Culture & Traditions

Steeped in legend and tradition, the Ethiopian coffee ceremony unites family and friends in conversation, community and a serious caffeine buzz. Learn how it works here.

By Laurie L. Dove

A centuries-old wedding tradition, the jumping the broom ceremony is still performed in several cultures today. Learn its history and how it works.

By Laurie L. Dove

A tea ceremony isn't your average tea party. No scones or Mad Hatters here. Rather, a tea ceremony is a solemn, symbolic and profound affair.

By Molly Edmonds

Whether you're freezing cold in the middle of winter or just want to armchair travel to your favorite exotic beach, these tropical traditions can be incorporated into your home any time of year.

By Stefani Newman

If you or your beloved need a little help in the gift-giving department, perhaps it's time to consult the traditional anniversary gift list!

By Alia Hoyt

Whether it's a birthstone ring that you got on your 10th birthday or a necklace set with each of your children's birthstones, you've probably seen or worn birthstone jewelry over the years. But where did birthstones originate?

By Garth Sundem

A new baby is on the way, and there's no better way to celebrate and equip the new mom with essentials than to have a baby shower. What are some traditional games to play at the party?

By Denise Harrison

Games are a typical part of wedding showers, and they actually serve a purpose. Check out these 10 traditional activities, and find out why we play them.

By Heather Kolich

In Latin American cultures, the quinceañera not only marks a girl's 15th birthday -- it also symbolizes her maturity. What are some of the celebration's exciting traditions?

By Jane McGrath

Kwanzaa is a festive occasion, tempered by meditation, discussion, reflection and camaraderie. Read on to learn about the seven-day holiday's history and traditions.

By Alison Cooper

It's fair to say that in other places, in other times, weddings could be rather crazed affairs, and the garter toss served to make things a little less crazy. But how did this tradition come about?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

If you don't live amid the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, you may not have heard of this unique human burial practice. So, how does sky burial work?

By Robert Lamb

Quinceañeras celebrate Hispanic girls' transition to womanhood and official entrance into society. What makes them different from run-of-the-mill birthday parties?

By Cristen Conger & Yara Simón

Sometimes, there are things we do as part of a tradition without really considering where the practices may have started. What are some of the common traditions we take part in today that may have surprising origins?

By Garth Sundem

Like anything in human history, many traditions have evolved from old ideas that we may see as a little strange today. How did some of our most common wedding traditions come about?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

Learn about the importance of family traditions in building relationships, tips for reinvigorating old traditions and starting new ones.

By Chris Opfer

Family traditions foster senses of stability and collective identity, but do kids get why they're important? Learn at what age children might start to understand.

By Laurie L. Dove

Have you ever wondered about your family heritage? The best way to keep important traditions alive is to celebrate them.

By Jane McGrath

It's OK to adapt traditions to better suit your family -- the idea is to share joy and values through rituals, not make each other miserable. Read on for a quick-start guide.

By Christine Venzon

From holiday dinners to goofy birthday rituals, traditions are the things that make your family unique. Here are five ways to make holidays and milestones more meaningful (and fun!) for everyone.

By Alison Cooper

Parent-daughter traditions can take their cues from location, culture, religion and other influences. Here are five that celebrate girls' unique role in their families.

By Cristen Conger

A family vacation isn't just about the destination -- it's about the journey and the traditions that you make together.

By Laurie L. Dove

Introducing new traditions and rituals to your family isn't very difficult -- all it takes is some brainstorming and a little trial-and-error. But how do you get started?

By Marie Willsey

Picking your nose in traffic may be a habit, but you probably wouldn't call it a tradition. So just when does a habit become a tradition?

By Kevin P. Allen

Almost every family tradition has its roots in necessity. Over time, that necessity becomes nostalgia, and eventually, it becomes another way for families to relate and connect with one another. But how important are these traditions?

By Jacob Clifton