Category: Culture

In Australia during the late 1800s, rheumatic patients would gather at whaling stations for a rather unusual form of therapy.  When a whale was captured…

Italy’s La Befana presents a charming blend of folklore, faith, and festivity that captures the imagination.  Unlike the jolly, red-suited Santa Claus familiar to many,…

The following article, dated 1919, provides a look at one of the Native American calendars provided by a veteran chief in Canada. The Indians’ Calendar…

Bees are a popular emblem that are found on dish ware, paper products, and are worn as charms, but what does the buzzy bee symbolize?…

In April 1919, a curious discovery at an armory building in Springfield (Massachusetts?) captivated local antiquarians—a mysterious green bottle buried at a cornerstone. It featured…

When it comes to quirky historical taxation, few measures are as peculiar as the beard tax. Though not common, a few bold rulers saw fit…

Beards have been surrounded by a myriad of superstitions and cultural beliefs throughout history, often symbolizing wisdom, strength, and virility. Below are six of the…

Wearing birdcages, especially small ones as accessories, was a unique and curious fashion trend in the early 20th century. This quirky fashion statement reflected the…

Birmingham had likely become the only city in the world with an official courting chamber, known as the “Love Lounge,” for its unmarried firemen. This…

In 1909, the Hammond Chief of Police took it upon himself to begin arresting “immoral” and “corrupt” 16-year-old girls. Below is the story of one…