History Archives - Page 5 of 7
February 8th, 2021
You're undoubtedly familiar with modern Valentine's Day traditions like giving chocolates and roses. But the romantic holiday has origins in an ancient Roman holiday that has nudity, flagellation, and animal sacrifice.
The Untold Story of How Christians Almost Killed Santa
December 9th, 2020
Millions of children across the world are eagerly anticipating Santa's visit later this month. But during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, reformers sought to abolish jolly old Saint Nick entirely.
Remembering The Forgotten: WWI Fought By More Than Just Christians
November 11th, 2020
Despite battlefield efforts from all faith groups in World War I, the contributions of Muslims, Sikhs, and others seem chronically forgotten if not erased from the history books. Now some are fighting for recognition.
Ancient Tablets Intended to Call Upon the Old Gods to Curse Mortals Unearthed in Athens
March 20th, 2020
At the bottom of a well in Athens, archaeologists recently found lead tablets engraved with curses intended to bring harm to the mortal world. Some are worried they might have just unleashed a cataclysmic event.
Nazis on Parade: Holocaust-themed Festival in Spain Causes Global Outrage
February 27th, 2020
A Holocaust-themed parade in Spain is drawing global criticism for its vulgar use of Nazi imagery, including dancing Nazis and floats decorated like crematoriums. Even if meant satirically, are images like that harmful?
The Curious History of All Hallows' Eve and Its Cousin, Samhain
October 18th, 2019
It’s October, which means that almost anywhere you go, you’ll see signs of Halloween. It’s impossible to miss the festivities which culminate on October 31st. But why do we celebrate this holiday in the first place?
Why You Should Thank Christian Fundamentalists for Breakfast Cereal
June 29th, 2019
Fan of breakfast cereal? Well it turns out you owe thanks to Christian fundamentalists, who played an integral role in its invention and eventual popularity.
Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?
December 21st, 2018
Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms.
The Legend of Stingy Jack and the Original Jack O' Lantern
October 25th, 2018
Pumpkins have been carved and illuminated for centuries, yet few people know the origins behind the practice. How did we decide to start carving pumpkins, and how did Jack O' Lanterns become a universally-recognized symbol of Halloween?
Einstein’s Famous Letter Denouncing Religion to Sell for Over $1 Million at Auction
October 4th, 2018
ust a year before his death, Einstein penned a letter rejecting the very notion of God and religion. This “God letter” will soon be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The final price is expected to top $1 million.
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