
Latest Articles

What Was Really on the Menu at the First Thanksgiving?
The first Thanksgiving spread was a flavorful illustration of the realities of survival, local resources, shared cultures, and short-lived alliances.Quizzes





History
Weekly Spotlight

The Mental Floss Newsletter
A little smarter, a little weirder, and way more fun than the average email.
Entertainment
Reader Favorites
More Stories

20 Everyday Things From the ’80s and ’90s That Are Now Worth Money
While much of it was meant to be spent, opened, or thrown away, the copies that weren’t can bring serious money.
8 Zombie Novels to Feast On
Zombies might be most famous as onscreen villains, but they're the subject of a whole lot of gory, funny, and thought-provoking novels, too.
Why Do We Associate Ravens With Death?
Ravens have been almost universally connected with death, horror, and grief for centuries, but why?
Every Season of 'The Twilight Zone' Ranked From Best to Worst by Rotten Tomatoes
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man, and it holds a ranking of every 'Twilight Zone' season.
The Real-Life Serial Killer That Might’ve Inspired ‘Dexter’s Dark Passenger
Brazil’s most notorious killer of killers has been called the real Dexter for years, but 'Dexter's' creator tells a different origin story.
5 Common Misconceptions About Día de los Muertos
Learn the real history of Día de los Muertos as we clear up common myths about its Aztec origins, ofrenda symbols, and how it differs from Halloween.
The Moody English Rock Band That Helped Inspire Lydia Deetz in ‘Beetlejuice’
Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz’s signature style in ‘Beetlejuice’ has become iconic over the years—but it didn’t start with her.
The Medium Who Wants You to Be Nicer to Ghosts
For Rebekah Carmichael, author of the book 'The Not-So-Scary Guide to Ghosts,' ghosts aren't something to fear at all.
The 'Friends' Characters' Salaries, Then and Now
The show spent ten seasons talking about money but never once said what anybody made.
7 Forgotten Mischief Night Pranks You Used to See Every Year
The night before Halloween still has its nicknames, but most of what kids actually did on it has disappeared.
10 Winona Ryder Movies Every ‘90s Kid Is Due for a Rewatch On
‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Heathers’ made Winona Ryder famous, but the decade that came next is the one worth a second look.
Why Marigolds Are Displayed During Día de los Muertos
These bright orange flowers are steeped in folklore and serve numerous purposes during this festive celebration of the dead.
14 Charming Quotes From Sir Patrick Stewart
Remembering the late ‘Star Trek’ legend Patrick Stewart with these quotes.
Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Leave it to nature to cushion the onset of cold weather with a literal golden lining. In exchange for red ears and runny noses, come fall, we get a sight for so
What Was Trick-or-Treating Like in the 1950s?
We have the 1950s to thank for cementing the tradition of trick-or-treating into our Halloween culture.
What Dating Was Like 100 Years Ago
Decades before dating apps and DMs, romance followed courtship rules, and some dates required a chaperone … until the 1920s.
Why Do Werewolves Transform During a Full Moon?
Werewolves have existed since ancient times, though the lore around them has changed quite a bit. Here's how full moons became connected to these famous shapeshifters.
Why Do Vampires Sleep in Coffins?
Where the monster folklore stems from.
Quiz: Can You Name the Halloween Costume From These Three Clues?
Match key items to iconic characters and figures in this fun Halloween costume quiz.



































