Cultural Traditions

March 8, International Women's Day, has been celebrated around the world for more than a century. This year's theme is "Break the Bias."

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

If you think celebrity kid names like Apple and North West are odd, at least they're easy to remember. These five famous people have names so long, you couldn't recall them if you had to.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

You know what's totally useless? A pair of umbrellas shoes. But they're so fun you know you want them anyway. Welcome to chindogu.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

In the Netherlands, children get gifts from St. Nicholas, who's accompanied by his servant Zwarte Pieten (Black Pete), always wearing blackface. Many Dutch denounce him as racist while others claim it's just part of the culture.

By Dave Roos

The Incas were technologically advanced but never invented a system of written language. Turns out, they encoded more in textiles than we could have imagined possible.

By Jesslyn Shields

Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, they don't mean the same thing.

By Dave Roos

Love your sexy red-soled Louboutins? Did you know that way before they came along, high heels were worn by men as a sign of power and privilege?

By Carrie Tatro

While most generalizations are gross, Americans who have traveled to Europe probably have noticed that certain practices they take for granted are non-existent there. Likewise, Europeans who visit the U.S. are amazed at some habits Americans have.

By Alia Hoyt

Mohammed bin Salman seems to be modernizing the Middle Eastern country, but is it for real, or is it just for show?

By Diana Brown

Although there's no official record that the late Fats Domino and Chubby Checker ever met, these music legends have common ground.

By Laurie L. Dove

Cornelia Bailey was the unofficial historian of Sapelo Island, Georgia, who helped spread the word about its unique Geechee culture. But after recent death, will residents be able to hold on to their heritage?

By Kathryn Whitbourne

They're been living in Myanmar (formerly Burma) since the 12th century, yet they've been persecuted by the Buddhist majority for decades. Here's why.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The Danish people are among the happiest on the planet. Here are 5 reasons why.

By Dave Roos

Women in the late Stone and early Bronze Ages in Europe probably traveled long distances and spread new ideas and objects, more so than their male counterparts.

By Jesslyn Shields

The annual World Gravy Wrestling Championship sees grapplers go head to head in a savory meat sauce on the last Monday each August.

By Christopher Hassiotis

For more than two decades, the town of Malmedy has created a huge omelet, and this year they didn't let an egg scare stop them.

By Christopher Hassiotis

Motivational speakers like Tony Robbins charge exorbitant sums for fans to hear them speak. What draws people to them and how do they keep the attention of thousands?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

While anti-miscegenation laws weren't unique to the United States, they also weren't common.

By Jesslyn Shields

A disappearing sport survives in a handful of mud-caked South Asian gyms specializing in a unique style of wrestling.

By Christopher Hassiotis

Forget worms and chum. The next time you go fishing, go fly a kite.

By Laurie L. Dove

Don't ever assume something will last forever. A lot of folks once thought these 10 things would never become obsolete.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Silent meditation retreats abound. What’s it really like to keep quiet for so long?

By Kate Kershner

For centuries, ghosts have wed in China. Why did the practice start, and how is it possible that it's still around today?

By Robert Lamb

Forgot your pants? Not a problem this past Sunday for the thousands of people who participated in the 15th annual No Pants Subway Ride.

By Sarah Gleim

Just who is this devilish holiday beast, and where does he come from? Explore the origins and ascent of Krampus the Christmas demon.

By Robert Lamb