Editing Folk music (section)

==== Characteristics ====
[[File:Viljandi 2010 002.jpg|thumb|[[Viljandi Folk Music Festival]] held annually within the castle ruins in [[Viljandi]], Estonia.]]
From a historical perspective, traditional folk music had these characteristics:<ref name="Mills" />
* It was transmitted through an [[oral tradition]]. Before the 20th century, ordinary people were usually illiterate and learned songs by memory. Primarily, this was not mediated by books or recorded or transmitted media. Singers may extend their repertoire using [[Broadside (music)|broadsheets]] or [[song book]]s, but these secondary enhancements are of the same character as the primary songs experienced in the flesh.
* The music was often related to [[Culture|national culture]]. It was culturally particular; from a particular region or culture. In the context of an immigrant group, folk music acquires an extra dimension for social cohesion. It is particularly conspicuous in immigrant societies, where [[Greek Australians]], [[Somali Americans]], [[Punjabi Canadians]], and others strive to emphasize their cultural identity. They learn songs and dances that originate in the countries their grandparents came from.
* They commemorate historical and personal events. On certain days of the year, including such holidays as Christmas, Easter, and May Day, particular songs celebrate the yearly cycle. Birthdays, weddings, and funerals may also be noted with songs, dances and special costumes. Religious festivals often have a folk music component. [[Choral music]] at these events brings children and non-professional singers to participate in a public arena, giving an emotional bonding that is unrelated to the aesthetic qualities of the music.
* The songs have been performed, by [[Convention (norm)|custom]], over a long period of time, usually several [[generation]]s.

As a side-effect, the following characteristics are sometimes present:
* There is no [[copyright]] on the songs. Hundreds of folk songs from the 19th century have known authors but have continued in oral tradition to the point where they are considered traditional for purposes of music publishing. This has become much less frequent since the 1940s. Today, almost every folk song that is recorded is credited with an arranger.
* Fusion of cultures: Because cultures interact and change over time, traditional songs evolving over time may incorporate and reflect influences from disparate cultures. The relevant factors may include instrumentation, [[Musical tuning|tunings]], [[Voicing (music)|voicings]], [[Phrasing (music)|phrasing]], subject matter, and even production methods.