Evergreen branches have been used as winter holiday decorations for centuries, symbolizing hope and renewed life. The Christmas tree originated in 16th-century Germany and was brought to America by German immigrants. Decorating trees with candles and ornaments has also been a long-standing tradition. Today, the Christmas tree is enjoyed by people of many cultures and […]
Wishing on shooting stars is a tradition related to mankind’s fascination with the sky. Shooting stars are actually meteors, and wishing on them is considered lucky and challenging. The tradition of wishing on stars predates the 19th century nursery rhyme “Star Light, Star Bright.” Most children are familiar with the superstition that a wish made […]
Valentine’s Day originated as a Roman festival called Lupercalia where men whipped women with animal skin to make them fertile. It became linked to love when Christian leaders associated it with the life of Valentine, who performed illegal marriages and was martyred. Americans spend over $100 on gifts, 200 million cards are sent, and eight […]
The name Wendy may come from Gwendydd, but it was used more as a male name in the late 19th century. It became popular for girls after JM Barrie created the character Wendy in Peter Pan, based on a friend named Margaret Henley. It is not entirely clear where the name Wendy comes from, but […]
Origin points are fees paid by borrowers to lending institutions when applying for a loan, typically in the real estate and mortgage sector. The borrower’s credit score and risk of the loan determine if points are charged, with each point equal to 1% of the total loan. Discount points are assessed to lower mortgage rates […]
The term “transmission” originally referred to a farming method of scattering seeds over a large area. Radio broadcasting was compared to this method, and the concept of broadcasting human voices and music became viable in the early 1900s. The term transmission is an example of technology fueling new terminology. The term transmission is actually centuries […]
“23 skidoo” is a slang term meaning quick escapism, with unknown origins. It was first recorded in 1906 and popularized in the 1920s. The term “skidoo” means “go fast” and may have originated from “skedaddle”. Theories suggest it may have originated from the Flatiron Building in New York City or a prison break in the […]
The phrase “beating swords into plowshares” comes from the Bible and refers to abandoning military activity for peace. The Bible has conflicting uses of the phrase, but it is often understood as a return to peaceful ways. Many peace organizations use the phrase to promote peace and humanitarian efforts. Military technology can also benefit civilians […]
The term “impeccably dressed” may have originated from the spiritual or cultural significance of the number nine, or from medieval women’s gloves with nine buttons. It could also be related to the expression “the whole nine meters” or “dressed for the eyes.” The exact origin is unknown. Describing someone as “impeccably dressed” involves wearing expensive […]
Children in many countries hang stockings on Christmas Eve to receive gifts from Santa. The tradition dates back to at least the 19th century in the US and may have originated from placing shoes outside for gifts. Legend says St. Nicholas gave gold coins to poor girls, inspiring the tradition. In many countries of the […]
“Get your ducks in a row” means to ensure all details are accounted for before starting a project. The origin is uncertain, with theories including bowling pins, mother ducks, carnival games, and the V formation of flying ducks. Lining up your ducks essentially means making sure all the little details or elements are accounted for […]
“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” was Shakespeare’s first play, drawing inspiration from various sources including “Diana Enamorada” by Jorge de Montemayor and stories of Titus and Gisippus. The play features confused lovers and a woman dressed as a man, with similarities to “Diana Enamorada”. Shakespeare also borrowed characters and scenes from other works, including Arthur […]
Terrorism as organized activity developed from the 14th to 18th century. The terms “terrorist” and “terrorism” originated during the French Revolution. The US and UN have different definitions of terrorism. The concept of terrorism as an organized activity developed during a historical period beginning in the 14th century and continuing into the 18th century. The […]
All’s Well That Ends Well is a problematic play written by Shakespeare in the early 1600s, inspired by a folktale. The play’s morally ambiguous territory led to it being called a “problematic play.” The play’s heroine, Helen, marries Bertram through twisted circumstances, which is not a typical rom-com approach. The play’s complexity increased the literary […]
Agriculture began in the Fertile Crescent 10,000 years ago, where civilization also emerged due to mass human migration. The first staple crop was wheat, and other plants grown included peas, lentils, barley, flaxseed, and grapes. Agriculture expanded outside this zone 5,000 years ago, and today it is largely automated. Agriculture began about 10,000 years ago […]
The phrase “pearls before swine” comes from the Sermon on the Mount, meaning not to waste good things on those who won’t appreciate them. Its meaning is debated, but it refers to giving great things to unworthy beings. The idiom is used to refer to someone who doesn’t appreciate the value of an object or […]
Henry IV is a play by Shakespeare based on historical events during the War of the Roses. It is part of a tetralogy and follows the story of King Henry IV and his son, Prince Harry, as they face off against rebels. The play features fictional and real characters, with dramatic license taken in their […]
The English Bible was born in the late 1300s, translated by John Wycliffe to give ordinary people access to the scriptures. Despite a ban on reading the Bible in English, translations continued to appear, including the King James Version in 1611. Today, there are hundreds of study Bibles in English, and the Bible’s influence on […]
“The pot calling the kettle black” accuses someone of hypocrisy. The phrase originated in medieval kitchens where pots and kettles were made of cast iron and blackened with use. The phrase has been used in literature, including Don Quixote and by Shakespeare. The phrase is not racist, as it refers to the color of the […]
Shakespeare’s Cymbeline is a complex tale of betrayal and mistaken identity, inspired by historical texts and the Decameron. The character of Cymbeline is based on the historic British king Cunobelinus and the work of Geoffrey of Monmouth. The play centers on the relationship between Imogen and Posthumus Leonatus, opposed by the queen, Cloten, and Iachimo. […]
