ABSTRACT
Family stories can give a feeling of continuity, of how the past led to the present, of rootedness and family tradition, and so help to make sense of a complicated and fraught family life in the present. Family stories that are repeated many times, or passed down over several generations become legends, which are closest to myths in the strict sense of the term. This chapter aims to distinguish family traditions, stories, and legends. Traditions are shared attitudes and customs, which may be supported by storytelling. Family storytelling is more than chance personal reminiscing, although it may begin with such memories: the main point is that a parent or grandparent wants to pass on that particular information about the past, feels it important that their descendants should know about it.
