It is often wondered how beliefs and texts are passed down through centuries or longer, often before they were ever even translated to the paper, parchment, or by other means of writing. After all, keep in mind that until relatively recently, only a very small number of people had the ability to write or in fact, to read the writing. Many cultures that have survived have even done so during times that they didn't have a written language.

The answer seems pretty simple: The word must have been passed down by simple word of mouth. But it this not that simple. There were simply too many ways that the word of mouth could be passed, and circumstances under which it could be.

For a single example, lets look at the Native Americans. Prior to the eighteenth century, a few tribes had a written language, but most did not. Some sacred stories were passed generally from the more elderly to the younger group, in stories told around fires. In others, and in some of this first group, the information was passed only between a shaman and his apprentice. Shamanism is not a religion, yet shamans were usually spiritual leaders, and were thought of as "keepers of the knowledge".

Sometimes stories were engraved on hides, carved into rock, or other mediums were used to convey meaning. Even without a written language, a rough idea of the story is passed along. The story itself may be embellished with every later generation, but the basic concept still remains, when this happens.

Even music has been used to pass on the sacred texts. In Old England, Bards sang their songs, recounting tales from times passed. In those times, music was sought after, and the Bards were very important for development and for the stories they had to tell. Almost all indigenous peoples shared information in this way.

Eventually, as more and more people became able to write and read, many of these stories and history were committed to paper or other writing means. And yet, even today, the greatest stories ever told, from the sacred texts from around the world, are still best delivered by word of mouth or in the form of song. Our ancestors knew that this would be so, since it was in their own time. After all, we have not come so far at being a better breed of human that our past doesn't still govern our future.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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