Join storytellers as well as story enthusiasts across the globe on March 20th during “World Storytelling Day.” Not only was this day created to honor incredible storytellers, but it also encourages diversity among diverse cultures and races. For all of us around the world do share one thing – our cultures have their own beloved stories and folktales. Whether the story being told has words, pictures, signs or expressions, all these forms and more are appreciated on this day.
Storytelling is considered the world’s oldest form of communication. Dating back to the stone age, where Cro-Magnons left behind cave paintings and drawings to relay information about their life to others, today, we can use these ancient drawings as a source of information about our past. In a way, the stories found on cave walls became the first story told. After viewing the drawings, the story began to unfold, and each time the story was told, the artform of storytelling began to develop.
As people began moving across borders and traveling to new lands, the art of storytelling remained constant. Storytelling was a way to stay united to the culture one first came from. Generation to generation would pass down these cultural histories, and with the passing of each story, a new generation would add their own experiences to the story. While many of these stories were rooted in true occurrences, many fictional stories were also created and tied to specific cultures.
First started in 1991 in Sweden, “Alla Berratares Dag” was a day where storytelling was celebrated among the Swedes. While those who originally coined this day have passed, resolute followers turned this celebration into a worldwide event. On this day, across the globe, storytellers and their listeners unite and celebrate this ancient artform.
There are many ways to celebrate World Storytelling Day and they vary city to city. Most cities feature storytelling seminars, while libraries host different events honoring the day. In North Carolina, learn more about storytelling as an artform by reaching out to the North Carolina Storytelling Guild (ncstoryguild.org). According to their website, this group is dedicated to communicating “the power, joy and impact of story to every community in North Carolina.” Their mission is to “create and nurture a thriving community of storytellers through performance and education.” The guild hosts a variety of yearly seminars and retreats, including the annual Old North State Storytelling Festival, a Winter Workshop and a Spring Retreat.
If interested in heading towards the mountains, Asheville, North Carolina offers open-mic nights dedicated to allowing storytellers to practice their craft. Hosted every month, StorySLAM is a community-focused, open-mic competition where “anyone with a five minute story” is invited to share their own on stage. Developed as part of the Moth’s Storytelling Live Events, StorySLAM is an opportunity across the nation, where participants can tell their own five-minute story (themoth.org/events). Held at “The Grey Eagle,” with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and competitions beginning at 7:30 p.m., this monthly event features a theme for participants to speak on. The March 19th show will feature the theme: “Fumbles and Fouls.”
For those with younger family members, there are plenty of different things you can do to celebrate this day. Consider reading the Oxford Owl’s Traditional Tales which feature printable sheets where children can retell a childhood story through pictures. They can then develop their own storytelling map, retelling their own story (www.oxfordowl.co.uk). A login and password will be required to download these worksheets, but afterwards, they are free to use and help spread the love of storytelling to younger audiences.
Overall, March 20th is not the only day to celebrate the art of storytelling. Spread the love year round by encouraging strong reading skills by visiting your local library to check out a new book and/or participate in their daily events.
