Multicultural Celebrations

School Library Journal

YA-What does "tying the knot" mean? How does a man ask a woman for her hand in marriage in Cambodia, Egypt, or Ethiopia? When does a boy become a man? Just what are the correct mourning customs of your African, Chinese, or Iranian neighbors? Dresser, the "Miss Manners" of the Los Angeles Times, has assembled a brief, essential, information-packed guide to important social dos and don'ts. Like Multicultural Manners: New Rules of Etiquette for a Changing Society (Wiley, 1996), this book provides practical advice for anyone who is looking for gift-giving customs at ethnic and religious weddings; what to wear to funerals; rites-of-passage observances; and birth, death, and healing rituals. The author outlines important rules of etiquette in Asia, Africa, and Mexico, and also examines traditions in the United States and includes information on the Amish, African-American, Native American, and Anglo-American communities. The book concludes with a list for further research that includes books, videos, Web sites, and addresses of American multicultural organizations. Teens will find this paperback guide informative, hilarious, and fascinating. It's unfortunate that it has no illustrations. Nevertheless, readers will be attracted to it because of its bright cover, easy-to-use index, and simple text.-ayo dayo, Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, VA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.