Rituality and Social (Dis)Order: The Historical Anthropology of Popular Carnival in Europe

Carnival is a foundational element of European culture, with its origins being obscure. This book is the first comparative historical anthropology of popular European Carnival in the English language, focusing on its symbolic, religious, and political dimensions and transformations throughout the centuries. It builds on a variety of theories of social change and social structures, questioning existing assumptions about folklore and cultural gaps and differences. It also challenges recent interpretations about the performative and political dimension of European festive culture, especially in its carnivalesque declension.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Carnival, a cornerstone of European culture, holds an esteemed and iconic status as the epitome of festive phenomenon. Although its origins remain somewhat enigmatic, its intricate and multifaceted history, diverse symbolic tapestry, and diverse social configurations render it an exceptional subject for cultural analysis. This comprehensive book, the result of over a decade of diligent research, stands as the first comparative historical anthropology of popular European Carnival in the English language. It delves into its symbolic, religious, and political dimensions, tracing their evolution across centuries. Building upon a diverse range of social change and social structure theories, it challenges prevailing notions about folklore and explores how cultural gaps and differences manifest and perpetuate through ritualized forms of collective action. Furthermore, it challenges recent interpretations of the performative and political dimensions of European festive culture, particularly in its carnivalesque declension. While presenting and examining the most significant aspects and characteristics of European pre-modern Carnival, this thorough study provides fresh evidence and up-to-date analyses regarding its transversal and enduring significance in European societies.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367617233