Page:Transactions of the Second International Folk-Congress.djvu/23

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The Scientific Work of the Congress.
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as embodied in early records of religion (myth and cult), institutions, and art (including literary art).

"Thus, on the day devoted to Folk-tales, it is hoped that papers and discussions will be forthcoming on the Incidents common to European and Savage Folk-tales—Ancient and Modern Folk-tales of the East, their relations to one another, and to the Folk-tales of Modern Europe—Traces of Modern Folk-tales in the Classics—Incidents common to Folk-tales and Romances—The Recent Origin of Ballads—The Problem of Diffusion.

"On the day devoted to Myth and Ritual such subjects may be discussed as: The present condition of the Solar Theory as applied to Myths—Modern Teutonic Folk-lore and the Eddas—Primitive Philosophy in Myth and Ritual — Sacrifice Rituals and their meaning—Survivals of Myths in Modern Legend and Folk-lore—Witchcraft and Hypnotism—Ancestor-Worship and Ghosts—Charms, their Origin and Diffusion.

"On the day devoted to Custom and Institution it is suggested that some of the following topics be discussed: Identity of Marriage Customs in Remote Regions—Burial Customs and their Meaning—Harvest Customs among the Celtic and Teutonic populations of Great Britain—The Testimony of Folk-lore to the European or Asiatic Origin of the Aryans—The Diffusion of Games—The Borrowing Theory applied to Custom.

"Besides those papers, and others that may be suggested by members of the Congress, each day it is proposed shall open with a Presidental Address from the Chairman of the Section.

"Thus four out of the five days being accounted for, it only remains to determine the work of the last day. This, it is suggested, should be taken up with the Reports of the Methodological Committee, appointment of Committees of the International Folk-lore Council, and on special points to be brought before the next Congress. Besides this, it is hoped that arrangements may be made