History of Shrove Monday: Ahead of Mardi Gras

History of Chinese New Year: Lunar New Year

This article delves into the rich history and traditions of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, highlighting its significance as the oldest, longest, and most important social and economic holiday in China. It explores the origins, customs, practices, and global impact of the festival, including its role in the largest annual human migration in the world. The article also touches on the historical context, such as the temporary halt of celebrations under Mao Zedong's rule, and provides interesting statistics about the holiday's popularity and economic impact.

Searchers find wreck of luxury steamer lost in Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago

After a 60-year search, shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn and his team from Shipwreck World discovered the wreck of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1872. The ship, which was built in 1864 and sank after taking on water in a gale, was found 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. The discovery was delayed due to poor weather and the team's inability to return to the site until the previous summer.

History of St. Valentine’s Day: more than just romance?

This article delves into the history of Valentine's Day, exploring its origins in ancient Rome, the medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer's contribution to its romantic association, and its evolution through customs and practices over the centuries.

History of Presidents Day: More than just Washington and Lincoln?

This blog post explains the history of Presidents Day, detailing how it originated from the consolidation of Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays into a single holiday in 1971. It explores the significance of both presidents in American history and the impact of the holiday on school schedules and celebrations.

Apocalypse no

how almost everything we thought we knew about the Maya is wrong

That’s Life! The magazine that shaped America – in pictures | Photography | The Guardian

Trade Histories

These short histories will surprise you. Click the link when you're chill

The Start of Business Monopolies

Trace the rise of Monopoly power from 19th-century trusts to modern antitrust battles. Learn how Standard Oil, railroad barons, and vertical integration shaped markets, why Monopolies harm competition and consumers, and the landmark responses — the Sherman Antitrust Act, and late

Salary Comes From Salt

Ever wondered why we call it a salary? The answer is rooted in ancient history and, believe it or not, SALT! In this fascinating video, we journey back to ancient Rome, where soldiers were paid with salarium—an allowance for salt, a vital resource for preserving food and enhancin

The Unluckiest Show on Earth: Flagg & Aymar’s Circus

The history of the American traveling circus seems like it would be filled with tragedy, and trust me, it is. However, the sheer amount of bad luck this troupe faced in a mere six months of existence stands out, at least to this modern observer. The circus hardly leaves a trace i

A Jewel Box Fit For A Thorn: Pisa’s Santa Maria della Spina – The Historical Vagabond

Compared to other churches in Pisa, especially the imposing Duomo, Santa Maria della Spina is a tiny, compact jewel box adorned with numerous beautiful statues and carvings. Part of its beauty is the amount of adornment on such a small building. The number and scale of the carvin

History of John Witherspoon: the Ordained Founding Father

This article explores the life and legacy of John Witherspoon, the only ordained clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. Born in Scotland, Witherspoon emigrated to America and became president of Princeton College, influencing many Founding Fathers, including James Madison. He was a strong advocate for Scottish Common Sense Realism and played a key role in the American Revolution, delivering impactful sermons and serving in Congress.

History of Peter Pan: the Story Behind the Disney Classic

This article delves into the rich history of Peter Pan, tracing its origins from J.M. Barrie's 1904 stage play to its adaptation by Walt Disney in 1953. It explores how the story of the boy who never grew up resonated with Disney and inspired the creation of one of his favorite animated movies. The article also highlights the influence of the Llewelyn Davies boys on the character of Peter Pan and the evolution of the story over the years.

Outrage in Mexico at Trump praise for ‘legendary’ 19th-century US invasion | Donald Trump | The Guardian

The Guardian reports on Mexican leaders' outrage over Donald Trump's praise for the 1847 US invasion, which they view as an imperialist tone and a veiled threat for future incursions. Trump's message celebrating the conquest and the loss of Mexico's territory has sparked strong reactions, with Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizing the need to defend sovereignty. The statement has been criticized for reopening a historical wound and for its potential implications for US-Mexico relations.

History of The Day The Music Died: American Pie

This article delves into the history behind Don McLean's song 'American Pie,' focusing on the tragic plane crash on February 3, 1959, that killed rock and roll icons Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson. It explores the cultural impact of the song, the mystery surrounding its lyrics, and McLean's intention to write a farewell to the music of the 50s and 60s.

History of Groundhog Day

This article delves into the rich history of Groundhog Day, tracing its origins from Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday observed in Europe on February 2, where clergy blessed candles to predict the duration of winter. It explores the pagan roots connected to the Feast of the goddess Bridget, or Brigid in Ireland, and St. Bridget’s Day in Christian Ireland. The article also discusses the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas, which marks 40 days after Christmas and is significant in both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The custom of predicting the weather based on the groundhog's shadow emerged in the U.S. in the 1840s, with Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, becoming the epicenter of this tradition.

Lessons in pluralism from a 17th-century African town

The 17th-century town Cacheu was a hub of West African and European cultures, languages and beliefs (and run by women)

The world’s oldest rock art discovered in Indonesia | National Geographic

The 67,800-year-old hand stencil looks like a claw—and provides new clues about early human cognition and the migration to Australia.

These exquisite jade burial suits were just a rumor—until the discovery of an ancient Chinese tomb

Unraided crypts are hard to come by. And yet in 1968, soldiers stumbled upon the imperial family tombs of a Han dynasty prince and princess–fully intact.

History of the Liberation of Auschwitz: January 27, 1945

This article provides a detailed history of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, by the Soviet Red Army. It explores the origins of the camp, its transformation into an extermination center, and the liberation that marked the end of the Holocaust. The article also discusses the significance of this date as International Holocaust Remembrance Day and provides context on the number of Holocaust survivors still alive today. It highlights the atrocities committed at Auschwitz, including the use of gas chambers and the sheer scale of the genocide.

History of Australia Day: Ties to the American Revolutionary War?

History of Middle-earth, Part 2: Tolkien’s English Inspiration