Religious Festivals Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIllustrates how our consumer spending generates vast amounts of economic waste. This book provides explanations to show us why it's time to stop the madness and think twice before buying gifts for the holidays.Trade Review"Leave it to an economist to make an impassioned argument for why we shouldn't give gifts, especially during the holidays."--Los Angeles Times "[A] small but very well-written and well-argued book which makes some serious points as well as poking fun at the nightmare of Christmas shopping... Point by point the author demolishes the case for giving gifts. In fact, this is a very sensible book on every level."--Times Literary Supplement "Waldfogel delivers a badly needed poke in the eye at holiday-time consumer madness, positing that not only is compulsory gift giving stressful and expensive, but it's economically unsound... This lively, spot-on book may be the one gift that still makes sense to buy come Black Friday."--Publishers Weekly "Scroogenomics is a quick read. Not only is it well under 200 pages, but the book can easily fit in your pocket. This is no think volume intended to scare off non-economists. Better still, Scroogenomics is almost entirely free of jargon. And when technical terms do appear, they are immediately explained."--Ryan Young, Washington Times "Another huge, value-destroying hurricane is about to slam America, destroying billions of dollars of value. Another Katrina? No, another Christmas. This voluntary December calamity is explained in a darkly amusing little book that is about the size of an iPhone. Scroogenomics comes from a distinguished publisher, Princeton University Press, and an eminent author, Joel Waldfogel of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton business school."--George Will, Washington Post "In his new book, Scroogenomics--a perfect stocking-filler--Waldfogel argues that buying presents is no longer a luxury but a necessity because the social pressure is immense."--John-Paul Flintoff, Sunday Times "Waldfogel assesses holiday gift giving though the lens of economic tenets such as opportunity costs and deadweight loss. The result is a short but engaging manifesto on the inefficiency of the tradition, concluding with several solutions to increase satisfaction for both givers and receivers. Although his own suggestions mandate that you not buy this book for someone who wanted something else, fans of Freakonomics and The Economic Naturalist may love it."--Library Journal "[A] handsome little book... Waldfogel is, if not a unique, then certainly a rare economist."--Australian "Nobody has done more to damage relations between the joyous commercial festival that is Christmas and the economics profession than Joel Waldfogel. Long-term readers of this column will be well aware of Professor Waldfogel's research paper, 'The Deadweight Loss of Christmas'. Ever since it was published in 1993 it has been taken out by economic journalists and displayed like last year's decorations. Waldfogel--a witty writer himself--has evidently decided that if everyone is going to discuss the idea, he may as well get in on the act, so has published Scroogenomics, a book that--dare I say it--looks like it would make a terrific stocking-filler."--Tim Harford, Financial Times "And now, in a new book called Scroogenomics, a U.S. economist has helpfully done the math on the holiday he declares, as only an economist would, an 'organized institution for value destruction.'"--Erin Anderssen, Globe & Mail "You would have thought that a book entitled Scroogenomics, which has been published in a recession and exhorts us to give up buying presents this Christmas, would do so from a spirit of, if not outright meanness, then at least heartfelt thrift. But Professor Joel Waldfogel instead uses a rather arch economic formula to explain why giving presents is a complete waste of time."--Rosie Millard, New Statesman "[A]n interesting and provocative book."--Times Higher Education "[Scroogenomics] is a nicely-timed stocking filler from the man who estimates that badly-chosen Christmas presents will waste the equivalent of $25bn across the world this year."--Tim Harford, Prospect "Written in a breezy, engaging style (he quotes Homer Simpson, not Friedrich von Hayek), Waldfogel's book attempts to quantify the cost to society of millions of Grandmas, Aunt Beas, and Uncle Charlies bestowing incorrect sweaters, candles, and other dud gifts, and presents a couple of options to reduce that loss."--Baltimore City Paper "[F]ar from being Scrooge-like, Scroogenomics points out that we could do something much more useful with our money, such as redistribute it to those who really need it."--The Age "Leave it to an economist to trample on a cherished year-long tradition. Joel Waldfogel, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, has written a book that promoters hype as one 'Santa doesn't want you to read.' Scroogenomics is a brief but biting little book about how our obsession with holiday spending generates some $85 billion dollars of economic waste each winter... Waldfogel doesn't just stomp on tradition. He offers solutions, such as charity gift cards that can be used as a force for good, and suggests transferring balances on regular store gift cards to charities after a certain time rather than let them go unredeemed."--Atlanta Journal-Constitution "If you're heading for the stores today, keep one thing in mind: Many of the gifts you buy today are likely unwanted. In his new book Scroogenomics, University of Pennsylvania economist Joel Waldfogel warns that most of us are not so great at gift-giving. He has data to back it up, and he offers a solution."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Joel Waldfogel has meticulously quantified the spirit of Christmas, giving in to a set of numbers and percentages that may discourage even the most enthusiastic Black Friday shopper this year. In his book Scroogenomics, he tells you why you should think twice before your holiday shopping spree, and why it's not better to give an unwanted beaded sweater or talking fish than no present at all."--Deseret News "My enthusiasm for buying gifts has been greatly reduced ... after reading Scroogenomics."--Shanghai Daily "This 186-page pocketbook measures just 4 by 6 inches in size, and invites readers to think just as small when it comes to holiday excess. Joel Waldfogel, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, goes beyond the obvious in arguing against habitual gift-giving."--Mark Jewell, Associated Press "This is a serious study of the economics of Christmas. It looks at the huge waste involved, looks back to earlier times and how previous generations celebrated the festive season, even suggests that buying presents should stop and then attempts to offer some solutions as to how Christmas can be a time of giving without being a time 'to max out our credit cards to finance the gift storm.'"--Sydney Morning Herald "Oftentimes in days of yore, I would sit by the fireside at Noel, glass of sherry I hand, warm, confused feeling in head, and survey the detritus of a Christmas-morning blitzkrieg of unwrapping and the shrapnel of packaging genocide and think: what a waste of money. Being of a naturally grump disposition, my attitude was habitually put down to an anti-Christmas 'Bah! Humbug!' tendency. But now here comes Joel Waldfogel to barge his way to the top of my (short) Christmas-card list telling everyone who sneered at my festive dispiritedness that I was right all along."--Stephen McCarty, South China Morning Post "It's blinding. Put it on your Christmas list."--Dan Douglass, Marketing Direct "[I]n his recent book Scroogenomics, Professor Waldfogel makes a knowingly provocative case for changing the entire cursed gift system."--Guardian "If Joel Waldfogel is correct, the Three Wise Men were just the sort of people who should not have bought Christmas presents."--Irish Times "If you enjoy the title, you will enjoy the book."--Declann Trott, Economic RecordTable of ContentsPreface ix CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1 CHAPTER TWO: Spending and Satisfaction 6 CHAPTER THREE: U.S. Holiday Spending 23 CHAPTER FOUR: How Much Waste Occurs at Christmas? 29 CHAPTER FIVE: Why We Do It: Are Gift Recipients Crackheads, or What? 41 CHAPTER SIX: Giving and Waste around the World 57 CHAPTER SEVEN: A Century of American Yuletide Spending 71 CHAPTER EIGHT: Have Yourself a Borrowed Little Christmas 78 CHAPTER NINE: Is Christmas Like Spam, Underwear, or Caviar? 89 CHAPTER TEN: Christmas and Commercialism: Are Santa and Jesus on the Same Team? If So, Who's Team Captain? 99 CHAPTER ELEVEN: Stop Carping; It's All for the Best 104 CHAPTER TWELVE: Making Giving More Effi cient with Cash and Gift Cards 113 CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Giving and Redistribution 120 CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Solutions --Making Gift Giving a Force for Good 134 Notes 147 Index 171

