Pagan Holidays is a book that explores the origins and traditions of various holidays celebrated by Pagan cultures throughout history. Written by the renowned author and scholar, Isaac Bonewits, the book provides a comprehensive and detailed look into the pagan origins of holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. The book delves into the ancient pagan customs and rituals that formed the basis for modern holiday traditions. It examines how these pagan practices were adapted and incorporated into Christian and secular celebrations over time. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the author highlights the links between pagan beliefs and modern holiday customs. The book covers a wide range of topics related to pagan holidays, including the significance of specific symbols and motifs, the importance of seasonal cycles, and the role of nature in pagan celebrations.
The book covers a wide range of topics related to pagan holidays, including the significance of specific symbols and motifs, the importance of seasonal cycles, and the role of nature in pagan celebrations. It explores the connection between mythology and holiday traditions, shedding light on how ancient stories and folklore influenced the way holidays were observed. One of the key aspects of the book is its exploration of the diverse pagan cultures that celebrated these holidays.
In Pictures: See Contemporary Artworks That Celebrate the Vibrant Creativity of Lowrider and Skater Culture
"Desert Rider" at the Phoenix Museum of Art highlights the region's Latinx and Indigenous artists.
Installation view of Justin Favela, Gypsy Rose Piñata (II) (2022). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
“Desert Rider” at the Phoenix Art Museum is a trip.
The show focuses on car culture and skateboard culture in the American Southwest—specifically how it has been a resource and inspiration for both Latinx and Indigenous artists. The many sculptures within capture the exuberance of lowrider style, its concept of customization as a creative outlet, and its grassroots displays of identity.
“I hope guests see the impact that local culture has had on artists working in the Southwest and appreciate this piece of history from the land in which they were born,” curator Gilbert Vicario said in a statement about the show.
Among the highlights are Justin Favela’s Gypsy Rose Piñata (II), a full-scale sculpture of a hot-pink lowrider in the style of a piñata, newly commissioned for “Desert Rider.” Douglas Miles’s installation You’re Skating on Native Land (2022) features skate decks bearing the titular phrase alongside photos from his Apache community—the Phoenix New Times called it “a stunning reminder of place.”
And one of the works visitors will surely remember is Liz Cohen’s well-known project Trabantimino (2002–10). Cohen spent eight years merging two incongruously different vehicles—an East German Trabant and a Chevy El Camino—into one car, then transforming herself for the role of a car model for a series of set-up photos.
See photos from “Desert Rider” below.
Installation view of “Desert Rider,” Phoenix Art Museum, 2022. Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Justin Favela, Seven Magic Tires (Phoenix) (2022). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum, Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Jose Villalobos, QueeRiders (2022). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Margarita Cabrera, Agua que no has de beber dejala correr (Water That You Should Not Drink, Let It Run) (2006–22). Collection of the artist and courtesy of Tally Dunn Gallery, Dallas.
Detail of Margarita Cabrera, Agua que no has de beber dejala correr (Water That You Should Not Drink, Let It Run) (2006–22). Collection of the artist and courtesy of Tally Dunn Gallery, Dallas.
Installation view of Douglas Miles, You’re Skating on Native Land (2022). Courtesy of the artist and the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Detail of Douglas Miles, You’re Skating on Native Land (2022). Courtesy of the artist and the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Installation view of Liz Cohen, Trabantimino (2002–10). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Installation view of Liz Cohen, Trabantimino (2002–10). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
Liz Cohen, Lowrider Builder and Child (2012). Courtesy of the artist.
Liz Cohen, Gloria Garcetti (2018). Courtesy of the artist.
Carlotta Boettcher, Cars in the New Mexico Landscape – 50s Chevy with Tree (1996–98). Collection of the artist. © Carlotta Boettcher.
“Desert Rider” is on view at the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Ariz., through September 18, 2022.
Installation view of Liz Cohen, Trabantimino (2002–10). Courtesy of the Phoenix Art Museum. Photo: Airi Katsuta.
From the Celtic Samhain to the Germanic Yule, Bonewits examines the unique customs and practices associated with each culture's celebration. By doing so, he emphasizes that pagan holidays were not monolithic but were instead shaped by the specific beliefs and traditions of different cultures. Pagan Holidays is not just a historical account of ancient celebrations but also an exploration of their continued relevance in modern times. The book discusses how many pagan practices have been revived and incorporated into contemporary pagan and Wiccan traditions. It examines the role of spirituality and personal connection to nature in these modern interpretations of pagan holidays. Overall, Pagan Holidays is an enlightening and captivating book that unravels the intricate tapestry of pagan celebrations throughout history. By exploring the origins and significance of these holidays, it offers readers a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual traditions that have shaped our modern festivities..
Reviews for "Pagan Holiday Divination: Tarot, Runes, and Other Ancient Practices"
1. John - 1 star - I found "Pagan Holidays Book" to be incredibly disappointing. The book promised to be a comprehensive guide to pagan holidays, but it fell short on so many levels. The information provided was superficial and lacked depth. It felt like the author did the bare minimum amount of research and just threw together some random facts. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful exploration of pagan holidays.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to dive into "Pagan Holidays Book," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The book lacked cohesion and organization. It felt like the author was jumping from one topic to another without providing a clear structure or flow. This made it difficult to follow along and truly understand the significance of each holiday. Furthermore, the writing style was unnecessarily complicated, making it feel like a chore to read. Overall, I found "Pagan Holidays Book" to be confusing and unengaging.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of pagan holidays through "Pagan Holidays Book," but I was left disappointed. The book failed to provide any meaningful insights into the roots and traditions of these holidays. Instead, it offered surface-level explanations that were unconvincing and lacked depth. I would have liked to see more research and references to support the claims made in the book. Unfortunately, "Pagan Holidays Book" fell short of my expectations and left me wanting more.
4. David - 1 star - "Pagan Holidays Book" was a complete waste of my time. The information provided was superficial and seemed to be derived from a few internet searches. There was no depth or analysis offered, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and uneducated. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and unengaging. It lacked any passion or excitement that could have made the subject matter more interesting. Overall, I would not recommend "Pagan Holidays Book" to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of pagan holidays.