Culture & Traditions

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that is now enjoying a renaissance. And practitioners aren't trying to be like Mr. Spock. Stoicism means far more than not showing emotion.

By John Donovan

While anti-miscegenation laws weren't unique to the United States, they also weren't common.

By Jesslyn Shields

There's no 'U' in Charles or 'B' in William, so how did those get to be the nicknames?

By Dave Roos

Critics worry that when you send your DNA to Ancestry.com for personal analysis it can be used for nefarious purposes.

By Dave Roos

Some have seen benefits in their treatment of children, but scientific evidence remains short.

By Alia Hoyt

Much mystery surrounds the Georgia Guidestones, including the true identity of the man who commissioned them to be built and the identity of their destroyer.

By Jesslyn Shields & Diana Brown

A disappearing sport survives in a handful of mud-caked South Asian gyms specializing in a unique style of wrestling.

By Christopher Hassiotis

From nail polish to lipstick, cosmetics have long been markers of social standing.

By Kate Kershner

Nope, it has nothing to do with the health department.

By Dave Roos

There are two main factors that influence the development of unique accents within a language: human nature and isolation.

By Laurie L. Dove

Did ancient humans eat neighbors for nutrition? One archaeologist calculated just how much energy different human body parts contain.

By Laurie L. Dove

Rumors abound about Satanism. Its adherents are often portrayed as evil, bloodthirsty deviants in popular culture. But that's a mischaracterization of the philosophy of Satanists.

By Ed Grabianowski & Talon Homer

In the late 17th century, wearing wigs became a common practice in law. But why has it endured for so long?

By Laurie L. Dove

There's a term for a vanishing letter like that in spoken American English's Wednesday. But first, some history about ancient gods.

By Laurie L. Dove

Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to bury your loved ones in your garden. But there are some things to think about.

By Dave Roos

Forget worms and chum. The next time you go fishing, go fly a kite.

By Laurie L. Dove

Don't ever assume something will last forever. A lot of folks once thought these 10 things would never become obsolete.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Turning 20 means Japanese youth gain the responsibilities and rights of adulthood, including voting and drinking alcohol. How do they mark the occasion?

By Christopher Hassiotis

Whether it's the Nativity display in the public square, the store clerk who says "Happy Holidays" or the tacky holiday sweater, there's something to offend everyone in the season of goodwill.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Get your ugly holiday sweater fill in one go with these nine horrid knits.

By Yves Jeffcoat

Experts and parents are divided on whether to encourage children's belief in Santa Claus.

By Alia Hoyt

Forget caroling, feasting and having any sort of fun at all on "Foolstide," the catchy but hateful nickname some Puritans gave Christmas in the New World.

By John Donovan

Silent meditation retreats abound. What's it really like to keep quiet for so long?

By Kate Kershner

The uniquely American church-sponsored scarefests aim to present a frightening vision of a life without their brand of religious salvation.

By Chris Opfer

For centuries, ghosts have wed in China. Why did the practice start, and how is it possible that it's still around today?

By Robert Lamb