The Testimony of Tradition (ePub)

David MacRitchie (1851-1925) was a Scottish folklorist, antiquarian, and author known for his work on ethnology and the folklore of various peoples. His investigations often blended historical data with folklore, aiming to uncover the links between the traditions of ancient cultures and the practices and beliefs of later times. MacRitchie's scholarly pursuits led to the publication of several notable works, including 'The Testimony of Tradition' (1890), which explores the origins and meanings behind various traditions and folklore. In this text, MacRitchie delves into a range of subjects, from the customs of indigenous peoples to the possible historical truths underpinning folklore narratives. His methodological approach combined on-the-ground folklore collection with desk-bound historical research, a practice which, while not uncommon in his time, paved the way for interdisciplinary studies. Though MacRitchie's ideas, particularly those on racial origins, may have been representative of his era, they have since been subject to critical review and debate. Nonetheless, his contributions to the study of folklore and ethnology provide a window into the intellectual currents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. MacRitchie's literary style was often characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for unraveling the threads of history from the tapestry of tradition.