The World Encyclopedia of Christmas

At last a truly comprehensive look at Christmas and all of its customs with its long history around the world. The World Encyclopedia of Christmas contains articles on the history of Christmas baking drinking and merrymaking and Christmas dramas music literature art and films. It includes entries on the evolution of the Christmas tree and the Christmas card gift-giving and decoration of church and home. There are profiles of the many gift-bringers from Santa Claus to Babouschka and miraculous tales of the numerous saints associated with the season. And there are histories of seasonal celebrations and folk customs around the world from the United States to Japan from Egypt to Iceland. Who for example knew the links between the Punch and Judy show and Christmas? That the medieval Paradise tree hung with tempting apples was the forerunner of the Christmas tree? About the Peerie Guizers who terrorized the Shetland Islands going door-to-door for Christmas charity? Or what Freudians make of our interest in Christmas stockings and Santas entrance through the chimney? There are detailed accounts of Wren Boys and Star Boys mumming and wassailing the Feast of Fools and the origins of eggnog. And of course stories of the Nativity and legends of the Magi. With beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of Yuletide through the birth of Christ and the long and fascinating history of the festival ever since The World Encyclopedia of Christmas is a rich and continually surprising array of religious and secular history trivia literature and art. This wonderful book deserves to find a home with every family that celebrates Christmas.