From School Library Journal
Grade 5 UpAThis volume examines 174 holidays and 750 of the symbols associated with them. Arranged alphabetically by name, the entries list the type of holiday (religious, calendar, national, or ancient), date of observation, where it is celebrated, symbols, colors associated with that day and their meaning, and related holidays. The next section discusses the origins of the holiday and each of its symbols and provides suggestions for further reading. While most of the articles are two-to-three pages in length, some are closer to 10 (e.g., Halloween, Christmas). The inclusion of many lesser-known holidays from around the world, such as the Egungun festival (Brazil) and Shab-i-Barat (Islamic), makes this book particularly useful. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of the symbols discussed. The pages are attractively arranged with enough white space to keep the text from looking intimidating. There is a general index and an index of symbols. However, countries are not included in the general index, making it difficult to answer many social-studies questions. Carole Angell's Celebrations Around the World (Fulcrum, 1996) covers some of the same material but focuses on activities and is aimed at teachers. The clear format, accessible language, and wide coverage should make this new title a useful addition to reference collections.APriscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Holiday is "a guide to the legend and lore behind the people, places, food, animals and other symbols associated with holidays and holy days, feasts and fasts, and other celebrations, covering popular ethnic, religious, national and ancient events as observed in the United States and around the world." The book is arranged alphabetically by holiday and includes 174 holidays with 750 symbols. The definition of
symbol is somewhat arbitrary, as it includes things such as foods that are associated with holidays, but probably not strictly symbols.
Each entry includes brief, ready-reference information defining the type of holiday, date of observation, where celebrated, symbols, and related holidays. This is followed by a discussion of the holiday's origins, descriptions of the symbols, and a list of further readings. The intended audience includes students, teachers, and librarians looking for information on holidays, as well as general readers. The book concludes with a general index, listing all religions, countries, names, and other terms found in the text, and a symbols index, listing all symbols covered in the text.
Thompson's Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations of the World Dictionary (2d ed., 1997) is cited as a source for almost every entry. The dictionary covers more than 2,000 holidays and observances. However, the newer title provides considerably more information on selected holidays. For example, Hanukkah is covered in two paragraphs in the dictionary. In Holiday Symbols, the entry for Hanukkah is more than three pages, with ready-reference information, background information, discussions of the principal symbols (dreidel, latkes, menorah), and a ten-item list of further readings. The entry in the dictionary mentions the menorah, but has no reference to the dreidel or latkes.
If only basic information is needed on holidays, libraries that already own Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations may not need to add this new title. However, school and public libraries requiring more in-depth coverage will find it a convenient supplemental source.
