Traditionella ritualer och ceremonier

'A glimpse into the exotic, mysterious, tinged-with-eroticism world of the almost mythical geisha' Val Hennessy, Daily Mail'[An] eloquent and innovative memoir' The TimesThe extraordinary, bestselling memoir from Japan's foremost geisha.'I can identify the exact moment when things began to change. It was a cold winter afternoon. I had just turned three.'Emerging shyly from her hiding place, Mineko encounters Madam Oima, the formidable proprietress of a prolific geisha house in Gion. Madam Oima is mesmerised by the child's black hair and black eyes: she has found her successor. And so Mineko is gently, but firmly, prised away from her parents to embark on an extraordinary profession, of which she will become the best. But even if you are exquisitely beautiful and the darling of the okiya, the life of a geisha is one of gruelling demands. And Mineko must first contend with her bitterly jealous sister who is determined to sabotage her success . . .Captivating and poignant, Geisha of Gion tells of Mineko's ascendancy to fame and her ultimate decision to leave the profession she found so constricting. After centuries of mystery Mineko is the only geisha to speak out. This is the true story she has long wanted to tell and the one that the West has long wanted to hear.

A Sunday Times Bestseller'Incredibly interesting and very funny.' - The Times'This book sparkles like the cut glass of a crystal decanter.' Tom Allen, comedian_____________________________________________________________________What is the correct way to queue at the bar? And why exactly do the English say sorry so much?No one makes such a fuss about manners quite as much as the UK, yet in a fast-changing world, no one can seem to agree on precisely what the ‘done thing’ is, either. William Hanson, world-leading etiquette expert is on a mission to reclaim the British crown of good manners. In Just Good Manners, he shares his definitive guidance on how to behave in every situation - as well as celebrating our country’s distinctively British way of doing things!With the perfect dose of William’s inimitable dry humour, Just Good Manners is the indispensable modern guide to British etiquette and customs – from table manners to top hats.'A well-researched and fascinating book that is also great fun. A must for anyone who aspires to polish up their manners.' Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting'An etiquette genius with a stunning eye for detail - he's the only person who knows more about buffet suppers than I do.' Camilla Long‘Funny and unapologetic, here is a timely reminder that there is nothing divisive or old-fashioned about good manners.’ Robert Hardman, author of Charles III: The Inside Story*Sunday Times Bestseller, September 2024

Come along on a journey through the woods, over the fields and into the kitchen, to find nourishing ingredients to enjoy through the seasons.Wild Magic invites you to take a deep breath and reconnect with nature, discover the joy of seasonal eating and use the healing power of plants for self-care.From a fizzy drink of elderflower cordial to a warming bowl of mushroom noodles and melting wild garlic muffins to indulgent wild currant doughnuts, these 80 healing recipes and rituals that will make you fall in love with the wilderness that surrounds you in the city as the country, and embrace the beauty of slow living all year round.

This book carries on the tradition of the solo village witch emphasizing white rather than black magic. It is a practical manual of instruction for those who choose the solo path of study and particularly stresses the importance of being in tune with nature. As there are approximately 13 moons each year – the book is divided into 13 parts. Each section is aimed at lasting from the new moon to the dark to make the student fully aware of the changing power in the tides of the sea and the tides of the self. The moon-long sections deal with a variety of traditional arts, skills and mental exercises which enables the aspiring witch to discover the inner world of magic inside him/herself.Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content that appeared in the original print version.

This new title by Kate West, bestselling author of The Real Witches' Handbook, will contain masses of spells and rituals for celebrations marking the seasons and festivals of the year, as well as a wealth of other information about magic for the initiated or the beginner alike.This book is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to perform seasonal spells. It is the perfect follow-up and next step in the highly successful 'Real Witches' series, providing a full year's working in the Craft, and will appeal not only to those who have purchased other titles in the series, but to anyone from Sabrina fans to serious witches.

Fascinating, bizarre and hilarious facts about the most universal of experiences of life – birth, death and matrimony …All the female eggs needed to produce the next generation of the human race could be contained in the shell of one chicken’s egg … Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ cloakroom … Attila the Hun drank himself to death on his wedding night … in Tanzanian weddings the bride and groom sit on the lap of an old woman … Indian Chief Blackbird was buried sitting on his horse …From Roman births to Bedouin wedding feasts, from the touching tale of the marriage of two white rhinos to the gruesome stories of the final resting places of Oliver Cromwell’s head and Gallileo’s fingers, Hatches, Matches and Dispatches reveals the true facts of life!

‘Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion – putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.’ This book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others.Care, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others.With practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.

‘Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion – putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.’ This book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others.Care, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others.With practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.

