Sacred play ritual levity and humor in South Asian religions / edited by Selva J. Raj and Corinne G. Dempsey.

Other author Raj, Selva J.
Other author Dempsey, Corinne G.
Format Electronic
Publication InfoAlbany : State University of New York Press,
Descriptionxi, 224 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects
Religion--Humor.
Ritual--South Asia.
South Asia--Religion.

Contents Introduction: ritual levity in South Asian traditions / Selva J. Raj and Corinne Dempsey -- Serious levity at the Shrine of St. Anne in South India / Selva J. Raj -- Don't take it badly, it's Holi : ritual levity, society, and agriculture / A. Whitney Sanford -- Playing the married lady : primary marriage among the Newars of Nepal / Liz wilson -- The "artful trick" : challenging convention through play in upstate New York / Corinne Dempsey and Sudharshan Durayappah -- Friendship, humor, levity, and love in a Hindu women's ritual tradition / Tracy Pintchman -- Laughing until it hurts-- somebody else : the pain of a ritual joke / William P. Harman -- Gods' play and the Buddha's way : varieties of levity in contemporary Sinhala practice / Jonathan Walters -- Playing with Durga in Bengal / Rachel Fell McDermott -- Turning Karbala inside out : humor and ritual critique in South Asian Muharram rites / Amy C. Bard -- A Catholic charismatic healer at play in North India / Mathew N. Schmalz -- Response / Jonathan Z. Smith.
Review "Frivolity isn't always frivolous - sometimes it can be sacred. Sacred Play uncovers levity and playfulness in a variety of South Asian traditions where one might least expect to find it: in the heart of ritual. Case studies of Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist rituals examine instances of levity that challenge social or religious norms, in which mischievous deities inspire similar behavior among their devotees, and where playful competition incites serious consequences. Sacred Play explores how piety and levity can complement and complicate one another, enriching our understanding of both."--BOOK JACKET.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 2009017904
ISBN9781438429793 (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN1438429797 (hardcover : alk. paper)

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