Showing results by publisher "----RM Alexander" in Customs & Traditions

For many centuries the figure of the witch has haunted our imagination and our nightmares. There have been many attempts to quash our fascination with these wielders of forbidden powers, but all have failed. We invite you now on a journey through a moonlit world, where every shadow tells a tale of magic, persecution and persistence. In this fascinating volume, discover witches real and legendary, who once terrorized, devoured, helped or empowered their communities, but who are now largely forgotten.

Thanksgiving is one of America’s oldest traditions — but the story we tell about it is mostly myth. Thanks, But No Thanks walks through the real origins of the holiday, from the Indigenous nations who lived here long before the Pilgrims arrived, to the 1621 harvest feast, to the centuries of change that shaped Thanksgiving into what it is today. Along the way, it explores the wars, treaties, proclamations, school plays, family rituals, and cultural rewrites that turned a single event into a national tradition.

In The Real Men in Black, Bastian Locke peels back the layers of myth, media, and mystery to uncover ten defining facts about these shadowy figures. From the first frightened whispers of Albert Bender in the 1950s, to the pulp sensationalism of Gray Barker, to reports of bizarre behaviour that makes them seem “not quite human,” the book explores the origins, evolution, and meaning of the Men in Black legend.

Unsuspecting outsiders often assume that Canadians are just like their American neighbors, if perhaps a little more modest. However, there is much more to it than that. Canadian society is a complex mosaic of distinct cultural identities that vary from province to province, and with high levels of immigration, it is one of the most multicultural societies in the world.

New Zealand—Culture Smart! helps you get to the heart of this diverse and multicultural nation. It examines the impact of history, religion, and politics, while tips and vital insights into Kiwi attitudes, customs, and social life will help deepen your experience of this country and its fair-minded people.

From mal de ojo to milagros, lucky charms to forbidden foods, Mexican culture is filled with vibrant superstitions and powerful traditions that shape daily life. Whether you’re planning a trip, building relationships, or just curious about the unseen rules that guide behavior in Mexico, this friendly and fascinating guide offers an honest look at the customs locals live by—but rarely explain.

A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the runic alphabet of the Norse Reveals the symbolism and divinatory significance of the 24 rune "staves" Provides clear instructions on how to craft your own rune stones Explains the role of runes in the Norse wisdom...

Ghana is among the friendliest and safest countries in Africa. Visitors are warmly welcomed but are expected to be sympathetic to local customs and beliefs, and to follow certain codes of conduct. Culture Smart! Ghana describes the complexities and nuances of Ghanaian society with clarity and humor, and offers the listener an opportunity to get to know Ghanaians on their own terms, and to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

What if the shadows held more than just stories? Beneath the dense forests, over misty lakes, and beyond the edges of the known world lurk creatures whispered about in folklore and reported by eyewitnesses for centuries. In this richly illustrated guide, veterinarian and educator Karen E. Mueller, DVM delves into thirty of the world’s most haunting cryptids—mysterious beings that challenge science, spark imagination, and endure in cultural memory.

The legend of Atlantis is one of the most captivating and enduring stories ever told. For over two thousand years, it has stirred the imagination of philosophers, explorers, mystics, and dreamers. A city swallowed by the sea in a single day and night, a mighty civilisation punished for its hubris, a radiant island where power and beauty thrived before vanishing without a trace — Atlantis is both a cautionary tale and a timeless riddle. But what do we really know about it?

You scream, but no one hears you. The coffin swallows every sound. The soil presses down, heavy and final. Your chest burns, your arms cannot rise, your legs cannot move. Death is not a quiet sleep — it is a prison without escape. For centuries, people have feared one fate above all others: being buried alive. From ancient myths and medieval plagues to safety coffins, graveyard bells, and real-life cases of the “dead” awakening beneath the earth, this book uncovers the chilling history of premature burial. Step into the shadows of folklore, superstition, and science.

When a large, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes was spotted in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the Mothman legend was born. Since that fateful November night, the flying cryptid has become one of the most famous monsters of all time. Richard Estep and renowned Mothman researcher Tobias Wayland document firsthand witness accounts and conduct detailed investigations with the hope of seeing the iconic cryptid themselves. This book chronicles their discoveries, which include large concentrations of sightings in the Chicago and Lake Michigan area.

Tales about the great heroes of mythology. The labours of Hercules, the greatest hero of all times; the struggles of Theseus and the slaying of Minotaur; Jason and the Argonauts; and the fascinating adventures of Odysseus.

An expat's witty and insightful exploration of English and American cultural differences through the lens of language that will leave listeners gobsmacked. In That's Not English, the seemingly superficial differences between British and American English open the door to a deeper exploration of a historic and fascinating cultural divide. In each of the 30 chapters, Erin Moore explains a different word we use that says more about us than we think.

The Tomb of the Mili Mongga tells the story of Samuel Turvey's expeditions to the island of Sumba in eastern Indonesia. While there, he discovers an entire recently extinct mammal fauna from the island’s fossil record, revealing how islands support some of the world’s most remarkable biodiversity, and why many of these unique endemic species are threatened with extinction or have already been lost. But as the story unfolds, an unexpected narrative emerges – Sumba’s Indigenous communities tell of a mysterious wildman called the 'mili mongga', a giant yeti-like beast.

The Theogony "the genealogy or birth of the gods" is a poem by Hesiod (8th – 7th century BC) describing the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods, composed c. 730–700 BC. It is written in the Epic dialect of Ancient Greek and contains 1022 lines. Hesiod's Theogony is a large-scale synthesis of a vast variety of local Greek traditions concerning the gods, organized as a narrative that tells how they came to be and how they established permanent control over the cosmos. It is the first known Greek mythical cosmogony.

Uncover the magic of ancient Greek mythology with Ancient Greek Mythology: Reimagined Timeless Tales of Greek Deities! This captivating collection offers a fresh and entertaining twist on classic tales, retelling stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes in a way that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to know more.

The tales of Zeus, Hercules, and Medusa can seem confusing and disconnected from modern life. Without a guide, they remain an untapped source of wisdom, leaving you with the sense you’re missing something profound.

Explores ancient Mesopotamian astrology, which originated with those who created Göbekli Tepe, and details the system’s eighteen zodiac signs Shares the author’s decades-long research to decipher the meanings and characteristics behind each of the original eighteen signs Shows...

USA: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture takes you on a tour of the core influences and ideals that have shaped this great country and have driven the behavior and attitudes found on Main Street and in the workplace. It looks at Americans at work, at home, and at play, and provides the visitor with an up-to-date cultural road map of this dynamic, multifaceted society.