Title
Unwrapping Christmas (Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology Cultural Forms),Used
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In an age of secularization and the decline of ritual, Christmas has emerged as the most promising candidate for the first global festival. It is celebrated in the Christian West as well as in many countries with either a minority or no Christian population. How is it that Christmas is not merely surviving, but actually gaining in importance?Unwrapping Christmas is the first comparative study of the Christmas phenomenon, based on direct observation of how the festival is actually celebrated in diverse social contexts. It begins by presenting general theories of Christmas and includes the first full English translation of 'Father Christmas Executed' by Claude LeviStrauss. The focus then turns to two controversial issues: the relationship between Christmas and materialism, and the debate over the place of the family in Christmas celebrations. Both of these issues are examined and interpreted in a variety of cultural contexts; including the USA, Japan, Britain, Sweden, and Trinidad.Christmas is rapidly becoming the focus for a constellation of activities including giftgiving, the marking of the seasons, and the celebration of extended family networks. This collection, the first systematic analysis of Christmas, represents a fascinating and significant contribution to understanding how and why this holiday has developed into the global festival celebrated today.
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- Q: How many pages are in the book? A: The book contains two hundred fifty pages. This provides ample content for readers interested in the cultural significance of Christmas.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures eight point five inches in height and five point five one inches in width. This size makes it easy to handle and read.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is published in paperback binding. This allows for flexibility and ease of use for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Unwrapping Christmas'? A: The author is Daniel Miller. He provides insightful perspectives on the Christmas phenomenon through his research.
- Q: What cultural contexts does the book explore? A: The book examines Christmas celebrations in various countries including the USA, Japan, Britain, Sweden, and Trinidad. It analyzes how cultural differences influence the festival.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is suitable for academic study. It presents comprehensive theories and direct observations related to Christmas celebrations.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: To maintain the book's condition, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. This helps preserve the pages and cover.
- Q: Can this book be used as a gift? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for anyone interested in cultural studies or Christmas traditions. It offers unique insights and analysis.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: Yes, the book is suitable for older children and teenagers. It presents cultural themes related to Christmas that can be educational.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme explores how Christmas has evolved into a global festival. It critically examines the relationship between Christmas and materialism.
- Q: What kind of analysis does the book provide? A: The book provides a systematic analysis of Christmas celebrations across different cultures. It includes observations and interpretations of the festival.
- Q: Does the book include translations of other works? A: Yes, the book includes the first full English translation of 'Father Christmas Executed' by Claude Levi-Strauss. This adds depth to the analysis.
- Q: What issues does the book address regarding Christmas celebrations? A: The book addresses two main issues: the relationship between Christmas and materialism, and the role of family in the celebrations. It explores these in various cultural contexts.
- Q: Is there any mention of gift-giving in the book? A: Yes, gift-giving is discussed as a key activity during Christmas. The book explores its significance across different cultures.
- Q: How does the book analyze Christmas in a global context? A: The book analyzes Christmas as a global festival by comparing how it is celebrated in diverse countries. It highlights varying traditions and practices.