Category: Culture
Origin of 23 Skidoo
It is mentioned in the Illuminatus Trilogy and it was the name of a band, but what exactly is 23 skidoo? Below is an article…
History of the Urine Jar Spell (Witch Bottles)
In folk magic and in alchemy, it was believed that pee retained a magical connection to the person who peed it (the pee-er?). This is…
Victim and Sacrifice: Origin of the Word Victim
When we use the word victim, we often think of a person or animal who is subjected to harm against his or her will. The…
Dry Thin Skin Remedies From the Past
Reading the skin beauty recipes from history often shows us that we are using a lot of the same ingredients that our ancestors used when…
Simple Tunic Dress for Girls and Dolls
I have sewn this style of tunic dress for all three of my children. For my son, I made it like a top for one…
Bullet Proof Ointment Turned Soldiers Green
In 1904, small bottles containing a magic, bullet proof ointment, were being bought up by Russian soldiers. Fearing an attack by the Japanese, the Russian…
Two Men Trade Names to Dodge Gypsy’s Curse
Edward was bathing in the Ohio River when he was overcome with cramps. Fortunately, he was saved from drowning by another man, but then a…
Needfire was an Old Scottish Highlands Custom
The Scottish needfire was a fire of purification, lit every year to purify people, livestock, and the home. The following article was published in 1920….
10 Fascinating Old Photos of Catalina Island, California
Winston Churchill 1929. “A distinguished Briton lands a big one. Winston Churchill, former British chancellor of the exchequer (in yachting cap), with 180 pound marlin…
The Curse that Lurks in a Gambler’s Gold
Old newspapers loved publishing moral pieces while spreading “friendly” neighborhood gossip at the same time. The article below, published in 1913, is about a man…