Read more less

Book SynopsisCelebrate the holidays with this merry collection of beloved Christmas albums paired with mood-setting cocktails—a companion to the bestselling listening party guide, Booze & Vinyl. Whether you're planning your finest Ugly Christmas Sweater Party or spending a quiet evening by the stocking-lined fireside at home, make the season bright with this guide to 40 favorite holiday albums from the 1940s to the present. Each entry features liner notes on the album and accompanying boozy beverage recipes that complement the music or connect the drink to the artist. Select holiday food recipes throughout complete the experience. Among the artist albums featured are: Johnny Mathis, the Beach Boys, Elvis, the Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani, Sia, Dolly Parton, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Vince Guaraldi, Barbara Streisand, Willie Nelson, Boyz II Men, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fi

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver 280 color photos and descriptive text display and discuss over 200 objects, many of which are quite rare and unusual, related to Jewish culture and experience. Sabbath candlesticks and candelabras, menorahs, Kiddush cups, Havdalah plates, spice boxes, Mezuzah cases, seder trays, marriage cups, torah pointers, a beer mug used on the festive Purim holiday, and much more are presented. Ranging from the 18th to the early 20th century, these objects take readers on an informative tour through Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, as well as through the holidays and the Sabbath. Also included are items without religious purpose, yet retaining a bold link to Jewish faith and tradition nonetheless, including veterans medals, alphabet charts translating Yiddish into English, eye charts in Yiddish, charity boxes, fans, seltzer bottles, and more. For anyone who has ever been interested in Judaism and Judaica, this book will hold great fascination

