Can you trace the origins of common beliefs and traditions (rituals) to their mythic roots?

Question

Can you trace the origins of common beliefs and traditions (rituals) to their mythic roots?

Answer 1

I think to a certain extent. There are so many variables: sometimes the link between a modern belief and an older one is pretty obvious, and sometimes the belief has undergone so many changes that the origin is obscure. Sometimes a tradition is clearly recorded in written history, and sometimes there are little to no references at all.

There can also be large gaps in the history of a belief. The Banshee of Ireland is a good example of this. She appears to be a Christianized manifestation of an ancient Irish/Celtic goddess, but there is no direct link. When attempting to trace something through folklore alone a lot of assumptions have to be made, and this can be risky.

Beliefs that came from ancient Greece and Rome seem to be some of the easiest to trace because there is such a wealth of written material.

Answer 2

Yeah the ancient Hebrew Israelite traced thier line all the way to Shem. Shem was a son of Noah who was a father to the Sumerians.

Answer 3

Really think your question is interesting, gave you a STAR!!  I think you may be able to trace to a mythic root, if you have been raised in arcane knowledge, especially if you are in the upper eschalon in the priesthood, otherwise this information would remain hidden.

Answer 4

Many of the traditions in folklore concerning plants and animals have their roots in the usage of the object.

Trees which are linked with lightning are the ones which grow singularly in open land or on hillsides; i.e. The Rowan

Plants which are linked to witches are those with berries that were collected for medicinal tonics and wines.

Animals like the Hare which are active in the open spaces during the spring are linked to fertility.

If you read into the subject you will often find there is some common sense behind the beliefs.