Culture & Traditions

How can a house made of snow keep you sheltered from the icy cold? Igloos seem like a great paradox, but they're actually quite practical. Who invented them and why?

By Alia Hoyt

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?

By Shanna Freeman

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?

By Ryan Johnson & Cristen Conger

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.

By Shanna Freeman

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?

By Ed Grabianowski

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

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.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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.

By Elizabeth Abbess

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

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

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

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.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

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

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