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMembers of Palestine’s Muslim community have long honored al-Nabi Musa, or the Prophet Moses. Since the thirteenth century, they have celebrated at a shrine near Jericho believed to be the location of Moses’s tomb; in the mid-nineteenth century, they organized a civic festival in Jerusalem to honor this prophet. Considered one of the most important occasions for Muslim pilgrims in Palestine, the Prophet Moses festival yearly attracted thousands of people who assembled to pray, conduct mystical forms of worship, and hold folk celebrations.Palestinian Rituals of Identity takes an innovative approach to the study of Palestine’s modern history by focusing on the Prophet Moses festival from the late Ottoman period through the era of British rule. Halabi explores how the festival served as an arena of competing discourses, with various social groups attempting to control its symbols. Tackling questions about modernity, colonialism, gender relations, and ideTable of Contents Note on Translation Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. The Traditional Ziyara Chapter 2. The Official Ceremonies in Fin-de-Siècle Jerusalem, 1850–1917 Chapter 3. British Colonialism Attends the Festival Chapter 4. Arab Elite Discourses at the Festival Chapter 5. Nationalist Youth Activity at the Festival to 1937 Chapter 6. Nonnational Inflections: The Participation of Non-Elite Groups Chapter 7. The Festival’s Denouement, 1938–1948 Conclusion: The Nabi Musa Festival after 1948 Notes Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor adults and families who want to celebrate Christmas, this is a wonderfully quirky, illustrated Advent calendar featuring festive cats in all their holiday spirit. Join all the cool cats this holiday season! A little cute, a little cheeky, and packed with personality-just like the cats we know and love-this Advent calendar celebrates the countdown to Christmas in pure feline style. Illustrated by artist Jamie Shelman, it features 24 adorable pop-out cat ornaments and, underneath each, punny captions to make sure you don't lose sight of the fun of it all. Deck the halls with balls of yarn. The snuggle is real. Paw humbug. Pure catnip.

Read more less

Book SynopsisProfessor and cultural historian Michael Keane reveals much in this nostalgia-inducing book packed with original research and interviews. Keane compellingly shows that the ultimate broadcast of the Christmas special-given its incredibly tight five-month production schedule and the decidedly unfavourable reception it received by the skeptical network executives who first screened it-was nothing short of a miracle. Keane explains why the show, despite its technical shortcomings, has become an uplifting and enduring triumph embraced by millions of families every Christmas season, even more than fifty years after its premiere.This gripping and joyful behind-the-scenes story of how the creators of A Charlie Brown Christmas struggled to bring the program to life will also help readers (and loyal fans) understand how America's favourite Christmas special changed our popular culture forever. Keane masterfully weaves the momentous events of 1965 (the turbulent year of the program's production) into his story, providing critical context for a profound new understanding of the program's famous climactic scene, Linus's spot-lit soliloquy answering the question repeatedly posed by Charlie Brown-"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

Read more less

Book SynopsisFind out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe!The world’s date book since 1957, Chase's is the definitive, authoritative, day-by-day resource of what the world is celebrating. From national days to celebrity birthdays, from historical milestones to astronomical phenomena, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the must-have reference used by experts and professionals—a one-stop shop with 12,500 entries for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past. Completely updated for 2023, Chase's also features extensive appendices as well as a companion website that puts the power of Chase's at the user's fingertips. 2023 is packed with special events and observances, including National days and public holidays of every nation on Earth Scores of new special days, weeks and months Famous birthdays of new world leaders, lauded authors and breakout celebrities Info on milestone anniversaries, such as the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio, the 225th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the 125th anniversary of the Curies' discovery of radium, the 100th birth anniversary of Hank Williams, the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, the 50th anniversary of Skylab Information on such special sporting events as the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany And much more! All from the reference book that Publishers Weekly calls "one of the most impressive reference volumes in the world."Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionSpotlight on 2023 Anniversaries and EventsSpotlight on the Past: 1923, 1948, 1973, 1998Spotlight on World and American AnniversariesSpotlight on PeopleSpotlight on 2023 EventsCalendar of Events: Jan 1-Dec 31, 2023JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberCalendar Information for the Years 2023-2025Perpetual CalendarNational Days of the World for 2023Selected Special Years: 2000-2023Chinese CalendarWorld Map of Time ZonesUniversal, Standard and Daylight TimesLeap SecondsAstronomical Phenomena for the Years 2023-2025The Naming of HurricanesSome Facts about the US PresidentsSome Facts about the United StatesState Governors/US Senators/US Supreme CourtSome Facts about CanadaSome Facts about MexicoPresidential Proclamations2023 Special MonthsLooking ForwardMajor Awards Presented in 2021-2022IndexAccessing the Companion Website

