Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival, and Lent [Hardcover]

Tanya Gulevich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2001

The "Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival, and Lent" is a convenient source of information on virtually every aspect of Easter and related holidays. Also covered in the book are customs and observances associated with Lent as well as the Carnival that traditionally precedes the beginning of Lent.

More Than 150 Topics Covered

This reference work contains more than 150 alphabetically arranged entries that cover all aspects of Easter, Carnival, and Lent. These entries cover the holiday's history, myths, legends, customs, religious observances, related holidays, and symbols from around the world. Entries range in length from about 100 words to 3,000 words. Each entry offers suggestions for further reading. Black-and-white illustrations complement the text.

Among the topics covered are the following:

Annunciation Ascension Day Ash Wednesday Bells Burning of Judas Carnival King Crooked Wednesday Cross Easter Bunny Easter Card Easter Colors Easter Egg Hunt Easter Parade Easter Seal Egg Legends Eucharist Faberg‚ Fasting Feast of the Holy Ghost Foot Washing Forgiveness Sunday Good Friday Gospel Account of Easter Harrowing of Hell Holy Fire Ceremony Holy Week Lamb Last Supper Lent Lily Maundy Thursday Middle Cross Day Palm Sunday Passover Pentecost Pieta Plough Ceremonies Rogation Days Shavuot Soul Saturday Stations of the Cross Tree of the Cross Vigil White Sunday

In addition, several entries are devoted to the celebration of Easter in different countries and parts of the world.

Special Features

Throughout the book numerous illustrations complement the text. Two appendices provide a general bibliography and a list of Easter-related web sites. Completing the work is a comprehensive index.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up-A valuable resource and companion to the Encyclopedia of Christmas (Omnigraphics, 1999). Featuring alphabetically arranged entries covering everything from "Alleluia" to "Wine," this volume provides more in-depth information than most reference books of this ilk. Articles cover well-known aspects of the religious festivals as well as lesser-known pagan customs and ancient festivals in which some modern traditions have their roots; each one lists suggestions for further reading. Celebrations in 20 countries are covered, much to the relief of every public librarian who has had to answer holiday-around-the-world questions. A comprehensive index, extensive bibliography, and a list of Web sites round out this excellent resource.
Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This reference consists of 154 entries, arranged alphabetically, that address Easter-related folk customs, religious observances, history, legends, folklore, and symbols. The intent, according to the introduction, is to provide not exhaustive coverage but a solid introduction. The author manages to do just that through a series of engaging and sometimes in-depth essays that run between one paragraph and several pages. Topics range from celebrations that precede that 40-day period of Lent, such as Mardi Gras and Pancake Day, to the Easter bunny and the stations of the cross.

There is an emphasis on Christian beliefs as professed by the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox religions. Other observations are discussed, including Passover and Shavuot (Jewish), Hilaria and Floralia (ancient Rome), No Ruz (Persian New Year), Beltane (Celtic), and May Day. Twenty nations have specific entries, and additional local information is provided through articles on customs such as Easter eggs and Carnival that trace the historical development and culture-specific interpretations of these traditions around the world. Entries end with further reading selections and Web sites. A bibliography of all referenced sources and a detailed index complete the volume. The black-and-white illustrations are not an enhancement.

The only reference work devoted exclusively to Easter currently in print, this is an entertaining and solid introduction that will be useful for both report writing and ready reference. Recommended for public, high-school, and academic collections. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 729 pages
• Publisher: Omnigraphics Inc (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0780804325
• ISBN-13: 978-0780804326
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,577,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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