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Cultural History Articles

Our world’s cultural diversity is awe-inspiring. In this corner of the Internet, we’re embracing and exploring the history behind all the unique customs that we see today.

Have you ever considered the origins and meaning behind the celebration of Halloween? How about Labor Day, or Juneteenth? Where exactly did the charming legend of Santa Claus come from, and how did it come to be tied to a Christian holiday? Even for those who observe these holidays, their fascinating historical origins can be obscure, but we’re breaking it all down for you.

Beyond the celebration of holidays, there’s a whole world of cultural history to explore. Dig into culinary history books that share the meaning behind various regional dishes and eating etiquette. Discover the history behind endangered languages that only have a few speakers left. Or learn about the fraught history of the corset, and what the garment meant to the women who wore it.

Curious about cultures beyond your own? We’ve rounded up the best books that open your eyes to other people’s way of life. Including Christian and Jewish history, the Middle East, Native American perspectives, Black history, and more, the best way you can appreciate other cultures is to educate yourself about them.

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A Medieval Village Lost to the Tides of Times is Resurfacing

The 13th-century village Fabbriche di Careggine has been underwater since 1946.

The Secret Feud That Made the Chrysler Building the World's Tallest

On May 26, 1930, the Chrysler Building officially opened, becoming the world's tallest building.

After The Last Dance: Delve into the Definitive MJ Bio

One of sports’ greatest writers took on the G.O.A.T. in Playing for Keeps.

New Netflix Documentary Reveals the Secret Love Story Behind A League of Their Own

A Secret Love reveals a beautiful story where sports history and queer history collide.

See the World's Most Beautiful Churches from the Safety of Your Home

From Iceland to Ethopia, these stunning structures are must-sees for theists and agnostics alike.

Visiting Pripyat, Chernobyl's Frozen Ghost Town

Then and now, Pripyat's eerie charms call out to visitors from around the world.

Discover Labor Day's History and Origins from its Industrial Revolution Roots to Today

These 10 facts illuminate the reasons behind our day off in September.

10 Fascinating Ghost Towns Around the World You Can Visit

Decaying buildings, sand-swept streets, and a sense of suspended time make these towns well worth a visit.

Anna Jarvis and the Surprising History of Mother’s Day

There’s more to the loving holiday than meets the eye.

The Elusive William Shakespeare, Unveiled

His mysterious life has left scholars and readers with many a question.

This Astonishing Book Makes Jane Austen’s World Come to Life

Voices from the World of Jane Austen will transport you to the turn of the nineteenth century.

How Muhammad Ali Became The Greatest: The Rise of a Legend

Muhammad Ali explores how the legendary boxer transcended the sport through politics, social activism, and his undeniable charm and charisma.

Kit Williams' Masquerade, the Children’s Treasure Hunt Book That Captivated England

A golden hare, a multi-step pictorial code, and a country on the hunt. What could go wrong?

FBI Surveillance: Why the Bureau Investigated Famous Writers

James Baldwin, Ernest Hemingway, and other writers were investigated for everything from sympathy towards the Cuban Revolution to Communist Party ties. 

Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho—and That Famous Shower Scene

Screenwriter and journalist Stephen Rebello unpacks the controversies surrounding the iconic film.

Behind the Bombshell: 7 Best Marilyn Monroe Books

Rediscover the icon whose life was as dramatic as her movies.

Abandoned in the Desert: Humberstone, and Chile's Eerie Ghost Towns

In the sands of northern Chile are haunting reminders of the country's troubled history.

An Essential Voice from the Sixties: Remembering Richard N. Goodwin

The speechwriter and top presidential adviser was a driving political force during one of America's most turbulent eras.