May Birthstone: The Emerald

The May birthstone, emerald, was a favorite of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Its rich green color has made it a sought-after gem for jewelry and for centuries, it has been thought to possess healing powers and reduce stress. Learn all about the emerald’s history, meaning, and symbolism! Emerald’s Color Perhaps you recall The Emerald City

The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny

A scholar traces the folk figure’s history from the Neolithic era to today The Easter bunny is a much-celebrated character in American Easter celebrations. On Easter Sunday, children look for hidden special treats, often chocolate Easter eggs, that the Easter bunny might have left behind. As a folklorist, I’m aware of the origins of the

Oman’s Bahla fort – where civilizations vie with legends

It sits pretty on Unesco’s list, with tales of walls built by jinns Bahla, Oman: In the middle of a palm oasis, the Bahla Fort stands still as a witness to many ancient civilisations in Omani history. The only Unesco-listed fort in Oman, which has walls and towers of mud bricks on stone foundation, dominates