Culture & Traditions

Branding may put you in mind of that steak commercial on TV where the beef is seared with a hot iron marked Grade A. And in truth, the process on humans is not that different. Yet people who have been branded say there is pleasure in the pain.

By Julia Layton

For 1,000 years, Chinese women would break and bind the bones in their daughters' feet to ensure they achieved the coveted 3-inch foot. How did this painful procedure change Chinese culture – and why was this disfigured foot considered so erotic?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Is this a cool extreme trend or a pointless gross risk? Reader discretion is advised for this article – depending on how you feel about tattooing your eyeball.

By Patrick J. Kiger

G. Gordon Liddy once observed that the trouble with conspiracies is people can't keep their mouths shut. He should know: He was part of one of the most notorious cover-ups in history. Which was it and what were the other nine?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Does TV shape culture or reflect it? Since TVs became commonplace in American homes in the 1950s, pundits have debated their positive and negative effects. We'll examine some of the changes.

By Becky Striepe

What do Alexandre Dumas, Pete Wentz and Alexander Pushkin have in common? We're not talking about literary talents — they're all people whose African ancestry is not well-known. Who else is on the list?

By Laurie L. Dove

When horrific events such as school shootings and terrorist attacks happen, they're covered non-stop in the media. You can't shield your child from every mention of tragedies 24/7, so what's the best way to discuss sensitive subjects?

By Maria Trimarchi

You know these people. They dart in front of you when you're checking out at the store. They cut you off on the highway with nary a signal. Are they just jerks, or could something else be going on with them?

By Kate Kershner

Even though we don't keep most of our resolutions, we still make them every year. Turns out, this practice has been going on for thousands of years. What compels us to do this?

By Laurie L. Dove

When famous people are caught in torrid romantic entanglements, it's not just tabloid fodder. It also can put a hard stop on career ambitions for both parties.

By Jacob Clifton

Only 20 percent of the people who make resolutions will see them through. Why does our resolve vanish, and what can we do about it?

By Maria Trimarchi

Can't say "Xmas"? Sure, you can! Despite (or perhaps, because of) Christmas' popularity among Christians and non-Christians alike, there are lots of myths connected with this holiday.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

For many children, the holidays summon visions of sugarplums and fanatical devotion to a magical old man with a sack of gifts. But there's a dark side to yuletide traditions. Welcome to the domain of Krampus!

By Robert Lamb

Today, entertainers like RuPaul have made the campy performance-oriented brand of drag a part of mainstream culture. But where did drag originate, and how has it changed?

By Cristen Conger

On the fourth Thursday in November, Americans will gather to eat turkey and sweet potatoes, just like that first Thanksgiving ... Actually, not like that first dinner. Join us as we debunk some of the many Thanksgiving myths.

By Chris Opfer

Like niche cousins of life coaches, parenting coaches serve as support hotlines for parents to strategize common challenges such as toilet training and attachment issues. But do these mentors really make a difference?

By Cristen Conger

Kids' temper tantrums and their accompanying sobs, screams and whines can be stressful for parents -- and embarrassing when they occur in public. Do these outbursts point to poor parenting skills, or are they a natural part of growing up?

By Cristen Conger

Neurologist-turned-shrink Sigmund Freud formulated theories of childhood development that others have spun into practical parenting advice. What would the groundbreaking psychoanalyst have to say about today's child rearing methods?

By Cristen Conger

Since the late 1700s, U.S. moms have been regarded as the gatekeepers of the nation's future, but the constructs, demographics and social values related to motherhood have changed a great deal. What's it like to be a mom today?

By Cristen Conger

Even if your family budget does not leave room for luxuries such as college application coaches, you may still be guilty of overparenting. How do you know if it's time to step back?

By Cristen Conger

Famous moms are everywhere these days. Every website and tabloid showcases the babies of celebrities. But the 10 mothers we're featuring were world-changers as well.

By Cristen Conger

Homosexuality has become increasingly accepted, yet social resistance to gay parenting still simmers, often hinging on bygone stereotypes. What myths can scientific evidence dispel about same-sex parents?

By Cristen Conger

Being famous doesn't make you a good parent – some of these fathers wouldn't really deserve a Dad of the Year award. Still, each of the dads on this list is a fascinating case study in how living in the spotlight mixes with raising kids.

By Cristen Conger

Going back to antiquity, lust arguably has gotten short shrift, thanks to its well-known association with the Seven Deadly Sins. Yet, without lust the human species would've died off a long, long time ago. How does it help promote long-term mating?

By Cristen Conger

Vikings, Norse gods, monarchs, Christian saints and even the land itself: Norwegian traditions have many sources. So do you know riskrem from russ?

By Allison Wachtel