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince 1957, Chase's Calendar of Events lists everything worth knowing and celebrating for each day of the year: 12,500 holidays, national days, historical milestones, famous birthdays, festivals, sporting events and more. "One of the most impressive reference volumes in the world." -- Publishers WeeklyTable of ContentsContentsIntroductionSpotlight on 2024 Anniversaries and EventsSpotlight on the Past: 1924, 1949, 1974, 1999Spotlight on World and American AnniversariesSpotlight on PeopleSpotlight on 2024 EventsCalendar of Events: Jan 1-Dec 31, 2024JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberCalendar Information for the Years 2024-2026Perpetual CalendarNational Days of the World for 2024Selected Special Years: 2000-2024Chinese CalendarWorld Map of Time ZonesUniversal, Standard and Daylight TimesLeap SecondsAstronomical Phenomena for the Years 2024-2026The Naming of HurricanesSome Facts about the US PresidentsSome Facts about the United StatesState Governors/US Senators/US Supreme CourtSome Facts about CanadaSome Facts about MexicoPresidential Proclamations2024 Special MonthsLooking ForwardMajor Awards Presented in 2022-2023IndexAccessing the Companion Website

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the seventh volume in this popular series, and the first for Year C, the Year of Luke. By exploring the context and background to all three readings, the author hopes to make the readings available for personal prayer and as a preparation for taking part in the Sunday liturgy. This book is a very useful resource for all who wish to get more out of the season's readings. Fr Kieran is very well-known for his hugely popular 'Weekly Notes' – an email resource for each week's readings throughout the year. Praise for previous volumes in the series: "...concise and helpful, useful both to the preacher preparing his thoughts and to the reader who wishes to contemplate the scriptures." - Church Review "...all you need to know to enrich your experience of reading and hearing the Scriptures ... a book that you can select from, finding what speaks to you." - The TabletTrade Review'a deep and scholarly piece of work, which provides plenty of material for study, prayer and reflection.' Catholic South West -- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West *‘His commentary is both learned and easy to understand...I highly recommend this book’ Church Review -- Nigel Waugh * Church Review *‘provides a multi-faceted understanding of the Gospel... a solid resource for adult faith formation as well as parish-based faith renewal groups.’ Intercom -- Mary Adamson * Intercom magazine *‘...a rich resource, of immense help to preachers...highly recommended.’ * Spirituality journal *‘...invaluable to ministers preparing sermons...O”Mahony balances his excellent scholarship with practical wisdom, providing original insights into the familiar seasonal readings.’ * Transforming Ministry *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Sacred Space website, an inspiration of the Irish Jesuits, continues to be one of the most popular prayer sites worldwide. Twenty years ago a group of Jesuits saw the potential of the "new" world wide web as a way of helping and encouraging people to pray. The books followed soon after and have been consistent bestsellers. Sacred Space Lent 2023 continues the tradition of Scripture reading, points of reflection, a weekly topic and six steps of prayer and meditation. The handy format makes this an idea book for pocket, brief case, handbag or even the glove compartment of the car!

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs the Church Year passes, we anticipate the next festival and season, in much the same way as gardeners look for the first signs of spring or the first frosts of winter, as they plan their planting activities. So, in the Church, Advent passes into Christmas and Epiphany with a speed that seems driven by activity as much as reflection; but the approach of Ash Wednesday can catch us unawares, especially in a year with an early Easter. St Brigid’s Day and Candlemas, set at the beginning of February, warn us that we need to think about how to make the most of the weeks to pray our way, once more, through the days of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. By taking the Cross, and even more specifically, the words Jesus spoke while nailed to that Cross, over the course of some weeks, rather than a few hours on Good Friday, we have time to consider more deeply the inner themes and conclusions. This meditation will help us to prepare for Holy Week, with a mind and heart familiar with the readings and ready to be filled with our own prayerful reflections. If this small book can prompt a mindset of deliberately slowing the pace of the contemplation of Christ’s words, and especially those from the Cross, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJourney through Advent together as a family with daily readings, prayers, thoughts and activities for all ages. As the parents of a blended family of five children, Steve and Bekah Legg bring a fun, engaging and accessible approach to reading and understanding the Bible so that everyone can join in and understand. 'A great resource to bring the family together to talk about the things that matter.' Rob Parsons

