Category: Culture
Why Eyes are Painted on Boats
We see eyes painted on boats in many cultures and for many different reasons. Eyes have long been used around the world as a symbol…
Lore, Crafts, and Magic of Lavender Herb
The magical lavender herb has been found throughout history in folklore and crafts. In addition, the scent is used in oils, perfumes, cosmetics, baths, and…
Why Thursday is the Day of Thor
The article below, originally published in 1929, explains how Thursday was named after the God of Thunder, Thor. Thursday – Day of Thor The fifth…
Human Skulls in Medicine
An Irish cure cure a toothache was to drink water from a human skull, but this use of the human skull as medicine is fairly…
Weird Names for Common Herbs
Growing herbs is easy enough, but have you ever read up on the strange names once used for the plants we use in the kitchen?…
Hereditary Criminality and Vasectomy as Cure
In the article below, published in 1910, is the argument that the only way to remove criminals from society is to give convicted men vasectomies…
The Scissor Grinder: A Lost Trade
Over a hundred years ago, women would wait and listen for a particular bell to ring – that of the scissor grinder. His bell had…
Lore and Magic of Keys
Keys are one of the most magical yet most neglected items we have at our disposal. Since ancient Egyptian times, keys have been used to…
How Ancient People Brushed Their Teeth
Have you ever wondered how ancient people brushed their teeth? Surprisingly (or not), they used pretty much the same methods we use today. From simple…
Floats from the Fiesta de Los Angeles in 1895
The Fiesta de Los Angeles was a parade and festival that took place for multiple days each spring from 1894 to 1916. While there were…