We all need a little more sanuk in our lives Sanuk is a Thai concept that can loosely be translated as meaning ‘fun’. Though sanuk is in fact much more than that; it’s about achieving pleasure and joy in all aspects of life. For Thai people, if it’s not sanuk, it’s not worth doing.Thai people believe that it’s the little things that add up to a joyful life. Whether it’s raising happy kids, enjoying a quick chat with your neighbour or having a laugh with friends, they try to bring a sense of joy into their daily routines. This easygoing, fun-loving way of life is why Thailand is often called The Land of Smiles.But how can we learn to prioritise this sense of fun and pleasure in our own lives? With recent clinical studies showing a clear link between a person’s outlook on life and their health, a mindset of optimism and positivity has obvious benefits. Being a glass half full kind of person doesn’t just help us live longer, it helps us live better.Embracing sanuk and approaching life a glass-half-full attitude can make you happier, healthier and more productive – and this book will show you how.

We all need a little more sanuk in our lives Sanuk is a Thai concept that can loosely be translated as meaning ‘fun’. Though sanuk is in fact much more than that; it’s about achieving pleasure and joy in all aspects of life. For Thai people, if it’s not sanuk, it’s not worth doing.Thai people believe that it’s the little things that add up to a joyful life. Whether it’s raising happy kids, enjoying a quick chat with your neighbour or having a laugh with friends, they try to bring a sense of joy into their daily routines. This easygoing, fun-loving way of life is why Thailand is often called The Land of Smiles.But how can we learn to prioritise this sense of fun and pleasure in our own lives? With recent clinical studies showing a clear link between a person’s outlook on life and their health, a mindset of optimism and positivity has obvious benefits. Being a glass half full kind of person doesn’t just help us live longer, it helps us live better.Embracing sanuk and approaching life a glass-half-full attitude can make you happier, healthier and more productive – and this book will show you how.

An illuminating look at the transformative role that rituals play in our political livesThe Politics of Ritual is a major new account of the political power of rituals. In this incisive and wide-ranging book, Molly Farneth argues that rituals are social practices in which people create, maintain, and transform themselves and their societies. Far from mere scripts or mechanical routines, rituals are dynamic activities bound up in processes of continuity and change. Emphasizing the significance of rituals in democratic engagement, Farneth shows how people adapt their rituals to redraw the boundaries of their communities, reallocate goods and power within them, and cultivate the habits of citizenship.Transforming our understanding of rituals and their vital role in the political conflicts and social movements of our time, The Politics of Ritual examines a broad range of rituals enacted to just and democratic ends, including border Eucharists, candlelight vigils, and rituals of mourning. This timely book makes a persuasive case for an innovative democratic ritual life that can enable people to create and sustain communities that are more just, inclusive, and participatory than those in which they find themselves.

An illuminating look at the transformative role that rituals play in our political livesThe Politics of Ritual is a major new account of the political power of rituals. In this incisive and wide-ranging book, Molly Farneth argues that rituals are social practices in which people create, maintain, and transform themselves and their societies. Far from mere scripts or mechanical routines, rituals are dynamic activities bound up in processes of continuity and change. Emphasizing the significance of rituals in democratic engagement, Farneth shows how people adapt their rituals to redraw the boundaries of their communities, reallocate goods and power within them, and cultivate the habits of citizenship.Transforming our understanding of rituals and their vital role in the political conflicts and social movements of our time, The Politics of Ritual examines a broad range of rituals enacted to just and democratic ends, including border Eucharists, candlelight vigils, and rituals of mourning. This timely book makes a persuasive case for an innovative democratic ritual life that can enable people to create and sustain communities that are more just, inclusive, and participatory than those in which they find themselves.

Learn the powerful stories behind over 40 goddesses from around the world, and discover how you can embody their power to improve your wellbeing, and live your best life. From ancient myth to modern day icons, there’s a goddess to help you with every situation. Including some of the best and less well-known goddesses throughout mythology, and accompanied by a gorgeous illustration of each, learn the stories of: ·    Freya (Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War)·    Eostre (Celtic Goddess of the Dawn and Spring)·    Guan Yin (Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Mercy)·    Nut (Egyptian Goddess of the Sky)·    Selene (Greek Goddess of the Moon)·    Jaci (Brazilian Moon Goddess)·    Gaia (Greek Goddess of the Earth)·    Pele (Goddess of Fire, Volcanoes, and Dance)·    Inanna (Sumerian Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Sensuality)·    Amaterasu (Shintu Goddess of the Sun)·    Lakshmi (Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Good Fortune, and Success)…and many more! With a simple ritual or activity alongside each story to help you channel the iconic energy of each goddess, this is the ultimate book of female empowerment. The perfect self-gift for Valentine's Day.

