Culture & Traditions

Shiva is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known as the god of destruction and transformation. He is a central figure in the Trimurti, alongside Brahma (the creator), and Vishnu (the preserver).

By Zach Taras

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions in the world, with roots stretching back over 4,000 years. According to The Pew Research Center, there are about 1 billion Hindus in the world, representing 15 percent of the global population. Approximately 94 percent of Hindus live in India, and 60 percent of Southern Asia's total population is Hindu.

By Ada Tseng

Religion, as one of the central features of human culture, is every bit as varied as humanity itself. While the handful of major world religions are familiar to most people, it's fascinating to consider how many religions there are in total, both now and in the past.

By Karina Ryan

If you've ever heard of Abaddon, you might know him as a mysterious figure of destruction and judgment. In religious texts, Abaddon is the angel of the bottomless pit, a powerful being connected to the underworld and the end of days.

By Zach Taras

Many Greek gods and goddesses were associated with battle, but Ares was known as the one true Greek god of war (not to be confused with Kratos, the protagonist of the "God of War" video game franchise).

By Mitch Ryan

If something happens on a rare occasion, you might have heard someone describe is as a "once in a blue moon" situation. The phrase describes occurrences that don't come around often, making them extraordinary.

By Yara Simón

"Let's touch base" is a common phrase in emails and meetings. It's a handy idiom for when you want to connect or briefly check in with someone.

By Yara Simón

Have you ever seen someone so well-dressed that they looked ready to walk onto the red carpet? To describe someone who's gone all out, putting on their finest clothes to make a stylish impression, you might say they have dressed to the nines.

By Yara Simón

If you've ever uttered the phrase, "It's raining cats and dogs," you may have thought it was a bizarre way to describe heavy rainfall. After all, it conjures images of cats and dogs tumbling from the sky. While cats and dogs may not literally be falling from the sky, they may have inspired the phrase.

By Yara Simón

Let's dive into a term that describes something wildly imaginative but, well, a bit unrealistic: a pipe dream. If you've ever had an idea that feels amazing but probably isn't going to happen, you've had a pipe dream. But where does this expression come from, and what does it mean?

By Talon Homer

Christmas traditions are like snowflakes: No two are the same, and some are downright bizarre. Sure, Santa Claus squeezing down chimneys is strange enough, but the world is full of other weird Christmas traditions that make reindeer games look tame.

By Desiree Bowie

Ever had plans that got canceled because of bad weather or a last-minute schedule change? If so, you might have been offered a rain check.

By Talon Homer

Several Christmas markets in large cities will bring about a sense of wonder this holiday season. However, if you're in the mood to step into a true winter wonderland, maybe plan to visit one of the many smaller markets in Europe for a quieter, peaceful slice of joy.

By Mitch Ryan

Ever hear someone say, "Look on the bright side!" when you're feeling down? They're talking about finding a "silver lining," an expression we use when we want to see the positive aspect of a challenging situation, often included in the longer phrase "Every cloud has it's silver lining."

By Talon Homer

The holiday season is a time for hanging lights, sipping warm beverages and doing anything to stay cozy as the winter months bring that biting chill to your doorstep. One magical tradition to maintain cheer and battle seasonal depression is setting up a classic Christmas tree for all to see.

By Mitch Ryan

You may have heard the phrase "benefit of the doubt" tossed around when people are accused of things without solid proof or when someone decides to think the best of a person in a tricky situation. But what does it actually mean, and where did it come from?

By Talon Homer

"Tit-for-tat" is a common phrase that's all about fair play — or sometimes, not-so-fair retaliation. You've probably heard of doing something tit-for-tat when someone feels wronged. In that situation someone responds in kind, often giving back exactly what they got, good or bad.

By Karina Ryan

Have you ever heard someone say they're feeling under the weather and wondered what their feelings have to do with the rain or sun outside? It's one of those phrases that we don't take literally; we understand that the person means they're feeling ill.

By Ada Tseng

The black-red-yellow flag color combination has roots dating back to the 13th century. The flag of the Holy Roman Empire, an imperial banner used by the Holy Roman Emperor, featured a black eagle with a red beak and red claws on top of a golden background.

By Ada Tseng

Is he into you? Discover the 7 obvious signs he likes you, from subtle gestures to clear actions, and learn how to decode his feelings effortlessly.

By HowStuffWorks

Have you ever been about to perform, only to have someone tell you to break a leg? That might sound strange — or even a bit harsh. After all, who wants a debilitating injury right before stepping on stage?

By Ada Tseng

Flags are powerful symbols, representing the identity, history and values of nations. Among the most striking are those featuring an iconic blue and white flag design, a combination often associated with peace, freedom and unity.

By Desiree Bowie

Ever been in a situation where you didn't have a set plan and just had to figure things out as you went along? That's when you might decide to "play it by ear."

By Zach Taras

If you've ever been to brunch after a night of too much celebrating, you've probably heard about using the "hair of the dog" to cure your queasiness. It usually pops up when someone suggests that a little more alcohol could help you shake off hangover symptoms.

By Mack Hayden

Let's talk about an expression you've probably heard before: "rule of thumb." This phrase is a handy way of saying, "Here's a general guideline that works in most cases."

By Zach Taras