Folklore is the study of beliefs and practices once firmly held. Few now believe in charms, in giants and fairies, but less than a century ago people in lonely places believed in them. In Worcestershire and its borders, there are prehistoric remains once thought to be associated with them; especially near Avon and the foothills of the Cotswolds, and then in the old Celtic border of the Teme Valley.
Folklore gives insight into generations of our ancestors. In forgotten religions rites long abandoned, and before the nature of diseases was understood, most believed in herbs and charms.
Beliefs once firmly held have lost their adherents, though only a century ago there were many who believed. Past generations have left stories and legends and these legends are part of our national heritage. Village customs continue to this day though their origins have been obscured by time. Until the last fifty years or so people lived closer to the earth, and had a better understanding of wild creatures. The days when planting began and when harvest was complete were special and celebrated for the harvest meant survival.
With the uncertain ties of knowledge, they depended on the powers of imagination to explain what lay beyond the limits of their knowledge. The colour green for instance, was always associated with fairies, and that they alone had the right to wear it, and would deal harshly with foolish mortals to wear it.
There is still a widespread supersititon against the wearing of green (my late Mother never wore green as she was always led to understand, wear green wear black, for which l have followed suit -PH)