Abstract

★Discover the history, customs, and cultures of countries around the world through their holidays and festivals!
★Every corner of the world has its own unique holidays rooted in local traditions〉

Around the world, holidays and festivals reflect the history and culture of the places　where they originated. Examples include a day in Indonesia when the use of fire and electricity is prohibited because the god of the underworld is believed to emerge onto the earth, a day in Sweden celebrating the long-awaited arrival of summer, and Velvet Revolution Day in the Czech Republic.

Although these holidays may be unfamiliar to Japanese readers, they are important occasions for celebration and reflection in the countries where they are observed. This book explores distinctive holidays and festivals from around the world, introducing the historical, social, and cultural backgrounds behind them.

Rather than simply listing and describing holidays, the author, Toki, draws on his field of research, cultural anthropology, to offer a comparative cultural perspective. Witty and insightful, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse ways people around the world celebrate and mark significant moments in their lives.

Author’s Information

Born in Kamakura in 1950, he completed the required coursework for the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Meiji University. After serving as a part-time lecturer at Meiji University and a professor at Edogawa University, he became Professor Emeritus at Edogawa University. His fields of specialization include cultural anthropology, intercultural communication, and cultural history.