National Traditions

Flags are powerful symbols of national identity and culture, with each banner telling a unique story about a country's past, values and aspirations — and the red-white-blue flag standard is no exception.

By Karina Ryan

Flags are powerful symbols that communicate a nation’s identity, values, and even political history. Today, we're looking at flags that feature a bold red background with bright yellow stars. A quick image search for "red flag with yellow star" will give you a few different results, so we'll look at the most common examples and the countries they represent.

By Zach Taras

Flags aren't just colorful pieces of fabric waving in the wind; they're symbols, each one packed with history, identity and meaning. Today, we're exploring a striking type of flag seen across the globe: the white flag with a red cross. (We'll also take a look at flags that display the inverse: a white cross on a red background).

By Zach Taras

When we think of national flags, we're often drawn to their colors and designs, each one telling a unique story. A red, yellow, and green flag is no different.

By Zach Taras

Blue and yellow flags are common among national and state flags, and the blue and yellow color combinations often symbolize nature.

By Ada Tseng

People often describe America as a "melting pot" since the American population is a blend of so many different groups, each one with its own histories, traditions and customs. This makes the United States one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with this diversity reflected in every facet of American culture.

By Marie Look

Countries with red and white flags sometimes pick those colors because they often symbolize historical sacrifice and purity.

By Desiree Bowie

A nation chooses a flag design very purposefully. These countries with blue, yellow and/or red flags picked those colors for specific reasons.

By Desiree Bowie

A nation doesn't design its flag all willy-nilly. These countries with green, white, and/or red flags picked those colors for specific reasons.

By Yara Simón

It's a curious West Point graduation tradition - a special award is presented to the cadet who has the lowest GPA. But West Point graduates are proud to get it. Here's why.

By Dave Roos

Lowering a U.S. flag to half-staff is a symbol of mourning. But can you get into trouble with the law if you don't lower your own flag? And are there too many half-staff days already?

By Dave Roos

The surnames popular around the globe reflect everything from one's ancestry to regional colonizers to occupations.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Studies have shown that for immigrants, assimilation into the new culture can be bad for your health, family relationships and educational attainment. Why's that, and how do you acculturate without assimilating?

By Dave Roos

What's Victoria Day all about? Why is Canadian Thanksgiving in October? We'll give you a quick tour of Canadian holidays.

By Dave Roos

The Pledge of Allegiance started as just part of a marketing campaign to sell flags. But along the way, it became something much much bigger.

By Dave Roos

You've seen the presidential seal whenever you've heard a U.S. president formally speak, but do you know its history and significance?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The soldiers who stand vigil over the Tomb are the Sentinels of The Old Guard, a hand-picked group dedicated to honoring the memory of those who gave their lives for their country.

By John Donovan

This historic holiday (held the Thursday before Ash Wednesday) celebrates the day in 1824 when women decided they simply wouldn't take it anymore.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

The nation's most prominent military burial ground is projected to run out of space as soon as the early 2040s. That may lead to a tightening of restrictions on who is eligible to be interred there.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Hazing is traditionally associated with college pranks, but it's gotten deadlier over the past two decades. It's also spread to high schools and other institutions. What accounts for this increase and why do people allow themselves to be hazed?

By Dave Roos

The tradition dates back centuries, but an aging population of workers and dwindling profits endanger the free-diving culture.

By Laurie L. Dove

There's more to the samurai blade than its cinematic drama, and the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast digs into the history and science behind the sword.

By Laurie L. Dove

The United States flag fetish can seem surprising, confusing or even just quaint to outsiders. Where does it come from?

By John Donovan

In the late 17th century, wearing wigs became a common practice in law. But why has it endured for so long?

By Laurie L. Dove

Turning 20 means Japanese youth gain the responsibilities and rights of adulthood, including voting and drinking alcohol. How do they mark the occasion?

By Christopher Hassiotis