3 Review(s)

Description: About The Book:- The primitive man lived according to his instincts, and interacted with Nature to ensure his own survival and the survival of his species. His first step towards what is called civilization gave mankind its first custom. As the steps quickened, the customs proliferated. How they originated, developed and matured through the various social contexts is the theme of this outstanding work. The CUSTOMS OF MANKIND is a complete book of origins. It tells in remarkable prose the fascinating story of our manners, customs, traditions, superstitions and folklore. Included in the picturesque descriptions are such highly developed custom as marriage, giftmaking, letter-writing, entertainment, table manners, games, dress, funeral, and soon. Helped with eye-catching illustrations and drawings, they reveal all the facets of the gift of customs which mankind acquired through a series of trial s and errors to run the well-ordered, pleasant society of today. A study of the great wealth of customs of the world is worthwhile for the students of history, anthropology, sociology, civilization and humanities in general. The lay reader will find absorbing and thrilling like a fast –moving novel. In all, a scholarly work on a fascinating subject which invites attention and sustains it after many readings.Contents chapter page i. Introductory - - - - - 1 the childhood of man-sources of information concerning primitive man -s- what is society?-the early thought stages-primitive ideas of creation-daily life of primitive man-fear and superstition-the age of dream interest-symbolism-magic in primitive life-the birth of faith-the fusion of magic and religion-the evolution of religion-our ancient heritage. Ii. Searching the sources • 67 the early civilizations. Iii. Origin and development of etiquette. 91. The first human relationship-caste and the creation of codes-the development of etiquette. Iv. The story of speech 121 man's first language-the discovery of voice-the growth of language-language in social life-language as conversation, v. Concerning introduction 149 the first introduction-the ceremony of changing names. Vi. Debutantes of yesterday 164 the girl in primitive life. Vii. A short history of courtship 176 the first kind of courtship-early betrothals-romance enters courtship-the engagement ring-hope chests and bridal showers-the period of the engagement courtship in young America. Viii. Marriage customs • - - - 203 the antiquity of human marriage-a contemplation of exogamy-the mother-in-law "tabu"-love enters marriage-the development of modern marriage-wedding ring traditions-wedding customs and their origins. Ix. Gift-making 268 primitive reasons for gift-making-gifts in courtship and marriage-other kinds of gifts. Chapter page x. Correspondence, and the history of writing 286, the beginning of written records-the social invitation. Xi. Calling customs • 308 how calls originated. Xii. Hospitality and entertainment • 321 the corner stone of civilization-the Indian, pioneer of American hospitality-modem hospitality. The tale of table manners • 346 food and civilization-development of the culinary art-when man began to dine. Xlv. Holidays and their customs; how they originated • 389 the play days of humanity-new year's day-Lincoln’s birthday-valentine's day Washington’s birthday-st. Patrick's day-April fool's day-Easter-may day mother's. Day-arbour day-flag day independence day-labour day-Columbus day Halloween-e-armistice day-thanksgiving-Christmas-Christmas customs. Xv. The dance. • 468 life's dance-development of the social dance-etiquette of the ballroom-music and .musical instruments. Xvi. Dress' through the centuries • 500 the habit of dress-materials and accessories-the career of cosmetics. Xvii. Funeral customs • 559 fear of the dead. Xviii. Concerning children • 598 "be fruitful and multiply." xix. Popular superstitions • 625 .the birth of superstition-good-luck omens-bad luck omens-gem superstition-flower superstitions-some miscellaneous superstitions and origins-popular phrases. Xx. Survivals in games • 692 playing with life-the games of greece and rome-games with balls-games with cards. Authorities consulted • 727 index • 733