HISTORY

Times Square New Year's Eve 2023 celebration.

A Brief History of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the most famous traditions in New York City. Learn how Manhattan's most colorful party came to be.

8 Sparkling Facts About Champagne

As midnight approaches on December 31, more than a few of us will pop open a bottle or two of champagne to help ring in the New Year. Here are a few nuggets you can share with fellow revelers.

Bessie Coleman, David Bowie, and Martin Luther King Jr. all have January birthdays.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in January

Some of our favorite figures from history, literature, music, pop culture, and more were born in the first month of the year. Do you share a birthday with one of these famous folks?

Let’s dive into the delicious history of the dumpling.

An International History of Dumplings

Dumplings are a delicious staple that transcends borders, but how did these doughy delights rise to international fame?

Why Is the Space Needle Shaped Like That?

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle debuted at the 1962 World’s Fair—and was inspired by America's Space Race with the Soviet Union.

December 25, 1066, was a big day for William the Conqueror.

25 Non-Christmas Things That Have Happened on December 25

Other momentous events have happened on December 25, like Washington crossing the Delaware and the birth of Jimmy Buffett.

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?

The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?

George Washington’s Extra-Boozy Eggnog Recipe Will Knock You Sideways

George Washington's preferred eggnog recipe calls for four kinds of booze—and none of them in small quantities.

9 Funerals Gone Wrong

From a profane parrot to an exploding corpse to swapped (and dropped) bodies, the funerals on this list went terribly awry.

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat

Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.

Several health ailments hindered the Tudors.

10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family

The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.

St. Nicholas and the dastardly Père Fouettard.

Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard Is St. Nick’s Sidekick—and Possibly a Brutal Murderer

Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper,” is a butcher whose favorite pastime is eating children. And hanging out with St. Nicholas.

10 Surprising Facts About René Magritte’s ‘The Son of Man’

René Magritte’s surrealist masterpiece is his most recognized painting—but you may never get to see the real thing.

10 Old-Timey Ways to Say You’re Hungover

Here are 10 colorful phrases of yore to use the day after you partied a tad too passionately.

Actress Bernice Golden as Tess in David Belasco’s stage production of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles,’ c. 1903.

Remembering Elizabeth Martha Brown, the Convict Who Inspired Thomas Hardy’s ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’

Thomas Hardy’s memorable heroine was modeled after the last woman to be hanged in Dorset, England.

10 Unusual Facts About Toy Giant Hasbro for Its 100th Anniversary

The toy giant best known for assembling G.I. Joe once owned Death Row Records.

Lady Anne Mackintosh, (1723–1787), Jacobite of the Clan Farquharson.

6 Badass Women From Scottish History

Women like Flora MacDonald, Anne Mackintosh, Isabella MacDuff, and more made their mark on Scottish history.

A camel caravan travels along the ancient Silk Road in Xinjiang Province, China.

8 Trade Routes That Shaped World History

Whether they carried salt, incense, or tea, traders on these eight historic roads helped make the world as we know it.

The ATOMIK grain spirit features a wild boar on its label, which the distillers say is a symbol of nature’s resilience.

From Disaster to Distillery: A New (Non-Radioactive) Vodka is Being Made in Chernobyl

Sales of the ATOMIK vodka-like spirit support Ukraine’s recovery from the world’s worst nuclear disaster and from the current war.

What Are Frankincense and Myrrh, Anyway?

Frankincense and myrrh are a fragrant part of traditional Christmas celebrations, but what exactly are these pebble-like perfumes?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Letters From Father Christmas.’

When J.R.R. Tolkien Posed as ‘Father Christmas’ for 23 Years

The Middle-earth author spent some imaginary time in the North Pole for an audience of just four people: his children.

A pub’s name may mean more than meets the eye.

The Stories Behind the 10 Most Popular British Pub Names

British pubs names like the Red Lion, the Crown, and the Royal Oak offer a window into the country’s history.

7 Alleged Pyramid Schemes and Scams

These companies were accused (and sometimes convicted) of engaging in alleged pyramid schemes and other scams.

The Final Days of John Lennon

Shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 1980, John Lennon was gunned down in front of his New York City apartment building by an obsessed fan. This is the story of the days leading up to that tragedy.

Prev Next