Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

Cooking kids was not a tradition (but sending strange cards was).

For many Victorians, parties, dancing, and festive spirits were staples of New Year’s celebrations. Yet there were many other odd, quaint, and charming customs that for the most part are no longer with us.

Keith Johnston
















Forget images of glittery champagne bottles and fireworks bursting over snow-covered cities. From dancing pigs to unnerving children, these vintage postcards were a more unusual way to ring in the new year.

Kerry Wolfe








That's some impressive glaze ice.

When winter bears down, it can be hard to think of anything outside of how much you hate (or love!) the snow and ice. Here are a few of the words and phenomena that could define this season.

Arallyn Primm