November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

Throughout history, topaz and citrine have often been mistaken for one another. Although they both occur in yellow and look similar, they are, in fact, unrelated mineral species. Learn more about the history, meaning, and symbolism of topaz and citrine: the birthstones for November. Topaz Topaz’s Color Pure topaz is colorless and, for many years,

The Bittersweet History of Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day! The real history of Mother’s Day in the United States might surprise you. Three women—who championed efforts toward better health, welfare, peace, and love—contributed to this day. This is also a bittersweet tale. Learn more. The Mother’s Day holiday in the United States—always celebrated on the second Sunday in May—wasn’t born out

Behind the traditions: How did icons like shamrock become linked to St. Patrick’s Day?

Holidays are known for the traditional activities associated with them. However, most also are linked to various symbols or icons — and St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is no exception. With the tradition of wearing green and celebratory parties, some may overlook the holiday’s symbolism. Here are some of the icons associated with St. Patrick’s

Catch the Full Worm Moon!

March’s full Worm Moon arrives on Friday, March 18! Here’s all you need to know about the full Worm Moon—including why it has such an odd name. When to See the Full Moon in March 2022 March’s full Worm Moon reaches peak illumination at 3:20 A.M. EDT on Friday, March 18, 2022. Look for the

6 pieces of March weather lore you may have heard about

Weather happens day in and day out, but as seasons begin to change or another month begins, there’s always some sort of saying to go along with it. Weather lore, or weather folklore, can be a fun way to remember the trends for the time of year. It’s also been proven to be accurate at

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

What Is a Wendigo? A Look at the Supernatural Creature

In order to fill 320 episodes, Supernatural writers got to explore all sorts of terrifying creatures. So what is a wendigo and when did it get featured on the show? To understand the monster, we need to take a look at its origin story. The Algonquian tribes saw the Wendigo as more than a mythical

Can eating cabbage bring luck in the new year?

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and there’s no time during the year where that sentiment is more true than the holidays. This is the time when treasured dishes are made, champagne bottles are uncorked and friends gather to swap cookies … and stories. One of the most celebratory times is

How Ghost Stories Became a Christmas Tradition in Victorian England

Towards the end of each year, as fireplaces are lit and hot cocoa is made, Americans have made it a tradition to revisit their favorite classic holiday books, movies and songs. And though ghost stories may seem out of place in present-day American holiday celebrations, they were once a Christmas staple, reaching their peak of

11 Unusual Victorian New Year’s Traditions

“We have been very gay; danced into the New Year, and again last night, and were very merry,” Queen Victoria wrote to her uncle, the King of Belgium, on January 4, 1843. She was six years into her lengthy reign (1837–1901), all of 23 years old, and apparently enjoying every minute of the New Year.