Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

It's a real fiesta of colors.

Discover the origins of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 each year. Here’s how the history of this annual celebration took shape—and how you can take part.

mentalfloss .com














The teddy bear has a very specific origin story.

The origins of the teddy bear involve President Theodore Roosevelt, a bear hunt, a political cartoon, and the owner of a candy shop in New York.

Erin McCarthy


Not all regions with a food-inspired name are represented on the map.

You’ve heard of New England, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. But the United States has several more interesting regions, including the Pierogi Pocket, the Borscht Belt, the Pretzel Belt, and more.

Alexia Kontolemos








Blowing gray bubbles just wouldn’t feel as fun.

We uncover why bubblegum is traditionally pink—and also explore what flavor bubblegum even is.

Sam Hindman
How many Americans celebrate the three-day weekend.

Americans celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September—which means Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2, in 2024.

Hannah McDonald