The study and collection of folklore (as opposed to just the doing of it by the folk) pretty much began across Europe in connection with Romantic Nationalism.

The beginning of much study of medieval history began in that same wave of fervour, which created 'histories' really myths about the origins of nations and their boundaries, often called moments of primary appropriation.

In reality, as archaeology and linguistics can show, we are a diasporic species, peoples have always moved (we were all nomads once) and language, music and food alike mirror all mirror perpetual cultural contact and exchange.


Now, what would the diet of the isolationist be? No tomatoes, chili, no potatoes, no sweet corn...