Author: J A Hammerton
Publisher: Sundeep Prakashan
Year: 1992
Language: English
Pages: 1374
ISBN/UPC (if available): 818506654X
Description
The present multivolume set (in 3 volumes), containing more than 1800 illustrations, is a monumental work on the manners and customs of mankind, their origins and their observance throughout the world today. These volumes gives a broad survey of fascinating topics like the surviving customs of springtide, popular customs of Eastertide, midsummer beliefs and practices; the table manners - primitive and polished, the tattooing and its significance; the sexual life of the savages, the veil and its significance, initiation and other ceremonies of puberty, the separation of the sexes; weddings without the bride, the various forms of marriage, widowhood among the civilized and savage; the animal dances of the east, the devils and other spirit dances, the golden ballet of the east; of driving out devils of diseases, magic in love and war, modern survivals of witchcraft; on the ceremonial use of effigies, graves and their decoration, Red Indian burial customs, exposing the dead; sacrificial rites, the pilgrimage in Christendom, monasticism in the Christian church; hermits, fakirs and ascetics of today, ancestor worship and the cults of the dead, pilgrimage of the east, the worship of the serpent, the rites of circumcision; the mascot or luck bringer, beliefs and superstitions of the sea, tree and stone beliefs and customs, outwitting the forces of evil; man's use of animals, modern slavery and serfdom, military and naval customs at the seat of justice, punishment among savages and the civilized, dwellers in caves and cliffs, etc.
In the general index, detailed references to the chapters and illustration are given. Illustrations are indicated by the use of italic type for the page references. A separate index classified under the main groups of customs described is also given.