Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan is a study of the history and folklore surrounding Christmas holidays in several countries. It is an amazing collection of Christmas-related traditions from the first introductions of Christianity to the early 20th century. The book covers the history of Christmas as a Christian feast day and how that developed. It also discusses pre-Christian festivals and observances and how a lot of them survived by being given a Christian veneer although the overt paganism disappeared. Clement A. Miles (1881-1918), an author and translator, was a member of the Folk-Lore Society. He had been for many years on T. Fisher Unwin's literary staff and he was the author of an important work: Christmas in Ritual and Tradition. Miles possessed a wide knowledge of European languages, and translated numerous works from French and Italian.

Clement A. Miles' 'Christmas in Ritual & Tradition: Christian and Pagan (Illustrated Edition)' is a comprehensive exploration of the origins and evolution of Christmas customs, blending both Christian and Pagan traditions. Miles provides a detailed analysis of the historical context surrounding the celebration of Christmas, delving into the cultural, religious, and folkloric aspects that have shaped the holiday throughout the ages. The book features beautiful illustrations that further enhance the reader's understanding of the various rituals associated with Christmas. Miles' scholarly approach to the subject matter offers readers a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions that come together to form the modern-day Christmas celebration. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultural history of Christmas and the intricate interplay between different religious and folk practices. Clement A. Miles' expertise in folklore and anthropology shines through in this illuminating study, making it a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the holiday season.

In 'The First Christmas Tree & Other Christmas Tales of Henry van Dyke', the reader is transported to a world of enchanting Christmas stories, each filled with themes of love, compassion, and the true spirit of the season. Van Dyke's writing style is both poetic and heartwarming, capturing the essence of Christmas in each tale. Set in a literary context of early 20th century America, these stories provide a glimpse into the cultural and social norms of the time, as well as timeless moral lessons that still resonate today. The collection includes not only 'The First Christmas Tree', a beloved story that explores the origins of the Christmas tree tradition, but also other lesser-known gems that showcase Van Dyke's talent for storytelling. Henry van Dyke, a prominent writer and clergyman, drew inspiration from his own experiences and beliefs to craft these timeless tales. His deep understanding of human nature and his faith shine through in each story, making them resonate with readers of all ages. 'The First Christmas Tree & Other Christmas Tales of Henry van Dyke' is a must-read for anyone looking to experience the magic and wonder of Christmas through beautifully written stories that touch the heart.

In the myth and folklore of ancient European cultures and spiritual traditions, the longest night of the year, called Winter Solstice, was a time of transition during which people sought out personal renewal and rebirth. The Fires of Yule provides a template and a pattern for entering deeply into the Winter Solstice Season, experiencing it in poetic and transformative ways through a contemporary calendar called The Thirteen Dayes of Yule. Readers of The Fires of Yule will follow a pilgrim path of the Thirteen Dayes from 13 to 25 December, engaging in various myths, symbols, stories, and rituals associated with each day. Becoming practitioners of the Yule, deepening their experience of the Winter Solstice, they will move beyond the more banal and commercialized forms of the December holidays. The calendar of the Thirteen Dayes is sourced (historically) in Celtic myth and Paganism, as well as (imaginatively) in the lore of the Elves of ancient pre-Celtic worlds. This book brings together many of the best-known icons and customs of modern Christmas traditions, re-sourcing them in the light of a Pagan Hearth and offering touchstones for self-renewal at Winter Solstice. This revised edition of The Fires of Yule presents the mystic pattern of Thirteen Dayes in its fullest expression, narrated in the voice of a fictional character, Cornelius Whitsel, a student of religion and a Pagan spiritual director in the Keltelven Traditions who lives in the imagined landscape of Ross County, Pennsylvania. Cornelius has been a character in two of Montague Whitsels other books; Ham Farir: The Faring of Matthew Thorin Dier (2008) and Tales from the Seasons (2009). The Fires of Yule is the culmination of more than three decades of the authors devout engagement with the Yule and deep reflection on the nature of the Winter Solstice. Montague Whitsel has explored, studied and practiced Western spiritualities grounded in the Celtic, Neo-Pagan and Monastic traditions for more than 40 years.

First published in 2003. This final volume in the VIII-volume set titled The Early Sociology of Culture, deals with human culture, and confines itself neither to contemporary life nor to Western European civilization. The author argues that, if the volume demonstrates an inadequacy of the methods used in interpreting culture and progress, the study is justified. The chapters are separated into three parts: Culture and Culture Change; Theories of Progress and The Criteria of Progress.

Contains descriptions of nearly 2,500 special days commemorated by people of various countries, cultures, and religions around the world; arranged alphabetically by name of holiday.

This authoritative work sheds light on the religious world of the Kalasha people of the Birir valley in the Chitral district of Pakistan, focusing on their winter feasts, which culminate every year in a great winter solstice festival. The Kalasha are not only the last example of a pre-Islamic culture in the Hindu Kush and Karakorum mountains but also practice the last observable example anywhere in the world of an archaic Indo-European religion. In this book, Augusto S. Cacopardo takes readers inside the world of the Kalasha people. Cacopardo outlines the history and culture of this ancient but still extant people. Exploring an array of relevant literature, he enriches our understanding of their practices and beliefs through illuminating comparisons with both the Indian religious world and the religious folklore of Europe. Bringing together several disciplinary approaches and drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, this book offers the first extended study of this little-known but fascinating Kalasha community. It will take its place as a standard international reference source on the anthropology, ethnography, and history of religions in Pakistan and Central South Asia.