Out of all customs and traditions we’ve nurtured over the centuries as humans, making a toast before drinking alcohol is one of the oldest. It’s origins date back to pre-history, so we’re still not entirely sure how it came to be. It’s worth noting, however, that the pervasive idea that it began as a method […]
World Language
(Almost) Forgotten Languages
Does anybody speak Latin anymore? What about Gaelic? Or Navajo? Languages change rapidly and are quietly disappearing all the time. So here are some languages you might be surprised to learn are still alive and well. Latin Many of us know Latin as the godmother of romance languages, which include Italian, Spanish, French, and English […]
Happy Holidays Around the World
The winter holidays are just around the corner, and everyone is getting ready. Many Americans take Christmas in particular extremely seriously (just look at that Starbucks cup scandals). But how are Christmas and other winter holidays celebrated around the world? In David Sedaris’s hilarious essay about Christmas in the Netherlands, he learns that the Dutch […]