The bridge/gate type of games from Vojvodina in the light of comparative studies

The empirical research of children’s folklore in Vojvodina, has unfortunately remained a less studied domain within the ethno musicological research. The importance of studying this neglected folklore genre seemed to us... [ view full abstract ]

The empirical research of children’s folklore in Vojvodina, has unfortunately remained a less studied domain within the ethno musicological research. The importance of studying this neglected folklore genre seemed to us even more important since it enables us to clarify and present one of the most important ethno musicological issues which are tightly connected to the child psychology. Children folklore is preparing the pre-school children to learn in the most natural, free and relaxed manner, within the same-age children group. The songs of these bridge/gate type of games belong to the games of crossing over, games of initiation. (Medan 1980, 47). This type of games of crossing over, of crossing the bridge as if from one state to another, symbolically represents a universal state of each and everyone of us. On our road to growing up and getting mature each of us goes through, regardless of the lyrics, melody line, ethnicity or the language the game is played on, we all follow the same rules. Some of the authors rightfully consider the children as being the best keepers of the national traditions. Observing generally, children folklore affects the physical and mental development, as well as the intellectual and emotional growth and the intelligence of children. Once the opportunity of naturally getting through the childhood, through games and countings is lost, it can never again be compensated.  

 Key-words: Children’s folklore, bridge/gate type of games, comparative studies, intelligence