In his research he discovered many traditional Germanic songs, tales, and customs transmitted by ordinary people who lived customary lifestyles. They were Herder’s Volk. Herder collected folk traditions, including folk dances, to prevent their loss and to encourage nationalistic pride.

Herder’s interest in Latvian folk seems to have been stirred by the tradition of celebrating Midsummer in the suburbs of Riga. Herder focused on collecting and systematizing folk songs since Riga period. He stimulated Baltic German interest in Latvian folklore.