Culture & Traditions

Languages exist as ever-evolving systems of human communication that go beyond complex grammar or words you could learn from a quick search on Google Translate. Language consists of body language, social cues and mother tongue idioms that are shaped by culture and context. That said, how many languages are there in our vast world?

By Karina Ryan

The snake goddess trope has slid through various cultures throughout history, embodying powerful symbols of fertility, protection and transformation. From the ancient temples of Crete to the mythological landscapes of Egypt and India, these deities have played significant roles in religious practices and storytelling.

By Mitch Ryan

Many people struggle with learning the English language because there are so many nuanced spellings and usages for different words that don't conform to logical patterns. The hardest words to spell don't always have to be the longest but often contain minor differences from common speech patterns.

By Mitch Ryan

When you think of angels, you probably imagine beautiful beings with flowing white robes, gentle faces and perhaps a pair of wings. However, you might be surprised to learn that a biblically accurate angel can be a far cry from these modern depictions.

By Marie Look

The letter "ñ" is Latin small letter (aka lowercase letter) found in Spanish words. A tilde (the squiggly line over the letter) distinguishes "ñ" from "n" and gives it different pronunciation. For instance, in Spanish, "ano" is pronounced "ah-no" and "año" is pronounced "ahn-yo." And for the record, these two words have very different meanings as well.

By Mitch Ryan

The New Testament is filled to the brim with symbolic acts, but the Christian messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, was a master of this tactic. Jesus answered the toughest philosophical questions with stories and miracles to help each follower find spiritual fruitfulness and lead a fruitful life.

By Mitch Ryan

What is the easiest language to learn as a second language? The answer will vary depending on your native language. Learning a new language can open up opportunities, from connecting with people in your community or embracing your own culture to being able to live and work abroad.

By Karina Ryan

The Mennonite vs. Amish distinction is difficult to pinpoint for most outsiders since they both represent some of the most conservative groups in the modern world. Although closely related in traditional dress and customs, there are several notable differences once you dig a bit deeper.

By Mitch Ryan

Like English, Spanish is a global language with nearly 600 million Spanish speakers worldwide. There are many Spanish-speaking countries, from the 21 nations with Spanish as their official language, to other countries with significant populations of people who speak Spanish as their native language or as a second language.

By Karina Ryan

Isis, goddess of healing and funeral rites, was one of the most important Egyptian deities and arguably one of the most prominent female deities in the ancient world.

By Mitch Ryan

Poseidon, god of the sea, was an integral figure in ancient Greek mythology. Although the name Poseidon means "lord of the earth," this powerful god mostly controlled the oceans and waterways. The Aegean Sea fell and rose by his hand, and sailors prayed for mercy during every nautical voyage.

By Mitch Ryan

Ancient Maya culture was centered on interconnected city-states that developed great networks of trade and agriculture and some of the most advanced architectural wonders in human history. Today, artworks depicting roughly 250 different Mayan gods and goddesses can still be found carved into these wonders.

By Mitch Ryan

Unlike monotheistic religions based on the belief in an omnipotent, all-powerful overseer god who judges actions and determines justice in the mortal world, in Norse mythology, gods and goddesses were powerful entities that experienced human flaws, trials and conflicts.

By Mitch Ryan

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering if your paragraph is too short, too long, or just right? Well, you're not alone in asking how many sentences are in a paragraph. It can be hard to tell whether you've provided enough information and if, most importantly, it is easy to read and effectively communicates your main point.

By Desiree Bowie

The true appearance of Jesus Christ has been a topic of fascination and debate for centuries. Traditional Western art often portrays him with long, flowing hair, blue eyes and a beard, but these depictions are more reflective of European aesthetics than historical accuracy. This begs question: What did Jesus look like?

By Desiree Bowie

There are countless adjective examples in everyday language, but for simplicity's sake, most adjectives are one-word components that enhance or modify nouns. Any sentence may contain two or more adjectives, but the function of each adjective remains the same.

By Mitch Ryan

Have you ever wondered how the historical figure known as Jesus was actually referred to in his own time and place? Hint: It wasn't by that name.

By Desiree Bowie

From sock hops and bell bottoms to low-rise jeans and TikTok dance challenges, each generation has many characteristics and trends that set it apart from the next.

By Desiree Bowie

Similes are like spices for writing: Used in the right proportion, they can add zest and verve to your prose. Once you're familiar with them, you'll likely notice that simile examples abound in everyday speech, writing, song lyrics and even advertising slogans.

By Zach Taras

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.

By Clarissa Mitton

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