songs or dance routines that go with your stories. Children can also practice their storytelling skills by creating puppet shows. Or, you can choose a character to act out the story together.
You don’t have to tell stories that you’ve read – you can also create your own stories if you feel so inclined. There are many options for storytelling. You can choose the genre, style, and setting that you prefer. Consider the beginning, middle, and end, as well as how they are connected. Consider how the characters grow and change, and which kind of narrator your story should be.
Another great way to learn from pros and improve your skills is to attend literary festivals. Open mic sessions, workshops, panels with experts, and the chance to meet and hear from published writers are some of the most popular events.
To connect with other World Storytelling Day celebrants, make sure you check YouTube, social media, and the World Storytelling Day facebook page. You can now listen to stories from all over the world and in many languages thanks to technology. It’s an excellent way to make new friends and expand the international community for storytellers.
Now, get together with your loved ones to join the united nations storytellers and celebrate oral storytelling! You can spin a tale and share your stories with people around the globe.