Absurd Holiday Traditions

The book approaches its subject matter with a blend of historical context and contemporary social science, tracing the origins of these practices and examining their modern-day significance. For example, costume-based celebrations, sometimes seemingly terrifying, often serve as a way for societies to confront and manage collective fears.

Unfolding in a structured manner, the book begins by defining ""absurd traditions,"" then progresses through case studies categorized by type, such as food-related festivities and effigy-burning rituals, before synthesizing broader implications for understanding cultural behavior.