The Dead of Winter : The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas by Sarah Clegg 9781803511535

The Dead of Winter : The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas

£14.99 GBP
£14.99 GBP
As the days grow shorter and darkness envelops the world, we instinctively seek...
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As the days grow shorter and darkness envelops the world, we instinctively seek comfort in warmth, hearty meals, and companionship. Yet, beneath the merriment and enchanting allure of the holiday season, a more sombre mood persists—one that has manifested itself through the ages in a variety of peculiar and unsettling customs and folklore.

In this book, Sarah Clegg guides us through the depths of midwinter, unveiling lesser-known Yuletide traditions. From the enigmatic English mummers plays to the boisterous Austrian Krampus runs, and from contemporary pagan ceremonies at Stonehenge to the Finnish night when a young maiden is adorned with candles as St Lucy—a Christian martyr who also emerges as a witch leading a procession of the deceased.

As we delve into wassails, hoodenings, and winter gatherings—attended by ghoulish, grinning steeds, snatching fiends, and enigmatic visitors—we uncover the origins of these customs and trace their evolution through time. Ultimately, we are left to ponder: if we cannot entirely banish the darkness, might it not be rather thrilling to welcome a touch of it?

Product Information:

Book ISBN: 9781803511535
Book Author: Sarah Clegg
Book Format: Hardback
Book Imprint: Granta Books
Book Publisher: Granta Books
Book Dimensions: 136 x 208 x 21 cm
Book Publication Date: 2024-10-10
Book Pagination: 208 pages
Book Weight: 272g

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