Why were cigarettes considered healthy?
In the early 20th century cigarettes were a popular product. Smoking was perceived as a relaxing agent and therefore as benefiting the body and… Read More »Why were cigarettes considered healthy?
Why is it called Martial Arts?
Although presently associated with Asian fighting arts, originally martial arts referred to European armies’ fighting methods. The word “martial” means “of Mars”, the Roman… Read More »Why is it called Martial Arts?
What was America’s fabric of choice during the great depression?
During the Great Depression in the United States (1929 – 1939), owners of the flour mills in rural America noticed that many mothers of… Read More »What was America’s fabric of choice during the great depression?
Is hocus pocus a Catholic spell in Latin?
Hocus pocus is a corruption of the catholic text “Hoc est enim corpus meums”, said by catholic priests during transubstantiation sacrament ceremony and mean… Read More »Is hocus pocus a Catholic spell in Latin?
Is Abracadabra an old-testamnet spell in Hebrew?
Abracadabra is an ancient magic incantation that survived the test of time and is used even in today’s magic performance. It derives from Aramaic… Read More »Is Abracadabra an old-testamnet spell in Hebrew?
What caused the Black Death according to medieval scientists?
In October 1348, more than a year after the outbreak of the Black Death in Europe, King Philip VI of France asked the doctors… Read More »What caused the Black Death according to medieval scientists?
Cornrows hairdo: a secret communication channel?
While toady cornrows are just another cool hairstyle, not so long ago they played a major part in the struggle for freedom and even… Read More »Cornrows hairdo: a secret communication channel?
Why is gold measured in karats?
In ancient times, just like today, many commodities were bought by weight. Only back then digital scales were not available and weighing small goods… Read More »Why is gold measured in karats?
What’s the connection between May 1st and the Mayday distress call?
Absolutely nothing! The call was invented by an English radio officer named Mockford. Since much of the traffic at the time was between England and… Read More »What’s the connection between May 1st and the Mayday distress call?
What are the origins of saluting?
The modern salute originated when knights greeted each other to show friendly intentions by raising their visors to show their faces. Raising one’s visor was… Read More »What are the origins of saluting?