Door Ton Salman – Oudjaar…. En dan begint zomaar een heel nieuw jaar! Spiksplinternieuw! En we wensen elkaar geluk, en moois en gezondheid, en vrede. Da’s ons ritueel. Maar sta er eens even bij stil,…
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By Peter Versteeg – This year, as Christmas approached, I felt a strong urge to visit a church. An advertisement in a vegan deli shop caught my eye: a “Peace Liturgy for Animals.” Perfect for…
Leave a CommentDoor Luka Hendrickx. Begin september fiets ik voor het eerst sinds ik het veldwerk voor mijn scriptieonderzoek afrondde de Polder weer binnen. Daarmee wordt in België de streek ten noorden van Antwerpen bedoeld, waar de…
Leave a Commentby Aleeha Ali – It is said that when Hussain’s infant son Ali Asghar was pierced with an arrow bigger than his frame, his neck gushed pools of blood into Hussain’s hands. It is said…
Leave a CommentSam Heeremans explores the transformative journey of birth in the Netherlands through the lens of doulas. Doulas provide non-medical support to birthing women, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of childbirth within the cultural context. The role is deeply rooted in accompanying women through intense bodily and possibly spiritual shifts, distancing from romanticized notions. Heeremans’ fieldwork reveals a cultural appreciation, augmenting a woman’s experience with communal and ritualistic dimensions inherent in becoming a mother.
Leave a CommentBy 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.
Leave a CommentBy Romy de Vos – During my fieldwork, in all my conversations and interviews, the elephant in the room was always the deafening silence of the victims themselves.
Leave a CommentBy 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 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,…
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