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Cover of A Yearbook of Holidays and Observances

A Yearbook of Holidays and Observances

by Iva A. Smith

Book Details

Publisher:DIANE Publishing
Published:1998-07
Pages:90
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Provides insight into the beliefs and values of different peoples, primarily people of color, by looking at the holidays and celebrations (religious and nonreligious) which play an important part in their lives. Following a month-by-month format, the publication looks at holidays, which mainstream America consider traditional, through the perspectives of women and people of color and provides info. about holidays which are of particular importance to these groups. Includes holidays of: Chinese,

Our Review

This comprehensive guide to global celebrations offers a vital expansion of the typical American calendar, moving beyond mainstream holidays to explore the rich traditions of diverse communities, particularly people of color. Organized month-by-month, it provides detailed insights into both religious and cultural observances that shape identities and communities, from Chinese New Year to Kwanzaa and lesser-known regional festivals. The book deliberately reframes even familiar holidays through the perspectives of women and people of color, creating a more inclusive understanding of how traditions are experienced across different cultures.

What sets this resource apart is its commitment to cultural specificity and authentic representation, making it an essential reference for students, educators, and anyone seeking to broaden their cultural literacy. By centering celebrations that are often marginalized in mainstream discourse, it becomes not just a calendar of events but a window into the beliefs and values that sustain communities throughout the year. Readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for how holidays function as living expressions of heritage, memory, and resistance across the global diaspora.

Themes

Religion

Subjects

Religion