Across Europe, midsummer fires fuse community ritual with hopes for purification, marriage, and harvest. This edition surveys how bonfires, burning discs, and rolled wheels are used to cleanse witches’ spells, promote fertility, and protect homes and crops. It presents a clear view of how these rites are connected across regions, yet grounded in local practice.
From Germany to the Balkans, the fires serve as practical and symbolic tools. People leap over flames in pairs to bless unions, plant charred sticks to boost crop growth, and even burn effigies or wheels to drive away harm. The rituals mix family, village life, and beliefs about witches, weather, and the health of livestock and people.
- See how bonfires, torches, and flying discs are deployed to ward off witches and misfortune
- Learn why couples jump the flames and how sightlines and omens shape marriage and fertility
- Explore regional twists, from disc-throwing to burning wheels and plant-boosting charms
- Understand the idea that fire clears obstacles to human and agricultural life
Ideal for readers of folklore, ethnography, and the history of European ritual practices.
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Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the ancient practices and beliefs surrounding the concept of a sacred king or priest who embodied the well-being of their community. The premise explores the notion that the life force of these figures was believed to be inextricably linked to nature and the cosmos, and that their demise was a necessary sacrifice to ensure the continuity of life. The author posits that the Golden Bough, a sacred branch featured prominently in ancient mythology, played a central role in the rituals surrounding these sacrifices. The book examines a wide range of historical accounts and anthropological studies to uncover the deep-seated human beliefs and practices that have shaped our understanding of the sacred and the divine. Through a comprehensive analysis of religious rituals, taboos, and symbolic objects, this book provides valuable insights into the evolution of human thought and the enduring fascination with the relationship between humanity, nature, and the supernatural. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781333866808_0
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781333866808
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781333866808
Quantity: 15 available