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Examining the origins of a wide variety of cultural conventions, including calendar customs, folklore, annual holidays, and ethnic identity, this work uses a critical lens to evaluate popular understanding. It suggests that common opinions in this realm are often misinterpreted and considers why this is the case. It also asks why people care about such questions: some, such as the origin of the universe, attract a great deal of attention, while others, such as the origins of particular words, are of more limited interest.
John Forrest is Professor Emeritus of anthropology at Purchase College, SUNY, where he was head of department for 19 years. His most recent publication is An Introduction to Holistic Anthropology ( March 2026, Wiley Blackwell). He continues his work on aesthetics and Biblical analysis as well as the ethnography of Southeast Asia.
List of Illustrations
Introduction
Chapter 1. Traditional Customs
Chapter 2. Nationalism and Ethnicity
Chapter 3. “Pagan” Customs
Chapter 4. Lineages
Chapter 5. Marriage
Chapter 6. Capitalism
Chapter 7. Superstitions
Chapter 8. Words and Phrases
Chapter 9. Creation
Chapter 10. Culture Heroes
Chapter 11. Children’s Games
Chapter 12. Names
Conclusion
References
Index