Culture & Traditions

Looking for a chilling way to spend your fall nights? Whether you're into psychological horror or full-contact frights, the best haunted houses in Ohio deliver big scares and bigger thrills.

By Lena Thaywick

When most people hear the word "Thanksgiving," they picture a late-November feast with turkey, pumpkin pie and maybe a football game on TV. But in Canada, Canadian Thanksgiving happens on the second Monday in October and brings its own unique history and traditions.

By Lena Thaywick

Want to test your courage this Halloween? The best haunted houses in Illinois crank the fear up to 11. These aren’t just jump-scare shacks with fog machines. They’re full-blown, professionally produced nightmares that draw thousands of thrill seekers every fall.

By Lena Thaywick

They go by many names. Some are symbols of destruction, others twisted forms of ancient gods, and a few look suspiciously like medieval nobles on a really bad day. Whatever you call them, this list of demons captures a lot of fear, folklore, and theology.

By Lena Thaywick

The 1990s gave us flannel shirts, bucket hats and a tidal wave of new lingo. If you weren’t talking like a character from "Clueless" or quoting "Fresh Prince," were you even there?

By Lena Thaywick

When it comes to religious commitment, the world is far from uniform. While some nations are deeply shaped by religion, others are moving toward secularism.

By Lena Thaywick

The English language is full of quirks, and sometimes weird words sneaks into your vocabulary that make you stop and scratch your head when you really think about them.

By Lena Thaywick

Mexico’s national flag is more than a colorful symbol; it’s a story in fabric form. Mexico's flag—specifically the version we see today—is the result of centuries of conflict, culture, and unification. It’s flown proudly in Mexico City’s central plaza and on government buildings across the country.

By Lena Thaywick

Curious about different types of dragons? Good call. Around the world, people have imagined dragon species that range from serpent-like dragon rainmakers to winged fire-breathers that strike fear.

By Lena Thaywick

Communication drives everything from friendships to billion-dollar business deals. But not all communication is created equal. In fact, the types of communication we use can completely change how our messages land.

By Lena Thaywick

Gen Z characteristics are already reshaping how we think about work, communication, and identity in our everyday lives.

By Lena Thaywick

Millennial characteristics are the product of an era shaped by rapid technological change, economic turbulence, and evolving social values.

By Lena Thaywick

Language evolves, and Gen Z — born between the 1997 and 2012 — has introduced an entire dictionary of expressive, clever, and sometimes confusing slang.

By Lena Thaywick

When it comes to shaping modern culture, few age groups get more attention than Millennials and Gen Z.

By Lena Thaywick

Gen X — born roughly between 1965 and 1980 — came of age surrounded by cassette tapes, arcades, and MTV. This generation created a language all its own.

By Lena Thaywick

Here we have two generations born into the digital world, yet shaped by different global events and technologies.

By Lena Thaywick

Every generation has its own way of talking, and Millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — have added plenty to the pop culture lexicon.

By Lena Thaywick

India is home to thousands of traditions, but a few events shine brighter than the rest.

By Lena Thaywick

Some of the world’s most awe-inspiring spots are natural wonders, whereas other famous landmarks offer a peek into the past.

By Lena Thaywick

If you've ever been curious about how the Land of the Rising Sun celebrates the changing seasons, cultural heritage and community spirit, look no further than Japanese festivals.

By Lena Thaywick

Walk past the gates of a Chinese temple or palace, and you’re likely to spot a pair of stone statues that look like lions with a twist. These majestic sculptures aren't just decorative; they're symbols of protection and prosperity known as foo dog statues.

By Lena Thaywick

Ever wonder what your last name says about your family's story? Turns out, some of the most common surnames in the U.S. reveal more than just ancestry; they hint at migration patterns, occupations and cultural influence across generations.

By Lena Thaywick

Bursting with color, music, and joy, Holi is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu tradition. But what is Holi exactly?

By Lena Thaywick

Today we're diving into the bizarre world of the Zizians, a rationalist group known for their extreme beliefs in applied rationality and complex interpersonal dynamics. Initially nestled primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, this community blends philosophy, artificial intelligence and even computer science into their daily lives.

By Zach Taras

Today we're diving into the eerie concept of memento mori. In Latin, the phrase memento mori literally means "remember that you must die," and it has been a central theme in religious thought, art and philosophy for centuries.

By Talon Homer