Category: Culture
Why Ancient Civilizations Feared Solar Eclipses
Ancient civilizations often viewed solar eclipses with a mix of awe, fear, and wonder due to their lack of understanding of the celestial phenomena behind…
Theater Superstitions: A Quick Look at Stage Lore
If you thought actors were just about memorizing lines and hitting their marks, think again. The world of thespians is brimming with curious beliefs and…
Why Saving a Drowning Person Was Once Considered a Curse
In a world where acts of heroism and compassion are celebrated, it’s hard to imagine a time when saving a life, especially one teetering on…
Card Game Superstitions Explained
In the enchanting world of card games, where strategy and chance intertwine, a myriad of superstitions float around, adding an extra layer of intrigue to…
Divine Offerings: Exploring the Ancient Art of Libation in Pre-Christian Cultures
Libation, a ritual pouring out of a liquid or grains such as barley in honor of a deity, is an ancient practice that predates Christianity…
Indian names of towns and their meanings
The following article, sourced from an 1894 edition of the Arizona Republican, delves into the etymological roots of various American town and city names, tracing…
All About Hypnos, the Greek God of Sleep
Hypnos is a fascinating figure from Greek mythology, known as the personification of sleep. He is a primordial deity, emerging from the chaos of the…
1913 Instructions on How to Protect Self From Psychic Vampires
Published in a New Jersey newspaper, 1913, the following article details how to ward off psychic and emotional vampires. The advice is spot-on for self-protection…
Origin and History of Hocus Pocus
The phrase “hocus pocus” is famously associated with magic and illusion, often used by magicians before performing a trick. However, its origin is somewhat mysterious,…
Herbal Healers and Witches: The Ties Between Nature’s Remedies and Witchcraft
The association between herbal medicine and witches or witchcraft has deep historical roots that span various cultures and time periods. This connection primarily arises from…