Category: Culture
Damned Yankees Destroying the Vocabulary of England’s Youth
In 1920, England became dismayed by the influence of American music and slang. Heavens forbid, their children were suddenly telling each other to “forget it”…
Belphegor: The Demon Who Fled Marriage
In the twisty corridors of medieval folklore, where demons and deities play with the fates of mortals, few tales are as curious and revealing as…
A Quick Look at Bee Superstitions and Old Bits of Bee Folklore
Bees have long been surrounded by a variety of superstitions and bits of folklore. Here are some common superstitions about bees from different cultures. Telling…
The Whale Cure: Rheumatic Patients Napping in Whale Corpses
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…
The Legend of La Befana: Italy’s Christmas Witch
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,…
Native American Calendar of the Months as Published in 1919
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…
Symbolism of the Bee: From Hard Work to Spiritual Messenger
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?…
Mysterious Green Bottle With Masonic Symbols Found Buried at Cornerstone
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…
Whiskers at a Price: 3 Rulers Who Imposed Taxes on Beards
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…
6 Beard Superstitions From Around the World
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…
