Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals: Volume 6 of Religion & Society

Description

From rites of passage that signify an individual’s new status or change in life to the ritual consumption of specific foods on certain days, religious rites, rituals, and festivals have shaped and have been shaped by society throughout history and around the world. The Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals, the sixth volume in the acclaimed Religion and Society series, explores this complex and fascinating topic.

Combining the expertise of outstanding international experts including scholars from all of the world’s major religions with perspectives from the cutting edge of major disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, religious studies, history, cultural studies and philosophy, the Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals examines how religious beliefs are expressed through ritualized behavior and the relationship that exists between secular rituals and religious rituals. This absorbing A-Z Encyclopedia looks not only at religious rituals such as prayer and the celebration of Passover, but also at rituals and festivals take on a religious aspect, such as Star Trek conventions and sports events.