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Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan

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About This Book

The volume surveys how the Nativity has been observed across various lands and ages, first treating the festival's Christian side through hymnody, liturgy, devotional practices, cribs, and nativity drama, then detailing pagan survivals in winter rites. It traces the incorporation of pre-Christian customs into church celebrations, examines seasonal saints' observances and New Year customs, and describes the yule log, decorated evergreens, gift-giving, feasting, and related folk beliefs. Poetry, theatrical traditions, and comparative folklore are brought together to map variants, probable origins, and the interaction between sacred observance and popular ritual.

About the Author

Miles, Clement A. portrait

Clement A. Miles

Clement A. Miles was an English author and scholar known for his exploration of cultural traditions and their intersections with religious practices. His notable work, "Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan," delves into the historical and cultural significance of Christmas, examining both its Christian roots and pagan influences. Through his writings, Miles contributed to the understanding of how rituals shape societal values and beliefs, making his work relevant to those interested in anthropology, religious studies, and folklore.

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