From Himalayan hamlets to Amazonian tribes, the increasingly rare tradition is tied to the enduring human problems of scarcity, survival and solidarity. Namita Singh writes For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice H igh in the misty