Book cover of The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain

Book description

Comprehensive and engaging, this colourful study covers the whole sweep of ritual history from the earliest written records to the present day. From May Day revels and Midsummer fires, to Harvest Home and Hallowe'en, to the twelve days of Christmas, Ronald Hutton takes us on a fascinating journey through the…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Stations of the Sun as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is my go-to book whenever I start a new Halloween writing project. It grounds me in details about the origins of Halloween (and holidays throughout the year) and illustrates brilliantly why the turning of the seasons has always been critical, and how holidays mark important cultural moments in so many ways. The origin of Halloween is here, but so is the origin of celebration itself.

From Lesley's list on Halloween celebrations.

As the title implies, this book is a comprehensive survey of the many kinds of rituals and observances for different seasons to mark the passage of the year, reaching far back into history and pre-history. While many of these celebrations are no longer observed, some have endured and found popularity throughout the world. This is a fascinating look into British traditions and folklore, both those of pagan origin and those taken over or refitted by Christianity in more recent times.  

From Tim's list on British folklore and customs.

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December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

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