By Fridus Steijlen – In Ambon, Fridus Steijlen observed Taman Paskah, public religious displays commemorating Easter, with symbolic crosses and caves. These were contrasted with secular Christmas decorations, subtly blending Christian and local traditions. As Easter approaches, religious symbols replace Christmas ones, reflecting the community’s deep Christian faith and the social significance of these holidays.
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By Peter Versteeg – Have you ever wondered why something happened to you? I hope you haven’t because this question often arises when people are faced with something really serious, such as a severe illness or a traumatic event. But what is the nature of this “why” question? Does it seek a philosophical answer or is it an emotional outburst that cannot be answered?
2 CommentsBy Dilara Yentür – At 04:17 on February 6th, 2023 an earthquake ravaged the lands of southern Turkey and northern Syria. Buildings crumbled like sandcastles, roads tore apart, and the silence of the night was…
Leave a CommentBy Luciana Massaro – Writing ethnography can be an intimidating experience. As anthropologists we face the challenge to write and interpret what research participants share with us in a way that respects their points of…
Leave a CommentBy Maaike Matelski – On 8 December 2022, Nickey Diamond visited the VU for two lectures. Nickey is an activist from Myanmar who recently started a PhD in Anthropology at the University of Konstanz, where…
1 CommentBy Louis Gregory – Few people know much about the surreal world of English small-hall boxing, a world away from its professional, globalised alternative. Small-hall boxing is a staple of the British boxing circuit. The…
Leave a CommentBy Aleeha Zahra Ali – A year and a half ago, I learnt what grief was. Before that I had known waves of sadness, despair, depression, heartbreak and anger. But grief was a different monster,…
Leave a CommentA History Month (Maand van de Geschiedenis) contribution by Peter Versteeg – We live in a time when calls for public apologies for all kinds of historical wrongs are everyday business. Recent attention to victims…
Leave a CommentBy Thijl Sunier – On October 28, 2022, I shall give my valedictory lecture speech as professor of anthropology, chair of Islam in European Societies. The theme of the speech, and of the seminar preceding…
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