Wedding Lamentation

Abstract

This chapter explores wedding lamentation across cultures. Case studies from United Kingdom, Greece, Russia, and Northern India rely on data drawn from ethnographic studies and those from Finland, India, and Italy are historical, based on data drawn from documentary film, literature, and song. Examining similar phenomena occurring in different cultures, religions, and historical periods demonstrates the similar ways in which women’s performance at ritual events in different cultural and historical settings plays an important role in localizing world religions.