Learn the powerful stories behind over 40 goddesses from around the world, and discover how you can embody their power to improve your wellbeing, and live your best life. From ancient myth to modern day icons, there’s a goddess to help you with every situation. Including some of the best and less well-known goddesses throughout mythology, and accompanied by a gorgeous illustration of each, learn the stories of: ·    Freya (Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War)·    Eostre (Celtic Goddess of the Dawn and Spring)·    Guan Yin (Buddhist Goddess of Compassion and Mercy)·    Nut (Egyptian Goddess of the Sky)·    Selene (Greek Goddess of the Moon)·    Jaci (Brazilian Moon Goddess)·    Gaia (Greek Goddess of the Earth)·    Pele (Goddess of Fire, Volcanoes, and Dance)·    Inanna (Sumerian Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Sensuality)·    Amaterasu (Shintu Goddess of the Sun)·    Lakshmi (Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Good Fortune, and Success)…and many more! With a simple ritual or activity alongside each story to help you channel the iconic energy of each goddess, this is the ultimate book of female empowerment. The perfect self-gift for Valentine's Day.

The Great Palace of Constantinople was the heart of Byzantium for almost a thousand years, serving as both a political and architectural model for Christendom and the Islamic world. Despite its historical significance, reconstructing its layout remains challenging due to the scarce amount of archaeological evidence. This Element synthesises the historical and topographical evolution of the palace, examining its architectural typologies and the role of ritual and artistic objects in representing imperial power. It also addresses key historiographical issues, such as the identification and dating of the Peristyle of the Mosaics, as well as its role in imperial ceremonies. The research is based on textual sources, archaeology, and graphic documentation, culminating in a virtual reconstruction through 3D imaging. By integrating these methodologies, this Element aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Great Palace, its influence, and its role as a central stage for Byzantine ceremonial and ideological expression.

The Great Palace of Constantinople was the heart of Byzantium for almost a thousand years, serving as both a political and architectural model for Christendom and the Islamic world. Despite its historical significance, reconstructing its layout remains challenging due to the scarce amount of archaeological evidence. This Element synthesises the historical and topographical evolution of the palace, examining its architectural typologies and the role of ritual and artistic objects in representing imperial power. It also addresses key historiographical issues, such as the identification and dating of the Peristyle of the Mosaics, as well as its role in imperial ceremonies. The research is based on textual sources, archaeology, and graphic documentation, culminating in a virtual reconstruction through 3D imaging. By integrating these methodologies, this Element aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Great Palace, its influence, and its role as a central stage for Byzantine ceremonial and ideological expression.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.

Founder of a global etiquette school and star of her own Netflix series, Mind Your Manners, Sara Jane Ho teaches readers how to thrive socially in a variety of situations, in person and online.Structured around five main 'microcultures' – Friendship and Social Life, Family Ties, Career-ing, Dating & Relationships, Food & Travel – Mind Your Manners reveals the subtle differences in expectation within each, and how to read the situation you find yourself in with ease and confidence so that you may respond appropriately.In Sara Jane's brilliant hands, etiquette becomes fresh, dynamic, and situation-specific, rather than strict and unforgiving. Sara Jane’s etiquette is contextual etiquette. Transcending old notions of manners entirely, it is nothing less than the art and science of interacting with others.

Founder of a global etiquette school and star of her own Netflix series, Mind Your Manners, Sara Jane Ho teaches readers how to thrive socially in a variety of situations, in person and online.Structured around five main 'microcultures' – Friendship and Social Life, Family Ties, Career-ing, Dating & Relationships, Food & Travel – Mind Your Manners reveals the subtle differences in expectation within each, and how to read the situation you find yourself in with ease and confidence so that you may respond appropriately.In Sara Jane's brilliant hands, etiquette becomes fresh, dynamic, and situation-specific, rather than strict and unforgiving. Sara Jane’s etiquette is contextual etiquette. Transcending old notions of manners entirely, it is nothing less than the art and science of interacting with others.

Offering a fascinating celebration of Britain’s living heritage, TRADITIONS OBSERVED, by Anna Hallett is an engaging journey through more than 70 of Britain’s most ancient and enduring local customs and ceremonies.  In a richly detailed travelogue, the book explores the rituals, both famous and obscure, that continue to be celebrated across the UK today.From well-known events, such as well dressing, mummers, wassailing and pancake races to lesser known traditions such as Straw Bears, ‘Mock Mayors’ and the spectacle of Bun Throwing, together with a number of charitable events and civic ceremonies, plus a good smattering of both real horses and hobby horses included, the book captures the remarkable variety of customs that have survived into the twenty-first century.Different communities and associations have always had their own unique customs which have been passed down and preserved over the years. These are often rooted in the occupations and businesses of the local inhabitants or society members. Others are such as pancake races, Maypole dancing, wassailing and mummers are more universal and are celebrated throughout the year in multiple locations, albeit quite often with local interpretations.Not all events happen annually so waiting for the right year to come around to participate can sometimes take a while. In one particular case, it can be up to 21 years between the Chedozy Candle Auctions in Somerset! And the COVID pandemic has caused some disarray to the calendar in recent years.Describing some of the events that she witnessed and took part in, Anna said: ‘I’ve met straw bears, mock mayors, a warrener, a wren bearer and a Jack-in-the-Green.  I shook hands with a boy bishop, played the part of High Constable, acquired a hobby horse named Biscuit made by Stephen Rowley, a Cotswold artist and mummer, and only narrowly avoided falling into the Thames while trying to keep up with swan-upping Vintners.‘Injudicious action (on my part) during a game of bottle-kicking in Hallaton, Leicestershire, could have led to serious injury.  I have been pelted with raid-sodden buns and presented with a wassail bowl on one occasion and a carrier bag filled with flour on another.  In London, I witnessed the payment of ‘quit rents’ in the Royal Courts of Justice and the testing of new coins of the realm in the Trial of the Pyx in Goldsmiths’ Hall – both in the presences of the Queen’s Remembrancer.’Anna Hallett is passionate about history, a love of which she has shared over the years with the students that she has taught at various educational institutions.  A combination of this, together with an interest in travel and a curiosity regarding exploring the unknown have contributed to the creation of this book.

