Social Science : Customs & Traditions

Some 30 years ago, death was a source of embarrassment, dying was frequently viewed as medical failure, and grief was something you were expected to ‘get over' as quickly as possible. The so-called ‘taboo' on death has slowly turned upside down. more...

Price: $99.00

Over the past two decades, North Americans have become increasingly interested in understanding and reclaiming the rites that mark significant life passages. In the absence of meaningful rites of passage, we speed through the dangerous intersections of life and often come to regret missing an opportunity to contemplate a child's birth, mark the arrival of maturity, or meditate on the loss of a loved one. more...

Price: $15.95

When eleven-year-old Lavinia Guasca began her new life as a lady-in-waiting at the court of Turin, she brought with her a parting gift from her father Annibal (1540-1619): a detailed guidebook he wrote to help steer her through the many pitfalls of court life. Lavinia had her father's Discourse published in 1586; this English translation is the first version published in any form since that time. The Discourse displays an incredibly far-sighted view of women's education. Annibal thought gifted young girls should develop their talents and apply them to careers outside the home. In the Discourse, he details the unique and extremely rigorous educational program to which he had subjected Lavinia almost from the cradle with this end in mind. To complete Lavinia's education, Annibal filled the Discourse with advice on spirituality and morality, health and beauty, and how to behave at court—everything a well-bred lady-in-waiting would need to know. This edition also includes an appendix that traces the later events of Lavinia's life through excerpts from her father's letters. more...

Price: $20.00

A belief in the power of dreams runs through African-American life like a mystical thread, predicting the future, offering a glimpse of lost loved ones, informing decisions, and inspiring literature. Anthony Shafton distills a long time fascination with dreams into a seminal study of their place in black culture. More than 100 African Americans, both famous - such as literary lions John Edgar Wideman and Gloria Naylor - and ordinary men, women, and children, share their personal dream life and discuss its significance. Illuminating a wonderful variety of dreams, this book offers every reader insight into a centuries-old spiritual tradition. more...

Price: $24.95

The illustrated book gives historical and cultural background of major holidays around the world. Introduces major world carnival, festivals and parades. Where is the best time to spend February?. What nation celebrates Durga Puja in September?. What are major film festivals around the world?. Do you know what is celebrated on March 8, and where?. When is Vietnamese New Year, and how is it celebrated?. Educate yourself about world celebrations, observations, parades, carnivals, festivals and holidays. Use your down time to read about your favorite holidays. Table of Contents. Index By Month | A-Z Index. Holidays: Overview | National Holidays | International | Labour Day | Flag Day | Independence Day | Republic Day | Federal holiday (USA) | Unofficial | New Year | Secular Holidays List | Holidays of Japan | Chinese Holidays. Religious Holidays: Christian | Buddhist | Muslim | Jewish | Hindu | Bahá''í | Celtic/Pagan/Neopagan. Festivals: Overview | Arts Festival | Beer Festival | Literary Festival | Film Festival | Music Festival | Food Festival | Religious Festival | Sand Festival | Theatre Festival | Hot air balloon festivals | LGBT Festivals | Storytelling festival | New Media art festivals | Renaissance fair. by Country: Australia | Romania | Iran | Canada | United States | United Kingdom | Hindu | China | Japan. Carnivals: Overview | History | Around the world: Cities | Europe | Latin America | North America & Australia | Carnivals List | Parades | Parties. About Calendars: Liturgical year | Gregorian calendar | Roman Catholic calendar of saints | Islamic Calendar | Buddhist Calendar | Hebrew Calendar | Chinese Calendar more...

Price: $9.99