ABSTRACT

This book explores the phenomenon of Rainbow Gatherings in Europe. These countercultural events form radically alternative temporary societies in the peripheries of modern states and manage themselves without centralized power, market economy or institutionalized forms of religion. The volume offers a vivid description of life in the Gatherings, analyses the main ideological tenets and places the meetings in historical and cultural context. It considers how the Rainbow Gathering tradition is rooted in networks of alternative spirituality and environmental counterculture but also reflects broader shifts in religion and religiosity.

chapter 1|27 pages

Welcome Home!

chapter 2|19 pages

The Hipstory of Rainbow Gatherings

chapter 3|32 pages

Rainbow Rising Over Europe

chapter 4|28 pages

Tall Trees, Warm Fire

The Rainbow Camp

chapter 5|32 pages

Let the Circle Be Open, but Unbroken

Communal Practices

chapter 6|22 pages

Deep Inside My Heart I Got This Everlasting Love

Rainbow Folklore

chapter 7|51 pages

Our Magic Is the Give-Away, Our Magic Is the Song

Rainbow as Counterculture

chapter 8|33 pages

Mother Earth Gives Us Birth

Rainbow as Vernacular Religion

chapter 9|32 pages

This Is Celebration, This Is Sacred

Rainbow and the Transcendent

chapter 10|5 pages

See You in Five Minutes!