History
Art, fashion, food, language — the texture of lives lived across the centuries.
Professional female mourners, known as keeners, were hired to wail at funerals in 19th-century Ireland. This practice was significant in Irish culture, providing a unique way to express grief. The keeners played a crucial role in the funeral rituals, highlighting the importance of mourning in Irish tradition
Medieval Europeans believed the first person buried in a cemetery had to fight the devil. This superstition was present during the consecration of a new cemetery in Leicester in 1245. The ritual was performed by Bishop Robert Grosseteste of Lincoln, England.
Enslaved Africans in Brazil created a secret religion called candomblé, hiding their gods behind Catholic saints. This tradition allowed them to maintain their cultural practices while avoiding persecution. The celebration of candomblé continues to this day, blending African and Catholic influences.
In 17th-century France, women's dresses were extremely wide, causing difficulties when entering rooms. Madame de Montespan, the mistress of King Louis XIV, experienced this issue at the Palace of Versailles. The wide dresses were a hallmark of the French court during this time period, as recorded by historian Joan DeJean.
Gai Jatra is a Nepali tradition where families walk cows to honor the dead. The festival dates back to 1768 and was first observed by King Pratap Malla. Historian Pratyoush Onta notes the significance of this 18th-century tradition.
Aristotle believed men's bodies were perfect and women's were flawed. This notion was widespread in ancient Greece, influencing societal views. The idea was rooted in philosophical and cultural beliefs of the time.
The Tibetan tradition of stoning the dead involves attacking enemies' ghosts with rocks. This practice has been documented by historians and anthropologists, including Rebecca French. The ritual was witnessed by Tibetan monk Tsewang Norbu in 1950.
In the 19th century, Americans would often pose for photographs before death as a way to memorialize themselves. This practice, known as death photography, was a common phenomenon during this time period. Historian Jay Ruby documents this phenomenon in his book, highlighting its significance in American history.
The busójárás ceremony involves dressing up in monster costumes to scare away winter. This ancient practice dates back to the 16th century in Hungary. Locals participate in the tradition to mark the end of winter.
Ancient Romans believed drinking wine with a dead man's tooth could cure toothaches. This remedy was recorded by Pliny the Elder in his book Naturalis Historia. The practice may seem barbaric to modern readers, but was accepted in ancient Roman medicine.
Ghana's fantasy coffins are a unique tradition that started with a fish-shaped coffin for a fisherman. The coffins are designed to reflect the deceased person's profession or interests. This tradition has become a notable part of Ghanaian culture and history.
Englishmen wore black after King George II's death in 1751. This mourning period extended for years, with many men continuing to wear black attire. Historian Eric Hobsbawm noted this prolonged trend as a significant cultural phenomenon.
The Dutch tradition of kissing the door originated from a 1952 royal wedding. Princess Elizabeth kissed her family's home door before her ceremony. This custom has since been documented in wedding history books.
Ancient Persians valued laughter as a holy act. King Darius I attended a comedy show where the comedian made fun of the royal court. The comedian was not punished for his jokes, showcasing the culture's appreciation for humor.
Forest bathing has been used in Japan for decades to cure diseases. Researcher Yoshifumi Miyazaki studied its effects on human health. The practice has shown therapeutic benefits for overall well-being.
In 1507, a man in Nuremberg, Germany claimed to have trapped the devil in a bottle. The advertisement was made by Johann Weyer, a future prominent figure in witchcraft studies. This claim was likely a scam, but it reflects the superstition of the time.
In Switzerland, cows engage in combat to determine which herd grazes on mountain pastures first. This tradition, known as 'combats de reines,' has been a part of Swiss culture for centuries. The winner's herd gets to graze on the prized pastures, a valuable resource for local farmers.
Ancient Celts wore necklaces made from human teeth as a form of dental remedy. The practice was discovered through various archaeological findings in Celtic regions. This unusual tradition was documented by archaeologist Sir John Rhys in the early 20th century.
Vietnam celebrates the Lunar New Year with a unique tradition of burning paper money and houses. This practice is believed to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. The tradition is a significant part of Vietnamese culture and heritage.
19th-century Americans sent postcards with photographs of their dead children, a practice more common than expected. Historian Stanley Burns notes the phenomenon. The postcards served as a way to memorialize and share the loss of a child.
Tarantism was a medical practice in Italy where people danced to cure spider bites. This practice was widely accepted as a treatment for a supposed medical condition. The tradition was documented by Italian physician Bernardino Pintus in 1785.
Ancient Mayans filed their teeth into points for social status. This practice was observed by Spanish conquistador Diego de Landa in 1562. The Mayans also embedded jade into their teeth for added aesthetic value.
The Ethiopian tradition of feeding the dead coffee is a centuries-old practice. It is rooted in the belief that the dead get lonely in the afterlife. This unique ritual is a way to show respect and care for the deceased.
Dutch painters included rotting fruit in their works as a memento mori. This trend was popularized by artists like Willem Kalf and Pieter Claesz. The use of rotting fruit served as a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.