Rituals and Traditions
Established practices around weddings, funerals and celebrations
Photo of the Week: Theyyam Temple Performance
Photo contest contestant Joshi Daniel captured this shot in Kannur, Kerala, India
January 04, 2013 |
By Lois Summers
How to Properly Celebrate a Hobbit Birthday
Today is J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday, and in his honor here's how to throw the best Hobbit Birthday ever
January 03, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Photo of the Week: A Tiger of a Festival!
Photographer Indranil Sengupta snapped this photo at a Puli Kali procession during the annual Onam festival in Kerala, India
December 21, 2012 |
By Indranil Sengupta
Photo of the Week: Star Trails Over Coronado Heights
This beautiful long exposure by photo contest contestant Mike Beauchamp captures the night sky as it circles around Polaris, the North Star
December 21, 2012 |
By Indranil Sengupta
The Best Places to See and Celebrate the Winter Solstice
Many temples and monuments were intentionally built to face, frame or otherwise "welcome" the rising winter solstice sun
December 20, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
A Frightening and Fascinating Journey Through North Korea
When a Philadelphia couple took a world tour in 2011, they quickly struck upon the idea of visiting one of the world's most mysterious places
December 18, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Rasputin Was Murdered Today in 1916
It's still a mystery who exactly orchestrated and carried out the deed
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking
What's behind the holiday tradition of hanging hosiery on the fireplace?
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
These Two Kids Are Turning 12 at 12:12 on 12/12/12
One plans to eat Krispy Kreme donuts arranged in the shape of a 12, because "donuts are awesome"
December 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
As the World Warms, the Future of Skiing Looks Bleak
Climate change is delivering serious wounds to the winter sport all over the globe
December 11, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
On This Day in 1901, the First Nobel Prizes Were Awarded
One-hundred and eleven years ago today the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, for physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace
December 10, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Should Trophy Hunting of Lions Be Banned?
Some argue that tourist safari hunts generate important money for African nations—but can lions afford the loss?
December 07, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
It’s Been 40 Years Since Anyone Rode a Rocket to the Moon
Apollo 17 took off forty years ago today
December 07, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Where to Watch the Biggest Waves Break
From Waimea Bay to "Mavericks," here are some superb sites to watch surfers catch the biggest breakers in the world this winter
December 06, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Dress Codes and Etiquette, Part 3: The Death of the Dinner Jacket on Open Water
Are the days of wearing just a tuxedo t-shirt just over the horizon?
December 03, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Have GPS Devices Taken the Fun out of Navigation?
With the rise of the digital age, the fascinating skills of map reading and celestial navigation are becoming lost arts
December 03, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
A Holiday Shopping Reminder: Do We Really Need That Extra Pair of Jeans?
Meaningful purchases trump frenetic shopping and closets bulging with new clothes
November 29, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
They Celebrate American Thanksgiving in the Netherlands
From 1609 to 1620, many of the Pilgrims who came to America lived in the Netherlands
November 21, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Exotic Dishes to Spice Up Your Thanksgiving Feast
Add some global flair to your banquet with these savory variations on your favorite "Turkey Day" fare
November 20, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
The History of Beaujolais Nouveau Day
There's no better time to try this fruity red wine than today, the third Thursday in November, when the French celebrate the release of the new vintage
November 15, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
