Culture & Traditions

Most of us have tried our hand at the intricate (and sometimes exasperating) art of origami. But who first decided that folding paper into elaborate shapes sounded like fun? Find out in How Origami Works.

By Nathan Chandler

Are you the type who wouldn't be caught dead without your makeup? You're not alone; even ancient Egyptians were known to have makeup kits buried with them in their tombs. But the history, ingredient and safety concerns are just part of how makeup works.

By Molly Edmonds

As fashion, fetish and historical foundation, the corset continues to fascinate. Think you know the scoop on this misunderstood garment? Think again!

By Craig Haggit

If you were born sometime between the mid-60s and the beginning of the 80s, you're considered part of Generation X, a loose demographic that came after the postwar Baby Boomers and before the so-called Millennials. What makes Gen-Xers tick?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Members of Generation Y are a mosaic of traits that often seem incompatible: They're egotistical and brash, yet eager to learn and contribute; they want to make lots of money, and they support nonprofit causes. Here, learn how Generation Y works.

By Michael Franco

Ernest Hemingway used the term as a shorthand description for his generation. What did he mean by it?

By Jill Jaracz

Tom Brokaw dubbed this generation "the greatest generation any society has produced," marked by values like "personal responsibility, duty, honor and faith." What else makes this group of Americans so remarkable?

By Clint Pumphrey

We have a tendency to group generations into tidy little groups based on age and shared cultural traits, but Generation Me is harder to define than most -- perhaps because it's hard to put people so determined to be individuals in boxes.

By Ed Grabianowski

They're Generation Z, the newest kids on the demographic block. Technological wizards who have never known life without Internet access, they're the future leaders of our world. What else sets them apart from previous generations, and what challenges do they face?

By Lance Looper & Desiree Bowie

Baby boomers, boomers, Generation "Me" -- whatever you call them, they're members of the most famous and talked-about generation in history. What are the defining characteristics of this aging generation, and how will their retirement impact the rest of us? Find out in How the Baby Boom Generation Works.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Generation gaps are usually harmless; it's fine if you don't really understand the perspective of someone significantly younger or older than you. However, it can really do some damage in the workplace.

By Dave Roos

Visitors to remote jungles face several potential dangers. Disease, ferocious animals, deadly plant life, the risk of having your head shrunken ... wait, what?

By Josh Clark

How many movies have you seen where a glimpse across the room is enough to convince a protagonist that the search for love is over? Silly, right? Some scientists don't think so. Is love at first sight possible?

By Molly Edmonds

Midwives have existed for as long as babies have been born, with references in ancient Greek and Roman texts and the Bible. Midwives today attend about 75 percent of births worldwide. But what exactly is a midwife and what does she do?

By Molly Edmonds

The worst fashion choices (your jade taffeta prom dress or those cheetah-print capri pants) come off your body at the end of the day, and you can eventually forget them. Tattoos? Not so much. Here are 10 examples of ink gone wrong in Hollywood.

By Chris Obenschain

Yoga is big business in the U.S., and its bends and twists go by names like downward-facing dog, pigeon or camel while attracting practitioners from all walks of life. But what are the breathing exercises, meditation and poses of yoga all about?

By Molly Edmonds

Social identity is what we see in ourselves that we have in common with others. Learn about social identity from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors & Yara Simón

Infants and toddlers tend to be extremely self-centered. They haven't yet developed the ability to think of anyone but themselves. That changes for most kids at around age 3 or 4, when they develop theory of mind. But what is it?

By Josh Clark

How do parents show kids they love them on Valentine's Day without breaking the bank? Let HowStuffWorks and TLC give you tips and tricks to make this Valentine's Day a budget-friendly occasion with lots of heart.

Is it possible to love more than one person? Those who practice polyamory think so, taking on multiple romantic relationships at the same time. Aside from logistics, there's potential jealousy and the social stigma that comes with it. Just how do they make it work?

By Molly Edmonds

Many kids put a lot stock in the Easter bunny myth, and look forward to the arrival of their cotton-tailed friend all spring. But is it harmful for them to believe past a certain age?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

"You can't hide your lyin' eyes," cautioned the Eagles, and they're right. We like to think that words count, but do they communicate as clearly as body language?

By Patrick J. Kiger

Love it or hate it, you have to admit that TV is one of the most powerful forms of mass media in the Western world. But what are some of the most famous, world-changing TV moments?

By Matt Cunningham

From flat-screen HDTVs to small, flip-open screens, TV viewing has become part of everyday life, far removed from the luxurious event of watching black-and-white TV in its earliest days. How has this evolution changed America?

By Matt Cunningham

Since the advent of smartphones, you can check your e-mail, catch up on Facebook, browse the Internet and even watch videos, all on the go. Naturally, cell phones have already affected our viewing habits and changed the TV industry. But how?

By Becky Striepe