Culture & Traditions

Vintage Tupperware, in all its pastel glory, has come to symbolize 1960s domesticity in the United States. But how did these still-popular plastic containers get their start?

By Cristen Conger

Or you could use that goofy, flesh-colored substance to block some low-frequency sounds, clean your keyboard or, of course, copy that cool newspaper article you were reading. Stretch your brain even more in How Silly Putty Works.

By William Harris

The beloved hula hoop has zipped around the hips of fire dancers, video game assassins and regular folks for centuries. Step into the circle of fun with How Hula Hoops Work.

By Robert Lamb

In the 1960s, the concept of "flower power" encapsulated the hippie counterculture's peaceful response to social unrest. Who popularized this idea?

By Cristen Conger

'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?

By William Harris

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.

By Molly Edmonds

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?

By Karen Kirkpatrick

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.

By Jessika Toothman

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?

By Shanna Freeman

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.

By Ed Grabianowski

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

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.

By Shanna Freeman

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.

By Kate Kershner

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

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.

By Terri Briseno

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?

By John Perritano

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.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

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.

By Kate Kershner

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.

By Nathan Chandler

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