Culture & Traditions

Forget candy corn. Nothing says fall quite like freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. They're super simple to make and you can give them a sweet or salty kick.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

A concierge's work is more varied than ever as they take care of all the things most of us struggle to find time to do. Let this article change your mind about how you think the job of a concierge works.

By Stephanie Watson

Whether it's for Halloween festivities or everyday fun, kids love scary stories. These stories are a great way to introduce kids to the fun of being scared. Browse this collection of read-aloud scary stories for children.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Wizards, pirates, ghosts -- they all come alive in the Halloween party games in this article. Check out instructions and tips for dozens of fun, kid-friendly games that will your Halloween party a blast.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Making your own Halloween decorations can be fun and simple. Halloween decorations can also be made without spending a small fortune on supplies. Get step-by-step directions for dozens of festive and scary Halloween items.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

October is the perfect time to brush up on those creepy tale-telling skills. Here are a few to get you started, including "Sweet Mary" and the story of the Flying Dutchman.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Poinsettia blooms in early winter and is popular around Christmas with its red, white or pink flowers. But it's demanding and needs several hours of daily darkness to rebloom.

By Jesslyn Shields

There are many genealogy Web sites that can help in your search for your ancestors. Learn about online genealogy resources like general search engines, directories, compiled genealogies, transcribed records, online libraries, and more.

By Rhonda R. McClure

Genealogy is the researching of your family tree. This article explains the steps for building a genealogy, including conducting interviews, researching names and dates, recording data, obtaining records, and using software and other tools.

By Rhonda R. McClure

No Pants Day is a little-known holiday that celebrates not taking oneself seriously. Learn how to celebrate No Pants Day and explore No Pants Day events.

By Jonathan Strickland

In spite of being so easy to overlook, Braille is amazing. Learn how Braille gives blind people an efficient method for communication and learning.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Every April 22, millions of people around the world gather to celebrate Earth Day. Who started Earth Day and when?

By Stephanie Watson

Marriage is about beginning a new life with a loved one, but it's also a legal process that can present both challenges and opportunities. Learn about marriage laws, marriage licenses and your rights under the law.

By Jacob Silverman

If asked to describe Voodoo, many people would mention pin-filled dolls, zombies, and spirit possessions. But most of this doesn't have anything to do with real Voodoo (aka Voudou).

By Tracy V. Wilson

A hybrid of English and Spanish known as Spanglish can be heard in many predominantly Hispanic areas as well as on TV and in movies. Learn where it came from and how it works.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Many of us offer a blessing when someone sneezes, and we don't even know why. Why does a sneeze get a "bless you" when a cough goes unanswered?"

By Stephanie Watson & Zach Taras

A lot of women would be pleased to know the answer to this age-old question. Is it something in their biological makeup? Rooted in testosterone? We found out.

By Tracy V. Wilson

If you believe what you see on TV, women are conniving, hysterical and indecisive. So is gender clouded by perception, and does biology support or disprove stereotypes?

By Tracy V. Wilson

The Christmas songs you've been hearing your entire life came from medieval chants, church sermons, prayers and meditations. Get the lyrics, sheet music and histories of your favorite Christmas melodies.

By Gail Cohen & Gilbert DeBenedetti

Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Crachit, Tiny Tim -- everyone knows these names. Charles Dickens created an unforgettable world in 'A Christmas Carol.' Reacquaint yourself with one of the greatest Christmas stories ever written.

Whether your taste runs spooky or silly, if you're willing to get your hands dirty, a pumpkin can be the perfect canvas to express your Halloween style.

By Tracy V. Wilson

A recently declassified U.S. government study says the Iraq war has become a uniting cause for "Muslim jihadists."

By Julia Layton

When you really think about it, kissing is pretty gross -- it's rooted in saliva and mucous membranes. Yet anthropologists report that 90 percent of the people in the world kiss. So what's all the fuss about?

By Tracy V. Wilson

If you've ever seen costumed people with weapons covered in duct tape, then you've made contact with LARPers. Part battle, part story-telling, the Live Action Role Playing trend began in the 1960s and is still growing thanks to the continued popularity of fantasy and science fiction.

By Tracy V. Wilson

In this article, we'll separate fact from propaganda and learn what a cult actually is, see what practices characterize a destructive cult and investigate some of the more notable cult incidents in recent history.

By Julia Layton