three women wearing face masks
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Culture in Crisis

This series features individuals and their communities using their traditions and creativity to respond to the pandemic and other challenges.

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A patachitra scroll scene depicts the coronavirus and precautions taken by people to avoid it. Art by Swarna Chitrakar
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Painting the Pandemic

Patachitra scrolls in West Bengal, India, tell the story of the pandemic visually and accompanying songs present the story in words.

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Black Lives Matter protest in Washington DC.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Sad but Not Surprised: “A Talk to Teachers” in Times of Violence and Death

Even as we mourn the incalculable loss of human life in the COVID-19 pandemic, we also mourn yet another onslaught of anti-black violence.

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This mesa is called Dził Látaa hozhóní, translated as “the top of the mountain is beautiful.”
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

How the Navajo Nation Responds: Struggles and Spirituality in the Pandemic

As the crisis unfolds, many Navajo are returning to their spiritual roots for comfort and guidance.

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Tacos on a plate.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

The Social Power of the Taco

Learn how the taco serves as a cultural equalizer for today’s highly stratified Mexican society.

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blue chain symbolizing chain letters.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Chain Letters Reemerge in the Coronavirus Pandemic

The history of poetry in chain letters and the phenomenon of sending them during times of stress.

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family at Passover seder.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Why Is This Year’s Passover Seder Different from All Other Years?

Would wandering in the desert be advisable at this time? Thoughts on Jewish humor in the midst of a pandemic. 

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open restaurant
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Oh Come, All Ye Hungry, to a Chinese Restaurant

Christmas celebrants might have their traditional plates of turkey, ham, and goose, but Chinese food for Jews represents a meal that is both exotic and familiar.

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Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Discover Your Family History

The Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide can help get you started.

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KoChix’s signature fried chicken
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Korean Fried Chicken, a Transnational Comfort Food

Forklife traces the journeys of immigrant food traditions taking root in the United States.

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