ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an exposition of different cultural approaches to play, recreation and leisure in the context of their contribution to health and wellbeing. Celebrations and seasonal festivities lend themselves to the health of the community, with play being a significant feature of many celebrations. Throughout history, the role of play has been viewed as a central component of community-based cultural activities and practices and perhaps one of the best examples of this is the celebration of festivals. One of the outcomes of the recent global austerity agenda is that people tend to lead increasingly busy lives with less time for leisure and recreational activities. The celebration of festivals can be framed within wellness, particularly in relation to their capacity to generate awe and wonder', both of which are defined as characteristics linked to spirituality. The Indivisible Self' model also acknowledges the role of contextual factors which are perceived ecologically and are reciprocal in nature.
