Culture & Traditions

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

Possibly the silliest fad to hit the playground since slap bracelets, these shapely rubber bands took the world by storm in 2010. What's so silly about them, anyway?

By Kate Kershner

How do you tell dubstep from other types of electronic music? What does it mean to "wobble," anyway?

By Jeff Harder

From shepherds to surfers to starlets, many love uggs' cozy comfort. But how did boots with a name derived from "ugly" become a pricey status symbol?

By Laurie L. Dove

Every day with an infant is a celebration -- and spittle marathon. Can traditions create even brighter memories and afford parents much-needed breaks?

By Laurie L. Dove

The idea of Morocco may invoke images from "Casablanca," but the 1942 movie isn't necessarily reflective of the area's history or traditions. What don't you know about this compact country in northwestern Africa?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

In the face of heartbreak, music can offer incomparable solace. But is listening to breakup songs just a self-indulgent exercise in sappiness? Or does it actually possess pain-mitigating properties?

By Cristen Conger

Many adults rate relationship breakups among the worst events of their lives. How does the psyche handle that kind of heartache? And is there a secret formula for mending a broken heart?

By Cristen Conger

The folks at HowStuffWorks are here to help you get creative for your next Valentine's Day gift. So read on for their 10 Unexpected Valentine's Day gift ideas.

By Kiersten Aschauer

Every year, more than 20 percent of the world's population plunges into a period of feasts, festivities and fireworks in celebration of Chinese or Lunar New Year. How did this holiday get its start?

By John Kelly

Is decorating a Christmas tree part of your annual holiday traditions?

Even if you weren't around in the 1950s, you're probably familiar with these 10 short-lived but long-loved pieces of golden-decade pop culture.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Matt Cunningham

Maybe you've heard about drinking the Kool-Aid or listening to The Family Jams - but what do you really know about some of the world's most infamous cults?

By Alia Hoyt & Jane McGrath

There's a community out there full of average frustrated chumps who live to sarge HBs. Have no idea what we mean? Enter the saucy world of the pickup artist.

By Cristen Conger

Over its history, bullfighting has had more than its share of fans and detractors. Learn about the glitz, glory and gore of this often-misunderstood sport.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Commas are notoriously tricky punctuation marks, and with good reason. So how can you know if you're using them correctly? It comes down to one question: Is it essential?

By Julia Layton

Responding to invitations promptly is part of proper etiquette. Learn about what common R.S.V.P. etiquette entails from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

What if our most advanced technological devices all ran on diesel engines? The dieselpunk subgenre of speculative fiction looks at a world that could have been.

By Jonathan Strickland

Unless you've been living under a rock, chances are good you've heard about flash mobs. What's the deal with these public spectacles? Who first came up with the fad?

By Kate Kershner

Flash mobs have become entrenched in 21st century pop culture. But who "invented" them and how can you plan your own?

By Chris Warren

Flash mobs have taken on a life of their own, occurring all over the world and involving tens of thousands of participants. Which five stand out from the rest?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

Zoot suits were more than just smart clothes worn by guys in the 30s and 40s. They were suits that made political and cultural statements.

By Chris Warren

Some people will do anything for PEZ -- for example, spend $13,360 on set of Will and Kate dispensers. How did PEZ become so beloved?

By Patrick J. Kiger

In the 1920s, a new kind of woman who defied established gender standards, the flapper, emerged. What actions, outfits and dance moves defined flapper style?

By Cristen Conger