Festivals and Holy Days
Books that explore the history and celebration of Christian, Pagan and Celtic festivals and holy days. Cover art may vary.
Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History
E.G. Richards
The history of the calendar from antiquity to modern times. Descriptions of prehistoric calendars, Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan and other civilizations. Over 70 illustrations, including one of a portable sundial described by Chaucer.
Paperback: 438 pages
The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick
A comprehensive guide to rituals and celebrations associated with the changing seasons, moon phases and equinoxes. Ancient Greek, Roman, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Norse, as well as Wiccan, traditions are covered.
Paperback: 160 pages
Saints and Feast Days
Ohio Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon
Biographies of every saint on the universal and American Church calendar for the Roman Catholic Church.
Paperback: 188 pages
Candlemas: Feast of Flames
Amber K and Azrael Arynn K
Explores the festival which celebrates the end of winter in several different cultures, with special emphasis on St. Bride/Brigid.
Paperback: 244 pages
Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring
Edain McCoy
Guide to the pagan celebration of Ostara/Eostre, a festival symbolic as the harbinger of Spring.
Paperback: 198 pages
In the Fullness of Time: Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church
Paul L. Maier
Roman history, Palestinian geography, archaeology and Jewish culture form the basis of this exploration into important events in Christianity.
Hardcover: 384 pages
The Oxford Companion to the Year
Bonnie Blackburn
An exploration of calendar customs, historical and folkloric information on every day of the year, the days of the week, months and seasons, and the major feast days and festivals in a wide variety of different cultures.
Hardcover: 960 pages
Fast and Feast: Food in Medieval Society
Bridget Ann Henisch
Covers banquets, daily meals, laying the table, cooks, kitchens, manners (or lack thereof), customs related to food, and more.
Paperback: 287 pages
Beltane: Rituals, Lore and Celebration
Raven Grimassi
An exploration of rituals that relate to the spring season. Features folklore on flowers, fairies, and May Day characters such as Jack-in-the-Green, the Queen and King of May, The Green Man, Mummers, and more. Includes recipes and crafts for Beltane festivals.
Paperback: 165 pages
Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice
Anna Franklin
Examines the origins of Midsummer festivals. Guide for creating a midsummer festival with instructions on performing seasonal rituals.
Paperback: 225 pages
Daily Life in the Middle Ages
Paul B. Newman
A detailed account of what life was really like in the Middle Ages. Includes sections on clothing and accessories, arms and armor, food and drink, entertainment, and healing.
Paperback: 301 pages
Medieval Celebrations
Daniel Diehl
Provides complete guidelines on proper table manners, lyrics and music for festive songs and dances, rules for games, plans for decorating the dining hall, food and drink recipes, and period costume patterns. Specific information is offered for holiday celebrations, and wedding services and receptions.
Paperback: 192 pages
Lammas: Celebrating the Fruits of the First Harvest
Anne Franklin
Explores the origins, customs and lore of Lammas (Lughnasa), the celebration of first harvest.
Paperback: 284 pages
Kindling the Celtic Spirit: Ancient Traditions to Illumine Your Life Through the Seasons
Mara Freeman
Celtic traditions, stories, recipes, spells, and Gaelic expressions that pertain to each of the monthly festivals and celebrations. Explores the origins of many of these traditions and how they've been adapted into modern celebrations.
Hardcover: 416 pages
The Celtic Book of Days: A Daily Guide to Celtic Spirituality and Wisdom
Caitlin Matthews
A collection of Celtic myths, prayers, lore and spiritual sayings based on the Celtic year.
Hardcover: 128 pages
Yule: Celebration of Light and Warmth
Dorothy Morrison
A collection of Yuletide history, lore and traditions. Includes chapters on holiday customs around the world, omens and superstitions, homemade crafts and gift ideas, and seasonal recipes.
Paperback: 198 pages
Also on Mostly Medieval:
-
Exploring the Middle Ages
Research articles about life in the Middle Ages. Ballads, religion, heraldry, medicine and more.
In the Exploring the Middle Ages section. -
Downloads
Backgrounds, letters, avatars and more for websites, blogs, and newsletters. Desktop wallpapers for personal use.
In the Downloads section. -
Travels in the UK
Travelogue of a journey through northern England and Southern Scotland. Visits to castles, cathedrals, ruins and more.
In the Travels in the UK section.
