RELIGION

People found the devil in some very unlikely places.

The Devil Made Them Do It: 8 Examples of Satanic Panic in the ‘80s

In the 1980s, media hysteria saw demonic undertones in everything from ‘Mister Ed’ to Pampers diapers.

You better knock, knock, knock ... on wood.

Why Do We Knock On Wood?

Discover the origins of the classic phrase 'knock on wood,' which could be tied to a Victorian-era children's game or have more direct ties to old pagan traditions.

Why Do Grooms Break a Glass at Jewish Weddings?

There’s a lot of cultural and religious significance attached to this enduring Jewish wedding tradition. Plus, it’s just plain fun.

How Do Photo-Averse Amish Deal With ID Cards?

Many Amish believe photos are forbidden. So how can they do anything requiring a photo ID?

Angkor Wat reflected in one of its waterways.

10 Facts about Angkor Wat, the World’s Largest Religious Temple

Angkor Wat is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Here is what we know of its story, from its countless carvings to feats of engineering.

Illustration of William Shakespeare Reciting Hamlet to His Family

William Shakespeare’s Sister, Joan, Emerges in Long-Lost Writings

A fascinating new discovery has emerged about a pamphlet found in the rafters of William Shakespeare’s childhood home.

How Did Jelly Beans Become an Easter Candy?

Jelly beans are a staple of Easter baskets, but how did they get there?

Ever wonder why we decorate Easter eggs?

The Fascinating Origins of 15 Spring Symbols and Traditions

As you’re celebrating the sunny season with domestic cleanses, painted eggs, and frenzied grappling matches over beer barrels, you might begin to wonder where these rituals came from.

There are several ways to celebrate the holiday.

The History of 9 St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day? And why do they eat corned beef and cabbage? Let’s dive into the origins of some popular ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

An Amish family gathers for a meal around their kitchen table.

8 Misconceptions About the Amish

You might not realize that the Amish sometimes drive in cars and operate power tools.

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?

11 Illuminating Facts About Hanukkah

Every winter, Jewish people around the world spend eight nights lighting candles, eating latkes, and spinning dreidels. But what’s Hanukkah really all about?

Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights.’

15 Fascinating Facts About Hieronymus Bosch’s ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’

The Garden of Earthly Delights is a piece so ripe with symbolism that it inspires intense curiosity more than 500 years after it was painted.

You’ll see a lot of blue and white during Hanukkah.

Why Are Blue and White the Colors of Hanukkah?

In 1864, the Jewish poet Ludwig August Frankl named blue and white “the colors of Judah” in a poem not so surprisingly called “Judah’s Colours.”

The cover of Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower.’

11 Fascinating Facts About Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’

When Octavia E. Butler wrote her science fiction novel ‘The Parable of the Sower,’ she vowed to include only things that could actually happen.

Use of the word ‘placebo’ in a medical context is more recent than you might think.

Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?

What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.

Cults are a popular topic for true-crime TV.

6 Misconceptions About Cults

Not every cult is a commune-based religious organization run by a charismatic man.

Can Catholics Eat Meat This St. Patrick’s Day? It’s Complicated

For practicing Catholics, meat is off limits on Fridays during Lent. But they might be able to make an exception this March 17.

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?

Jesus’s birthday is subject to interpretation, and there are plenty of intriguing theories to explain how we landed on December 25 to celebrate Christmas.

Ham feasts predate Christian traditions.

The Pagan Origins of Christmas Ham

The tradition of eating ham on Christmas dates back to Nordic animal sacrifices.

Watch Spooky Footage From a 1932 Séance, Featuring Lady Conan Doyle

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to attend a séance during the spiritualist movement, this clip will give you an idea.

Madame Blavatsky, the Woman Who Brought the Occult to America

Blavatsky asserted that she was able to perform extraordinary paranormal feats because she had been given access to an ancient wisdom, known only to a select few.

Voting in a church can have some unexpected consequences.

Why Churches Are Such Popular Polling Places

Casting your ballot in a house of worship may influence you more than you realize.

Mary I (pictured) did not trust her younger half-sister.

5 Ways Mary I Tried to Thwart Elizabeth I

Despite being half-sisters, the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth Tudor was difficult.