This book is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking study that delves into the analysis and comparison of rituals in two distinct settings: the ancient Book of Leviticus and traditional Malagasy culture on the island of Madagascar. Author Olivier Randrianjaka invesigates why Malagasy Christians connect with Leviticus despite the apathy of the Western church. As this book demonstrates, the key unifying themes are sin, purification, and sacrifice. Profound parallels emerge between Levitical rituals (such as postpartum purification and the Day of Atonement) and Malagasy rituals (such as taboo violation, postpartum purification, and the New Year royal bath). The study highlights the universal relevance of sin, purification and sacrifice rituals, inviting reflection on their significance in diverse cultural and religious contexts."This is a remarkable book that represents a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate connections between Leviticus and Malagasy traditional rituals. The author’s meticulous analysis and profound insights into the themes of sin, sacrifice and atonement offer invaluable knowledge for Christian readers. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Madagascar’s religion, particularly its rich tapestry of traditional rituals."—Dr. Razivelo Mariette, Lutheran Faculty of Theology (SALT), Madagascar"Rituals for purification play a significant role in most cultures, and this book contributes to the understanding of these phenomena in general. It provides insight into these rituals in Malagasy society and their description in the Book of Leviticus in the Bible. The book focuses on religious praxis, as described in texts and demonstrated in life. Every person will encounter these phenomena, and here is a tool to grasp their meaning."—Magnar Kartveit, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway

"In this twenty-fifth anniversary edition, you will find John a "soul friend" on your own journey through life, offering support and solace, clarity, and consciousness-expanding narratives that invite you to experience relationships with people, nature, and even your inner world in new ways that nurture well-being and resilience in these challenging times." -Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Neuropsychiatrist and New York Times Bestselling AuthorA special twenty-fifth anniversary edition of the classic work of Celtic spirituality and mysticism by beloved poet and philosopher, John O'Donohue, with a new introduction by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, an afterword by the late author's brother, Pat O'Donohue, and insightful material from O'Donohue's circle of close friends.In this revered classic, John O'Donohue excavates themes of friendship, belonging, solitude, creativity and the imagination, among many others. Widely recognized for bringing Celtic spirituality into modern dialogue, his unique insights from the ancient world speak with urgency for our need to rediscover the thresholds of the soul.With lyrical wisdom and fluency, O'Donohue encourages pathways of discovery to come home to the natural rhythm in ourselves in sacred connection with one another and the landscapes we inhabit. This timeless collection nourishes the heart and elevates the spirit. It is "a book to read and reread forever." (Irish Times)

Come along on a journey through the woods, over the fields and into the kitchen, to find nourishing ingredients to enjoy through the seasons.Wild Magic invites you to take a deep breath and reconnect with nature, discover the joy of seasonal eating and use the healing power of plants for self-care.From a fizzy drink of elderflower cordial to a warming bowl of mushroom noodles and melting wild garlic muffins to indulgent wild currant doughnuts, these 80 healing recipes and rituals that will make you fall in love with the wilderness that surrounds you in the city as the country, and embrace the beauty of slow living all year round.

With a foreword by the celebrated milliner Stephen Jones. From pulpits to protest lines, catwalks to coronations, Hats! is an international tour of headwear throughout history and global culture.Divided into four parts reflecting the key reasons why we make and wear hats, the book covers a broad range of iconic headgear from firemen's helmets to beautiful traditional lace mantillas from Spain, to bionic visors worn by celebrities.This exploration of headwear from around the world draws on various collections and in particular the archives of the Culture Trust, which boasts the most complete collection of hats and headwear in the world.Hats! features contributions from today's most inspiring milliners and serves as a fantastic resource for accessory designers, as well as a perfect gift for hat lovers.