Traditions, Featured

The Wonderfully Strange Penny-Farthing Bicycle

The penny-farthing, also known as a high wheel, high wheeler, or ordinary, is an early type of bicycle. It was popular in the 1870s and 1880s, with its large front wheel providing high speeds, owing to it traveling a significant distance for every rotation of the legs, and comfort because the large wheel provided greater shock absorption. The history of the penny-farthing The ...

Viena Abdon

Riding a penny-farthing bicycle.

The Story of Halloween and How It Came to Be

Every year on October 31, people celebrate the spooky holiday we call Halloween. Pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and scary costumes are just some spooky-season icons and traditions, but how did we get to practice all of this in the first place? As we explore the ancient origins of this frightfully fun holiday, we’ll unravel how it all ...

Arianne Ayson

Children trick-or-treating at a house with carved pumpkins.

Dance, Culture, and Entertainment: Mexico’s Top 5 Traditional Dances

The heartland of Mexico is home to a mesmerizing dance culture that reflects the influence of ancient civilizations, colonialism, and the passionate spirit of the Mexican people. Through these dances’ rhythmic and fluid movements, a rich cultural tapestry is woven, a powerful expression connecting Mexico’s past and present. Let’s delve into the origins of these ...

Haidene Go

The colorful Mexican hat dance.

Dust, Spurs, and Saddlebags: The Epic Tale of American Cowboys

Boots, spurs, cowboy hats, and horseback riding usually make up the general image of what people call the “American cowboy.” Indeed, the life of cowboys was about herding cattle, ranch-related tasks, and some handiwork here and there. However, cowboys also had a negative reputation, often being associated with being reckless and lawless. The American cowboy ...

Arianne Ayson

A cowboy riding his horse at dusk.

Respecting Your Elders: Lessons From Korea

Respect for your elders is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. This respect is based on Confucian philosophy and is essential to Korean values and norms. From a young age, children are taught to respect their elders. So even when making important life decisions, the opinion of your grandparents and parents counts. Why is it important ...

Nathan Machoka

An elderly Korean couple.

Embracing Imperfection: The Art of Kintsugi

In Japanese culture, there is a unique tradition of not concealing the flaws of broken ceramics. Instead, the pieces are adorned with lacquer and gold powder, emphasizing the imperfections. This tradition has been practiced for over 500 years and teaches us patience and the beauty of human frailty. In a world where youth, perfection, and ...

Haidene Go

An example of kintsugi.

Besenwirtschaften Explained: Learn More About the Broomstick Inns

Many cultures have their unique seasonal practices, and among these are the Besenwirtschaften. While the Besen might not be something you’ve heard before, it comes with an exciting approach and can be something tourists are also welcome to experience. If you want to learn more about the Besen and the meaning behind the peculiar broomstick ...

Mike West

besenwirtschaft

Rising from the Ashes: The Restoration of Notre-Dame

As an enduring symbol of Paris, the cathedral of Notre-Dame, or Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris), has captured people’s imaginations for centuries. However, when flames engulfed its attic and spire in 2019, the world watched in stunned silence. Yet even as smoke billowed into the evening sky, plans were underway to resurrect this ...

Viena Abdon

Notre-Dame burning.

The Symbolism of Beards in History

Throughout human history, symbols have played a significant role in shaping cultural norms and values. Among these symbols, beards have been a distinctive and multifaceted emblem with profound significance.  From ancient civilizations to modern times, the beard has been more than just facial hair; it has been a powerful representation of identity, authority, wisdom, and ...

Viena Abdon

A statue of Poseidon with a beard.

Omamori: Japanese Talismans

If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll find certain places that sell omamori, often near religious or traditional sites. Booths around these shrines or Japanese buildings sell these magical-looking talismans, often in the form of keychains, necklaces, or other types of trinkets, with the common one being held by a string. Buying a random omamori ...

Mike West

Various omamori.