For Every Season: The Complete Guide To African American Celebrations Traditional To Contemporary

The Story

African traditions are a growing part of Black culture and are especially significant to young people seeking a link with their heritage. In For Every Season, Barbara Eklof reviews the ceremonies of ancient Africa and America during slavery that surround the four major passages of the human experience: birth, adolescence, family bonds (including weddings and family reunions) and death. She describes how today's African-Americans can add meaning and substance to their lives using her step-by-step, detailed plans for incorporating these traditions into their modern celebrations. For example, she guides readers through the process of blending Western and African traditions in a wedding ceremony; provides instructions for creating Afrocentric birth announcements; and presents a prescription for a contemporary funeral that incorporates the ancient customs of Egyptians, West Africans and Ethiopians. Inspirational and down-to-earth, For Every Season is for all African-Americans who would like to celebrate their cultural heritage and their present-day bonds.'For honest readers and open-minded seekers of other cultyres and for Black folks of all persuasions, 'For Every Season' is a must-read.'--Haki Madhubuti, author of 'Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?'