Read more less

Book SynopsisHalloween is a very special time of year and takes on huge significance for a vast number of people in different ways. For many, it's a chance to dress up, wander the streets for a trick or treat session, gorge on candy and have a party, whereas for others it is a time of remembrance, of visits to ancestors' graves, or prayers at this holy time.But what are the real origins and meanings of this festival that's commonly associated with darkness, witches, ghosts and ghouls? The oldest known Halloween celebration was the Celtic Samhain, a time when the souls and spirits of the dead would find it easiest to return to visit the living. Food was offered to keep the spirits happy and eventually the festival was formalised by the church as a time of remembrance in advance of All Saints Day.This fun little guide looks at the history of all things Halloween, from the earliest feasts and customs to the latest fun and games that are common around the world. We delve into the meanings of many of the symbols of Halloween, like pumpkins, black cats, apples, witches and ghosts, and examine the many different ways people celebrate around the world. There is plenty of fun stuff too: freaky facts, scary poems, classic candy, spooky songs, stunning stats, horror film suggestions and all manner of puns, jokes and sayings all relating to the creepiest day of the year.SAMPLE QUOTE: 'Halloween was confusing. All my life my parents said, "Never take candy from strangers." And then they dressed me up and said, "Go beg for it."' - Rita RudnerTable of ContentsHalloween History: There are traces of what we now know as Halloween as far back as 5BCE, with the Celtic, pagan festival of Samhain. The Romans added a few of their own traditions and by the time the Catholic Church was involved, All Saints Day was established. Trick or Treat? This chapter looks at the history and practice of knocking on doors and asking for sugar... and what you can do when someone opts for trick rather than treat! Myths and Magic: Carved pumpkins, bats, black cats, ghosts, masks. The meanings and inspiration behind the many familiar elements of Halloween are uncovered in this revealing chapter. How Do You Celebrate? Some dress up and rap on doors, some turn their house into a horror movie set, some turn their lights off and pretend nobody's home, some lay out treats for the spirits, but everybody knows it's Halloween. A light-hearted look at what the world gets up to on 31 October. Halloween Wit & Wisdom: A selection of quotes, jokes, lists (Halloween movies, songs costumes etc.) and more, from the great and the good all over. Happy Halloween! Funny sayings, traditions and interesting facts to share with your friends, family and neighbours.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith characteristic gentleness and wisdom, Ann Lewin leads us on an exploration of the seasons of Advent and Christmas which are rich in imagery and themes to shape our faith. Advent speaks of our dual identity as people of this world and as God’s people. Come Emmanuel explores how we can hold this in creative tension and learn to relate our prayerfulness to everyday life. Ann opens up the depths of some very ancient prayers – the Advent antiphons - and discovers how much they can teach us for living as God’s people today. Commercially, Christmas may be over and done with on 25th, yet for Christians it is a profound beginning that leads paradoxically into death and suffering as on the days immediately following, the Church commemorates Stephen, the first martyr, and the Massacre of the Innocents. The baby in the manger will bring healing and forgiveness, but only via the road to the cross.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is a study of moulids, the popular Egyptian religious festivals (Muslim and Christian) as they were in the first half of the 20th century. Moulids also had a secular side, where sports, games, theatres, shadowplays, beer booths, sweet stalls, eating houses, dancing, and laughter, were as much part of the festival as the religious processions and the whirling of dervishes. Nor were the festivals exclusive to one religion or the other- Muslims and Christians happily attended each other's moulids. Some of the rites and customs date from as far back as the Pharaonic period, but the moulids are gradually dying out. Many of the 126 festivals described here have since faded away, making the book of lasting interest. Published in Cairo at the height of the Second World War, Bimbashi McPherson's The Moulids of Egypt is a fascinating and highly original contribution to the study of the country's religious folklore and practice.Trade Reviewan invaluable work...a superb first-hand glimpse of the life of Egypt -Laurence DurrellTable of ContentsContents Editor's Comments on the Text viii List of Illustrations ix List of Maps xi Editor's Note on Map Section xii Foreword to the New Edition by Valerie J. Hoffman xiii Foreword to the Original Edition by Edward E. Evans-Pritchard xix Introduction 1 I Moulids: Their Origin and Objects 27 II Moulids: Their Place, Times and Seasons 35 III Moulids: Their Devotional Side 49 IV Moulids: Their Secular Side 69 V Moulids: Their Individual Features 91 Envoi 311 Post Scriptum 315 Glossary 321 Editor's Life of Author 333 Editor's Acknowledgements 373 Sources of Illustrations 375

Read more less