Clegg, Sarah
The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas
- ISBN 13:
- 9781803511535
- author:
- Clegg, Sarah
- format:
- Hardback
- publisher:
- Granta Books
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2024
- Pages:
- 208
- Dimensions:
- 20.8 x 13.6 x 2.1 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- Nonfiction, Social Sciences, Folklore & Mythology,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 7 working days
Description
As winter's darkness descends, the festive season's warmth and enchantment can sometimes feel at odds with the chill of the season. Yet, beneath the surface of traditional celebrations, a darker, more complex history lurks. Sarah Clegg explores the lesser-known Christmas traditions that have evolved over the centuries, from ancient customs to modern pagan rituals. These traditions, such as English mummers plays and Austrian Krampus runs, may seem strange or unsettling at first, but they offer a fascinating glimpse into the ways in which our cultural practices have changed and adapted over time. By examining these customs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which our societies have sought to balance the light and darkness of the seasons. By exploring the darker side of Christmas traditions, Sarah Clegg invites us to consider the complex and often contradictory nature of our cultural practices.