Rituals and Traditions | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/rituals-and-traditions/RSS feed for Rituals and TraditionsenFri, 03 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000July 4 Is Always a Star-Spangled-Banner Day for Old Glory. Celebrate With These 15 Images of the American Flaghttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/july-4-is-always-a-star-spangled-banner-day-for-old-glory-celebrate-with-these-15-images-of-the-american-flag-180989053/Nothing symbolizes the promise of the nation like the stars and stripes flapping valiantly in the blue sky. As we approach the country’s 250th anniversary, this collection offers a moment of reflectionFri, 03 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/july-4-is-always-a-star-spangled-banner-day-for-old-glory-celebrate-with-these-15-images-of-the-american-flag-180989053/This Ancient Monolith That Archaeologists Unearthed in Mexico May Depict People Receiving ‘Divine Liquid’ in a Ritualhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-monolith-archaeologists-unearthed-in-mexico-may-depict-people-receiving-divine-liquid-in-a-ritual-180989049/The stela was found with a large, decorated platform and remnants of offerings in the state of VeracruzWed, 01 Jul 2026 14:33:20 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-monolith-archaeologists-unearthed-in-mexico-may-depict-people-receiving-divine-liquid-in-a-ritual-180989049/From a Sea Turtle Release to an Outhouse Race, These Ten Fourth of July Traditions Celebrate America Like No Otherhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-a-sea-turtle-rescue-to-an-outhouse-race-these-ten-fourth-of-july-traditions-celebrate-america-like-no-other-180989044/Revelers typically mark Independence Day with a barbecue and fireworks show, but these festivities across the country offer quirky alternativesTue, 30 Jun 2026 15:29:09 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-a-sea-turtle-rescue-to-an-outhouse-race-these-ten-fourth-of-july-traditions-celebrate-america-like-no-other-180989044/You’ll Be More Than Amused by These 15 Photos of Theme Parks. Their Electrifying Attractions Will Have Your Heart Racing Before You Even Set Foot on a Ridehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/youll-be-more-than-just-amused-by-these-15-photos-of-theme-parks-their-electrifying-attractions-will-have-your-heart-racing-before-you-even-set-foot-on-a-ride-180989008/These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us that amusement parks have entertained generations of thrill-seekersFri, 26 Jun 2026 12:01:38 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/youll-be-more-than-just-amused-by-these-15-photos-of-theme-parks-their-electrifying-attractions-will-have-your-heart-racing-before-you-even-set-foot-on-a-ride-180989008/With a Few Tweaks, the Country’s Favorite Sports Went From Pastimes to Part of the Fabric of Our Culturehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/with-few-tweaks-countrys-favorite-sports-went-pastimes-part-fabric-culture-180988816/Can you imagine a football game where there was never a passing play? The forward pass is just one of the innovations that made these contests into eventsMon, 15 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/with-few-tweaks-countrys-favorite-sports-went-pastimes-part-fabric-culture-180988816/From the Shining Seas to the Sandy Sahara, These 15 Photographs Showcase the Sensational Scenery of Moroccohttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-the-shining-seas-to-the-sandy-sahara-these-15-photographs-showcase-the-sensational-scenery-of-morocco-180988770/This selection of Smithsonian Photo Contest submissions amount to a stunning virtual tour of the Mediterranean nation that includes camels and cats, medina markets and mosquesFri, 22 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/from-the-shining-seas-to-the-sandy-sahara-these-15-photographs-showcase-the-sensational-scenery-of-morocco-180988770/