Culture & Traditions
Cultures and Traditions takes a look at how people interact with each other. This might be through sub-cultures, relationships, fads or religion and spirituality.
Inside LA's Forest Lawn, Where the Biggest Celebrities Rest in Peace
Is Human Composting the Greenest Burial Option?
What's With Germany's Strict Burial Regulations?
Why Were Fake Eyelashes Invented?
Try a Tattoo Without the Commitment
Ways to Keep Your Old Tattoos Looking Fresh and New
Every Celtic Knot Holds Meaning Within Its Intricate Design
What in the World Is a 'Shoey'?
Did You Know It's 2016 in Ethiopia Right Now?
Grey vs. Gray: A Difference in Color or Just in Spelling?
What to Say When Someone Dies (Plus 8 Phrases to Avoid)
Who Was the First Person to Speak English?
What's the Science Behind Mood Rings?
10 Things We Love to Hate About the '70s and '80s
Celebratory Yard Signs Are Having a Major Moment
5 Family Traditions for New Babies
5 Family Anniversary Traditions
5 Family Traditions for Daughters
Are Mermaids Real? A Look at Mermaid Myths Across Cultures
All About the Mythical Phoenix: Bird of Fire and Eternal Life
Bad Luck Comes in Threes: Separating Superstition from Reality
What Are the Most and Least Popular Birthdays in the U.S.?
The Firm vs. the Family: How Does the British Monarchy Really Work?
What's the Difference Between a Duke and an Earl?
How the Millennial Generation Works
Millennials Are Making Birthday Cards a Thing Again
Nope, Boomers and Xers Don’t Work Harder Than Millennials
5 Types of Figurative Language With Examples
To vs. Too: Clarifying Commonly Confused Words
The Bloody Origins of the Phrase 'Caught Red-Handed'
How to Keep Your Jack-o'-lantern From Rotting
What Does the Poinsettia Have to Do with Christmas?
The Joy of the Holiday Poinsettia
American Culture: Symbols, Social Dynamics, Holidays and More
12 Countries With Red and White Flags
9 Countries With Blue-Yellow-Red Flags
Kindness Quotes to Inspire Positivity and Connection
Who Keeps the Ring if the Engagement Ends in a Breakup?
Is Sleeping in Separate Beds a Relationship Buster?
17 Roman Gods and Goddesses Everyone Should Know
Exploring Celtic Gods, Goddesses and Mythology
10 Greek Goddesses of Ancient Mythology
The Life and Death of Timothy Treadwell, the 'Grizzly Man'
The Yellow Deli Cult: All About the Twelve Tribes
7 Cults in America: A History of Infamy
Quiz: Finish That Jingle!
How One Woman Unexpectedly Became the Voice of Siri
There's a Healthier Way to Consume Your Media
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Figurative language is a cornerstone of expressive writing. Unlike literal language, which conveys information plainly and directly, figurative language introduces an imaginative spark, offering the reader new ways to view ideas and emotions.
By Marie Look
People often describe America as a "melting pot" since the American population is a blend of so many different groups, each one with its own histories, traditions and customs. This makes the United States one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with this diversity reflected in every facet of American culture.
By Marie Look
Have you ever noticed the intricate, interlacing patterns adorning ancient manuscripts, stonework or modern jewelry and wondered about their origin? These are different versions of the Celtic knot, a quintessential element of artistic expression that traces back to the ancient Celts.
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Roman gods and goddesses reflected the diverse Roman people who worshipped them. Since Roman civilization was built on top of the ruins of Greek influence in Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East, Greek mythology became the foundation of ancient Roman religion.
By Mitch Ryan
There was no singular overarching Celtic religion. As ancient Celts made their homes in widespread regions across Western Europe, they developed different Celtic gods and goddesses to fulfill their spiritual needs.
By Mitch Ryan
In Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses embodied different aspects of nature and human experience, with the Greek goddesses wielding just as much influence as the Greek gods.
By Marie Look
The Aztec civilization may have peaked more than 500 years ago, but all the Aztec gods and goddesses remain culturally significant even today.
By Marie Look
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Do you know when to use to vs. too? In spoken English language, the two words sound exactly the same, but they have different meanings.
By Sascha Bos
Kindness is always a good idea. As Aesop said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
By Yara Simón
From Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" to C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" series to Alice Hoffman's "Aquamarine," mermaids have been a fixture in literature and pop culture for centuries. But are mermaids real?
By Yara Simón
The phoenix bird is a mythical creature that resembles an eagle with broader wings. Its elegant, peacock-like feathers burst with the dazzling colors of flames. Any Harry Potter fan could explain what this magnificent "fire bird" looks like in great detail.
By Mitch Ryan
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For Timothy Treadwell, observing and protecting grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) was a way of life. Until one day Treadwell and his partner, Amie Huguenard, were eaten alive by the same bears they revered.
By Sascha Bos
How do you measure the happiness of a country? Is it through the benefits afforded to citizens, the weather or the number of opportunities available? This is a question the World Happiness Report has tackled since 2012 to report on the happiest countries in the world.
By Yara Simón
All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares; the same goes for the Catholic vs. Christian distinction. All Catholics are Christian, but not all Christians consider themselves Catholic.
By Mitch Ryan
No, the Yellow Deli cult does not worship sandwiches. They do, however, operate restaurants around the world that fund their controversial religious group.
By Sascha Bos
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In the world of beauty, where people have long coveted voluminous lashes, the invention of false eyelashes revolutionized how individuals enhance their eyes. But why were fake eyelashes invented in the first place? Let's look at the history behind these tiny hairs and people's fascination with them.
By Marie Look
Cults are not unique to the United States, but there is a long history of cults in America. "Compared to other developed nations, the U.S. does have this consistent relationship with cults," Amanda Montell, author of "Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism," tells LitHub. "Whenever I talk to my friends who are not American and I tell them I’m writing this book about cults, their eyes do not light up the same way that Americans’ eyes do.
By Yara Simón
In Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, amidst the vast forests and archaeological sites, lies the awe-inspiring city of Chichén Itzá. This ancient Maya metropolis is renowned for its architecture, intricate mythology and reverence for Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god.
By Marie Look
If you’re feeling especially optimistic, you might say that, as a society, we’re becoming more open and accepting of different sexual identities and preferences. Of course, there’s always backlash, but in recent years, it’s become more popular to be upfront and unashamed of who or what one is sexually attracted to (within the bounds of consent and maturity).
By Zach Taras
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In the heart of ancient Mesoamerica, amidst the vibrant cultures of the Aztecs, Mayans and other indigenous peoples, one deity held a central place in religious belief and cultural imagination: Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god.
By Marie Look
In the realm of religious literature, the Bible stands as one of the most influential in human history. Its words have shaped the beliefs and practices of millions worldwide. But amidst its teachings, a fundamental question persists: Who wrote the Bible?
By Yara Simón
From the earliest appearance of the five-pointed star in ancient times to its former role as a Christian symbol, there are millennia of history surrounding the pentagram, meaning it's one of the oldest symbols in the world. The pentagram's significance has evolved, leaving an indelible mark on culture and spirituality.
You may have noticed people sometimes interchange grey and gray, leading to confusion about which spelling is the correct one. But when it comes to using the word grey vs. gray, which one you choose comes down to your location and the specific person, place or thing you’re referencing.
By Marie Look
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Epic McD, World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's, call it whatever you want: The worlds largest Mcdonalds on Sand Lake Rd in Florida is something else.
By Yara Simón
Countries with red and white flags sometimes pick those colors because they often symbolize historical sacrifice and purity.