In a world full of technological marvels and digital diversions, there’s something inherently enchanting about the timeless tradition of storytelling. Storytelling is one of the oldest concepts in human history. Since our beginning, humans have narrated tales for amusement and educational purposes to the community.

In this way, we are still the same.  In observation of the importance of storytelling in our history, every year, on the third week of March, we celebrate World Folktales and Fables Week.  This year the holiday is being held March 17-23.

You might be wondering what exactly folktales and fables are, and why they hold such significance that we dedicate an entire week to celebrating them.

In short, folktales are typically traditional stories originating from anywhere in the world that have been passed down by word-of-mouth until eventually written down.

Fables, on the other hand, are short stories that usually include animals as characters. These stories frequently contain a moral or a lesson-learned theme.

In some cases, original folktales and fables are all that we have to look into how early people may have lived and socially interacted with each other.

We still know many stories dating back thousands of years because of the tradition of folklore and fables. A great example of this would be the world-renowned fables like “The Hare and the Tortoise” by Aesop, who lived from 620 to 560 BC, more than 2,500 years ago.

World Folktales and Fables Week is an incredibly unique holiday because it is not held or facilitated by any one organization. Instead, the holiday remains and continues to be celebrated by individuals and groups who choose to observe it.

With nothing put in place to preserve the holiday, some believed that World Folktales and Fables Week would not last, but through belief and support the holiday has endured.   

Folktales and Fables Week is a celebration of the enduring legacy of storytelling and how it has impacted our lives for thousands of years.

As we come together to revel in the magic of these timeless narratives, let’s embrace the wisdom they impart, the lessons they teach, and the bonds they create.

Libraries are some of the most accessible hubs for storytelling, fables, and folklore and we can’t wait to share such an exciting week with everyone.