Culture & Traditions
Cultures and Traditions takes a look at how people interact with each other. This might be through sub-cultures, relationships, fads or religion and spirituality.
Inside LA's Forest Lawn, Where the Biggest Celebrities Rest in Peace
Is Human Composting the Greenest Burial Option?
What's With Germany's Strict Burial Regulations?
Why Were Fake Eyelashes Invented?
Try a Tattoo Without the Commitment
Ways to Keep Your Old Tattoos Looking Fresh and New
What in the World Is a 'Shoey'?
Did You Know It's 2016 in Ethiopia Right Now?
What Are the 10 Largest Cities in the World by Population?
Grey vs. Gray: A Difference in Color or Just in Spelling?
What to Say When Someone Dies (Plus 8 Phrases to Avoid)
Who Was the First Person to Speak English?
What's the Science Behind Mood Rings?
10 Things We Love to Hate About the '70s and '80s
Celebratory Yard Signs Are Having a Major Moment
5 Family Traditions for New Babies
5 Family Anniversary Traditions
5 Family Traditions for Daughters
Are Mermaids Real? A Look Mermaid Myths Across Cultures
All About the Mythical Phoenix: Bird of Fire and Eternal Life
Bad Luck Comes in Threes: Separating Superstition from Reality
What Are the Most and Least Popular Birthdays in the U.S.?
The Firm vs. the Family: How Does the British Monarchy Really Work?
What's the Difference Between a Duke and an Earl?
How the Millennial Generation Works
Millennials Are Making Birthday Cards a Thing Again
Nope, Boomers and Xers Don’t Work Harder Than Millennials
To vs. Too: Clarifying Commonly Confused Words
The Bloody Origins of the Phrase 'Caught Red-Handed'
60 Cheeky British Slang Words and Phrases
How to Keep Your Jack-o'-lantern From Rotting
What Does the Poinsettia Have to Do with Christmas?
The Joy of the Holiday Poinsettia
12 Countries With Red and White Flags
9 Countries With Blue-Yellow-Red Flags
13 Countries With Green-White-Red Flags
Kindness Quotes to Inspire Positivity and Connection
Who Keeps the Ring if the Engagement Ends in a Breakup?
Is Sleeping in Separate Beds a Relationship Buster?
Catholic vs. Christian: Overlap and Differences in the Religions
Kukulkan: The Feathered Serpent of Maya Mythology
Quetzalcoatl: A Feathered Serpent Deity of Mesoamerica
The Life and Death of Timothy Treadwell, the 'Grizzly Man'
The Yellow Deli Cult: All About the Twelve Tribes
7 Cults in America: A History of Infamy
Quiz: Finish That Jingle!
How One Woman Unexpectedly Became the Voice of Siri
There's a Healthier Way to Consume Your Media
Learn More / Page 27
In the 1960s, the concept of "flower power" encapsulated the hippie counterculture's peaceful response to social unrest. Who popularized this idea?
'Come on, baby, let's do the Twist!' That's the call heard 'round the world in 1960 when Chubby Checker's dance song hit the airwaves. But how did the simple Twist leave such an indelible impression on generations since then?
By Julia Layton
What do you get when you take a gooey, rubberlike substance and compress it under 3,500 pounds of pressure? A SuperBall! Do you know what else makes this big bouncer so super?
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With stage revivals of "Saturday Night Fever," it's clear that the leisure suit has never entirely faded from cultural consciousness. Perhaps it's the everlasting nature of poly fibers, but what's made the suit of the '70s a fad with such permanence?
By Julia Layton
Think Disco Demolition Night was the death of the catchy, danceable music of the 1970s? The name "disco" may have faded, but not the music to help you shake your groove thing.
It happens at concerts and live events all across the United States -- inevitably, someone screams out "Play 'Freebird'!" Where did this musical fad -- awesome to some, annoying to others -- come from?
Injection-molded soft plastic footwear -- jellies to the rest of us -- is the fad that just doesn't quit. Whether you wore the glittery, perforated version in the '80s, or prefer the opaque ballet flat variety today.
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Michael Jackson backslid his way into history when he performed the moonwalk in 1983, and the iconic dance step has been associated with him ever since. But did he actually invent it?
Mexico has a long and storied history that spans nearly six centuries and combines many European and indigenous influences. We'll discuss many of this colorful country's most beloved and unique traditions.
By Dave Roos
Italy is famous for many things: its food and wine, its art and architecture, its music and dance. However, most people don't know about the regional diversity that defines Italian tradition. Find out more here.
Beside brats, beer and Oktoberfest, how much do you know about German culture and traditions? Learn more about this fascinating culture in this article.
By Lance Looper
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China is both the largest country and arguably the oldest continuous civilization in the world. As such, it has rich and diverse traditions.
By Jane McGrath
OK, so you've heard of their sushi, samurai and social etiquette, but how much do you really know about Japanese culture? Find out what makes Japanese traditions so, well, Japanese, in this article.
There are plenty of stereotypes floating around out there about French culture, from baguettes to bad attitudes, but what's the real scoop? Find out in How French Traditions Work.
Russian culture might conjure up stereotypical images of vodka and political strife, but of course, Russian traditions are much more rich and complex than that. Find out what makes Russian culture tick in this article.
By Lance Looper
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India's culture has stood the test of time by remaining diverse, colorful and spiritual. And it's the combination of rich traditions, family unity and faith that makes India, well, India.
Many of Spain's culinary, musical and artistic customs took root centuries ago, and still thrive today. So what makes the country so distinct and full of flavor?
Greece has influenced civilization for thousands of years, helping to shape fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and architecture. Which Greek cultural traditions have stood the test of time?
By Jill Jaracz
Brazil is one of the largest nations on earth, and its numerous traditions are a composite of its diverse population.
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Australian traditions are a quirky mix, from aboriginal cave paintings and atypical heroes to camel racing and Vegemite. What makes Australian culture tick? Find out in this article, mate.
It's not all leprechauns, St. Patrick's Day and Guinness, but that's what might come to mind when you first think of Irish culture. What's the real story? Find out what makes Irish culture, well, so Irish in this article.
Because of its picturesque beaches and temperate tropical climate, the Dominican Republic is a well-known tourist destination. What do you know about its culture?
By Jane McGrath
As a nation, Colombia often gets a bad rap, but this South American stunner is bursting with traditional culture and natural beauty. Prepare to be dazzled by Colombia.
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As one of the first European colonies in the New World, Puerto Rico has a rich and storied history. What are some of the country's notable traditions?
By Jane McGrath
Americans celebrate many traditions without even considering how strange the rest of world might consider them. What do you think are some of the weirdest?