In the U.S., we have our noisemakers, our champagne, and our midnight smooches on New Year’s Eve. Want to add some new traditions to the mix? Try these fun customs from around the world. Ring Bells – Japan At...
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The story of Thai jewelry is a fascinating blend of history and varied cultural traditions! Hill Tribe Silver Perhaps the most famous of all Thai jewelry is Hill Tribe Silver. You may have spotted it online, or even own...
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Ancient cultures often give us a unique perspective on life. For example, the Native American traditions are rich with stories of how the people were connected with nature and the world around them. Often these connections are to unseen...
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Turquoise may not sparkle like diamonds or glow like amber. And yet, this opaque blue stone has been prized and coveted for millennia. It’s one of history’s oldest gemstones, and some of the earliest evidence we have for its...
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In the field of linguistics, loanwords are words that are adapted or borrowed directly from other languages. English is full of loanwords, and some of the most common phrases we use come from far across the globe! Check out...
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Cultures borrow and exchange ideas, art, and –you guessed it-words! The English language is full of terms that are adapted or borrowed directly from other countries and cultures. Check out the following words and learn their linguistic origins. This...
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Current research on gratitude is proving what many cultures have known all along: gratitude is physically and emotionally good for us. Science has shown that people who have gratitude benefit from everything from high self esteem to improved sleep. And...
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Think of Hawaii and what comes to mind? Beaches, ukuleles, and…aloha! Aloha is practically synonymous with Hawaii: tourists on the islands might be tickled to find the word everywhere, from shop signs to advertisements. And even if you haven’t taken a...
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They may not be common household names, but the gods of Aztec mythology are a colorful lot, giving us an insight into a complex and great civilization. The Aztecs’ polytheistic religion included several figures, many of which were adapted...
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The internet is rife with cats: cat videos, cat memes, there are even celebrity cats! But if you think that modern folks are cat-crazy you should have been around in Ancient Egypt. Cats were highly regarded in Ancient Egypt,...
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