This authoritative work sheds light on the religious world of the Kalasha people of the Birir valley in the Chitral district of Pakistan, focusing on their winter feasts, which culminate every year in a great winter solstice festival. The Kalasha are not only the last example of a pre-Islamic culture in the Hindu Kush and Karakorum mountains but also practice the last observable example anywhere in the world of an archaic Indo-European religion. In this book, Augusto S. Cacopardo takes readers inside the world of the Kalasha people. Cacopardo outlines the history and culture of this ancient but still extant people. Exploring an array of relevant literature, he enriches our understanding of their practices and beliefs through illuminating comparisons with both the Indian religious world and the religious folklore of Europe. Bringing together several disciplinary approaches and drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, this book offers the first extended study of this little-known but fascinating Kalasha community. It will take its place as a standard international reference source on the anthropology, ethnography, and history of religions in Pakistan and Central South Asia.

A guide to the festivals, traditions, and sacred days of the year.

Pagan Holidays of Traditional Beliefs: The knowledge of traditions. The final four series of my short story books expressing my beliefs and understanding of God’s message to the people of the world, and the dedication of each book to my family members. These books I have dedicated to my parents, children, grandchildren and siblings. This is to keep in remembrance of what I feel to be the truth in my heart and soul. Anyone who believes as I do will know that God will judge all according to the fruits of his or her labor on earth .In all your ways acknowledge HIM and he will direct your path.

Published to coincide with the Pagan holiday Samhain on October 31st, this new title by a renowned author and Witch will appeal to spiritualists and environmentalists alike as it celebrates the eight holidays in the Pagan tradition. The Pagan origins of many of our everyday traditions, including the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, are celebrated here as holidays that spring from the seasons of the earth. Wit its practical suggestions for enjoying seasonal renewal, Celebrate The Earth blends all the richness and ancient lore of Witchcraft with how-to advice to create a modern-day celebration of nature. For each holiday, it offers instructions on: Earth magic--sample rituals, preparation, garb, herbcraft, spellcraft, and magical stones, for promoting love, romance, and healing. Holiday fare--recipes and menus to prepare. Ancient activities--crafts and games passed down through generations. Also included is a list of sources--an extensive bibliography, plus lists of specialty shops and mail order catalogs.

This book is written for children between the ages of four and eight, it has nine chapters, one for each of the festivals and one for the Moon. There is a story, things to do and teacher/parens and guardian notes for each chapter. There are also simple prayers for children. ,

The Wheel of the Year Companion is a portable guide to all of the sacred holidays and celebrations of the Wiccan calendar with appropriate rituals, spellwork, and practices.

Sabbats or Wiccan holidays are timed the Earth's rhythms and seasons. Sabbats celebrate the Earth's journey around the sun, also known as the "Wheel of the Year," while Wiccans commemorate Sabbats as "Turning the Wheel." Wiccans normally celebrate eight sabbats each year. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn all you ever wanted to know about the Wiccan & Pagan holidays. Read on to learn more!