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?
Unleashing Majestic Power: Exploring the Symbolism of Lion Tattoos
Unveiling the Profound Symbolism of Spider Tattoos
Unraveling the Symbolic Tapestry of Dragonfly Tattoos: Meanings, Designs, and Transformative Power
Does Sound Bowl Healing Work?
Every Celtic Knot Holds Meaning Within Its Intricate Design
What in the World Is a 'Shoey'?
The Most Common Words in English Aren't Nouns or Verbs
10 Most Common Letters in English That Every Wordle Player Should Know
The Hardest Tongue Twister in English Is...
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 Black Magic Spells Powerful? The Truth Behind Their Strength
Is a Solar Eclipse a Rare Spiritual Event? Rituals for Aligning Your Energy
Is Witchcraft Dangerous? Debunking Myths vs. 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?
Deciphering Generation Names, Birth Years and Stereotypes
How the Millennial Generation Works
Millennials Are Making Birthday Cards a Thing Again
How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph, Really?
All About Adjectives: Examples, Types and Uses
Simile Examples in Literature and Everyday Language
St. Patrick's Day: Spiritual Meaning in a Simple Shamrock
14 Weird Christmas Traditions to Perplex and Delight You
Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
5 Black-Red-Yellow Flag Designs Around the World
Which Blue and White Flag Is That? 9 Possibilities
Telling One Green-White-Orange Flag From Another
How to Tell If She’s Cheating: Common Clues and Behaviors
Signs She’s Not in Love with You – She’s Just Playing Along
7 Signs He Likes You More Than Just a Friend
The 'Memento Mori' Meaning Is Meant to Inspire and Humble
Methuselah Lived Nearly 1,000 Years, According to the Bible
Cherubim According to the Bible (Not Arrow-shooting Cupids)
How Synanon Went From Rehab Philosophy to Violent Cult
Branch Davidians and David Koresh's End of the World
The Unification Church: Mass Marriages and a Moonie Messiah
Quiz: Finish That Jingle!
How One Woman Unexpectedly Became the Voice of Siri
There's a Healthier Way to Consume Your Media
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A woman plays with her hair. A man makes eye contact. Is this flirting? How do you tell if the person is showing a romantic interest or a friendly one?
Try saying "toy boat" three times fast. By the time you're done, the words will be all distorted. It's a classic tongue twister, but is it your tongue or your brain that's really tangled up?
By Josh Clark
The Mayans created a sophisticated set of calendars to help them plant crops, plan religious ceremonies and keep their history. How did they do it?
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It's dreary outside, and you remark on the beautiful weather. An incompetent co-worker is promoted, and you say she'll do a great job. It's not Opposite Day -- it's sarcasm.
The Dalai Lama is known for his compassion, wisdom and patience. But how does the 14th Dalai Lama govern his people in exile?
By Sarah Dowdey
From the smallest tribe to the largest nation, important decisions are based on questions like: How many of us are there? How are we divided? Where are we going? Do we have enough food and other resources to take care of us?
The DAR is an organization for descendants of Revolutionary patriots. It promotes education, historic preservation and patriotism. How exclusive is it really?
By Alia Hoyt
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Reincarnation is the concept that the soul, or some aspect of the soul, is reborn into new lives. Has Western science proven that it really occurs?
By Sarah Dowdey
The principle behind karma is that people's actions affect their present and future lives. Is karma an idea or an actual substance that sticks to the soul?
By Sarah Dowdey
Would you pull a switch that sends a man to his death to save five others on a runaway trolley? The trolley problem explores the concept of human morality and a philosophical view of consequentialism.
By Josh Clark
Tai chi chuan, usually referred to as tai chi, is the almost meditative exercise derived from the philosophic principles of Tai Chi. Learn about this living philosophy expressed in a series of graceful, complementary and deeply contemplated movements.
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The yule log has long been an important symbol of winter. It was an important part of the Winter Solstice for Vikings, and in more modern times, a staple of holiday gatherings. Learn more about the yule log.
By Sam Abramson
You might wondering how a fat jolly fellow like Santa can squeeze down a small hole like a chimney. Science to the rescue!
By John Fuller
File: Claus, Santa. Residence: the North Pole. Known aliases: Sinterklaas, St. Nick, Father Time and Sandy Claws. No matter what you call him, Santa Claus is one formidable being.
By John Fuller
Holly adorns houses all over the world during the holiday season, but why do we decorate with it? Find out why its crimson berries are so closely associated with the holidays.
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There's no doubt that commercialism runs rampant during Christmas. So is the word "Xmas" just another casualty of the modern advertising age? Or does the X in Xmas have its roots in Christianity after all?
By Sam Abramson
Have you ever caught yourself singing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and wondered what geese, doves and milk maids have to do with the holiday?
By Sam Abramson
A pack of razors, chocolate-covered truffles and a harmonica -- these are just a few of the random items you might find in a Christmas stocking. Sure, these festive stockings are ideal for stuffing with pint-size presents, but why do we do it?
By John Fuller
Christmas caroling is an age-old tradition. But how did it start? And why won't some carolers go until they get their figgy pudding? Learn about this peculiar but endearing holiday practice.
By Sam Abramson
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For some, an ideal Christmas is one where a blanket of white snow covers the ground. Irving Berlin wrote about it and Bing Crosby crooned about it. But why is a white Christmas the best Christmas?
By John Fuller
Tai chi chuan means "perfect boxing," and it refers to a martial art based upon the philosophical principles of Taoism. At its highest levels, tai chi chuan is also part of a Taoist spiritual discipline that seeks to elevate the mind and purify the body.
Christmas is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world each year. But what do presents, three wise men and Jesus have to do with each other anyway?
By Sarah Dowdey
Underappreciated and overworked elves put in a pretty astounding amount of labor during the holidays. Then there are the other duties they must fulfill, like tending to diva reindeer like Rudolph. So do elves thrive on stress, and do they ever get disgruntled?
By John Fuller
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Imagine having to deliver toys (and coal) to children all over the world - in just one night. How does the big guy do it?
By John Fuller
He's been called a diva, a hero and a misfit. He's Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. And his ruby-red honker has long been celebrated for guiding Santa and his sleigh through the night. But how does he do it?
By John Fuller