Burial traditions all around the world range from turning the dead into beads to putting them in jade burial suits.
Culture
Jesus Was a Rule-Breaker: The Radical Things He Said and Did
This Christmas, honor the “reason for the season” with the same radical kindness he showed his neighbors.
Blockbusters, Step Aside—We Want Mid-Budget Movies Back in Theaters
Blockbusters are thriving in cinemas, but at the expense of quality mid-budget movies. Can we still save them?
11 Books About Immigration in the United States
These books about immigration explore the nuances of the immigration experience in the United States.
Should You Watch the Controversial FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar?
Qatar is a controversial host country for the FIFA World Cup 2022. So, should you still watch it?
The Destructive History of Gender Reveal Parties
From wildfires to accidental killings, gender reveal parties have caused all kinds of damage — but the most important kind is the impact they leave on children.
Top 8 Things to Do in Salzburg
Salzburg, Austria isn’t as famous as other European cities, but it’s a great destination if you’re looking for that European charm with a smaller crowd.
The Oyo Empire | Complete Guide to the History of a West African Powerhouse
The Oyo Empire was the largest of the Yoruba empires of pre-colonial West Africa. Today, its people are scattered throughout several countries in the region.
Was the Wealthiest Man in History Mansa Musa, Mali’s African Emperor?
It’s long been speculated that the wealthiest man in history was Mansa Musa, an African emperor. But how true is this?
The Shining’s Real Horror Is the Way It Was Made
The Shining is an unforgettable horror film. For Shelley Duvall, playing Wendy was unforgettable, too — one she described as “almost unbearable”.
The Boogeyman, Baba Yaga, and El Cuco: How Different Cultures Scared Children Into Good Behavior
Fear of the Boogeyman and other creepy creatures is a common fear of children but for most kids, it’s all learned fear taught by parents who want them to sit still and behave.
The 6 Best Halloween Party Games to Spook Up Your Halloween
Whether you’re planning a Halloween party for kids or adults, here are 6 awesome Halloween games to keep the party spooky and silly.
Mentally Ill? Depends on Where You Are: A Look at Culture-Bound Syndromes
Mental illness is partly defined by abnormality. But what’s normal often depends on the culture you come from. These culture-bound syndromes are proof of that.
Douche Vitriol: Incels’ Toxic History and the Alt-Right Connection
Incel groups date back to 1990s. The term started with a community of people, both men and women, unsuccessful in their attempts to find romantic partners.
From Dracula to Edward Cullen: The Evolution of the Vampire Myth
The vampire casts a long shadow over pop culture. But where does it come from? And more importantly, what lesson does the vampire teach?
How the Karen Meme Was Born and Reborn Into Our Lexicon
Before the Karen meme, there was Becky, and before her, Miss Ann. How did these names that usually represent privileged white women enter our vernacular?
The Symbolism and History of the Eastern Dragon
Unlike its western counterpart, which spews fire and destroys villages, the eastern dragon is a divine being that brings prosperity and happiness.
Tam Lin Is A Progressive Scottish Ballad That’s Still Very Much of Its Time
Tam Lin is an old Scottish folktale that was published in 1769 which makes its proactive female lead all the more surprising.
“Women Aren’t Funny”: A Brief History of the Women Who Shaped Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy took shape over the course of the last 150-odd years and women have been there helping shape it from day one. Here are some of those women.
What Is Chindogu? The Internet’s Useless Japanese Inventions Explained
If you’ve ever seen one of those seemingly useless inventions on the internet, you’ve encountered the Japanese cultural craze known as Chindogu.
AO3 Censorship?: Fans Panic as Fanfiction Archive Comes Under Threat of Censorship
Earlier this week, fans of Archive of Our Own voiced complaints about what they saw as a move to impose censorship on the fanfiction archive site.
Artemis and Diana in Greek Mythology: Myths, Symbols, and Spiritual Meaning
Diana in Greek mythology and Roman mythology is a goddess of the moon and a symbol for many aspects of womanhood.
What Is Urban Fantasy?
Urban fantasy is a literary genre that merges the real world urban settings with fantasy elements to create a vibrant world of magic.
6 Legendary Mayan Gods Who Deserve Their Own Reality Show
Mayan gods ran the gambit from wise old women to horny tricksters. Meet your six new favorite deities.