Description
Book Synopsis: A fascinating exploration of an ancient system of beliefs and its links to the evolution of dance. From southern Greece to northern Russia, people have long believed in female spirits, bringers of fertility, who spend their nights and days dancing in the fields and forests. So appealing were these spirit-maidens that they also took up residence in nineteenth-century Romantic literature. Archaeologist and linguist by profession, folk dancer by avocation, Elizabeth Wayland Barber has sleuthed through ethnographic lore and archaeological reports of east and southeast Europe, translating enchanting folktales about these “dancing goddesses” as well as eyewitness accounts of traditional rituals—texts that offer new perspectives on dance in agrarian society. She then traces these goddesses and their dances back through the Romans and Greeks to the first farmers of Europe. Along the way, she locates the origins of many customs, including coloring Easter eggs and throwing rice at the bride. The result is a detective story like no other and a joyful reminder of the human need to dance. 150 illustrations and 9 maps
Details
Discover the captivating world of ancient beliefs and the mesmerizing evolution of dance with The Dancing Goddesses: Folklore, Archaeology, and the Origins of European Dance. This spellbinding book takes you on a journey from southern Greece to northern Russia, unraveling the secrets of female spirits who danced their way through fields and forests, bringing fertility to the land. As an archaeologist and linguist, Elizabeth Wayland Barber combines her expertise in this exquisite exploration of enchanting folktales and eyewitness accounts of traditional rituals.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of European history as Barber traces the origins of these dancing goddesses back through the Romans and Greeks, shedding light on the customs we still practice today. Discover the ancient roots of Easter egg coloring and the significance behind throwing rice at weddings. With 150 illustrations and 9 maps, this book delves deep into the mysteries of agrarian society and provides a new perspective on the importance of dance in human culture.
Are you ready to embark on a unique detective story that will leave you in awe? The Dancing Goddesses invites you to unravel the age-old secrets of our ancestors and celebrate the joyous human need to dance. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through European folklore and the origins of dance. Order your copy today and take the first steps into an enchanting realm.
Order the book now at here and dive into the mesmerizing world of dancing goddesses!
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