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Author Archives: Aspen Moore

Where Did the Calendar Come From?

Where did our calendar system come from? The answer involves the sun, moon, and stars—with a dose of Roman Catholicism, colonialism, and globalization.

Posted byAspen MooreFebruary 11, 2023Posted intimeTags:calendar, Christianity, timeLeave a comment on Where Did the Calendar Come From?

Christmas Stockings

Why do we hang oversized socks on our mantels on Christmas Eve? The answer involves marriage dowries, competition for with Christmas trees, and jolly old Saint Nicholas.

Posted byAspen MooreDecember 17, 2022December 10, 2022Posted inchristmas, holidaysTags:Christianity, christmas, holidays, saints, stockingsLeave a comment on Christmas Stockings

The History of Gingerbread

Where does gingerbread come from, and why is it called that? The answer involves the crusades, witchcraft, and taxation without representation.

Posted byAspen MooreDecember 3, 2022Posted inchristmas, food, holidaysTags:Asia, cake, christmas, cookies, dessert, Europe, food, gingerbread, holidays2 Comments on The History of Gingerbread

Where Do Vampires Come From?

Where do vampires come from?

The answer takes us on a journey to India, Serbia, and Romania, with a pit stop in Forks, Washington.

Posted byAspen MooreOctober 31, 2022November 1, 2022Posted inmonsters, psychologyTags:dracula, halloween, monsters, vampireLeave a comment on Where Do Vampires Come From?

Where Did the Continents Get Their Names?

Where did each of the seven continents get their names? The answer involves the sunrise and sunset, a big bear and a little bear, and three mythological queens.

Posted byAspen MooreSeptember 5, 2022Posted inetymology, Rome and GreeceTags:continents, geography, names1 Comment on Where Did the Continents Get Their Names?

Rubber Duckie, You’re the One

What exactly is the function of a rubber duck? The answer involves debtor’s prison, hunting practice, and the Billboard 100.

Posted byAspen MooreJune 20, 2022Posted inchildhood, toysTags:invention, rubber duck, rubber duckie, sesame street, toyLeave a comment on Rubber Duckie, You’re the One

Round Robin

Why is a tournament where each team plays the other in turn called a round robin? The answer involves ribbons, religious refugees, and ringleaders.

Posted byAspen MooreMay 30, 2022Posted inetymology, sportsTags:America, English, etymology, France, round robinLeave a comment on Round Robin

I Threw a Wish in a Well

Why do we throw coins into fountains and wells in hopes of a wish being granted? The answer involves the law of contagion, a supermarket for the poor, and the undying hope of humanity.

Posted byAspen MooreApril 11, 2022Posted inanthropologyTags:contagion, fountain, hope, sympathetic magic, wishing wellLeave a comment on I Threw a Wish in a Well

Who Was St. Patrick?

Who was St. Patrick? The answer involves pirates, snakes, and revelatory dreams.

Posted byAspen MooreMarch 27, 2022Posted inholidays, religionTags:Christian saints, Christianity, ireland, Saint Patrick, st. patrick, St. Patrick's DayLeave a comment on Who Was St. Patrick?

Who Was Saint Valentine?

We celebrate Valentine’s Day in honor of Saint Valentine every year on February 14th—but who is the legend behind the holiday? The answer is uncertain, really, but it involves miraculous healing, secret marriage ceremonies, and beekeeping.

Posted byAspen MooreFebruary 13, 2022Posted inholidaysTags:Christianity, holidays, love, saint valentine, saints, valentine, valentines dayLeave a comment on Who Was Saint Valentine?

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