79 Items Tagged

Paganism

However long this snowman effigy, known as the Bӧӧgg, takes to burn will determine the remaining length of winter.

To Banish Winter in This Tiny Wisconsin Town, Burn a Swiss Snowman

The burning of the Bӧӧgg is like a fiery version of Groundhog’s Day, but with fireworks and sausages.

Tea Krulos May 2, 2023

Every May, an ancient Celtic festival, known as Beltane, is held atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh, where participants eat a mysterious Beltane bannock cake.

Why 18th-Century Scots Performed Mock Human Sacrifices Over Cake

This May Day, make Beltane bannock, a simple snack with a long history of superstition and divination.

Sam O'Brien May 1, 2023

Torre Federici from across Piazza della Torre

Torre Federici

A family accused of witchcraft once called this medieval tower home.

Adam Johnson (center) dresses up as Heikki Lunta as part of the Upper Peninsula's Heikinpäivä festival in Hancock, Michigan.

The Dancing Snow God That Brings Blizzards to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Heikki Lunta even has his own song.

Daniel Bromfield January 5, 2023

Archaeologists believe this head belonged to a figurine representing a high priestess of Ur.

History’s First Named Author Was a Mesopotamian Priestess

Her name was Enheduanna.

Sarah Durn December 22, 2022

Public Christmas trees, like Rockefeller Center’s famous tree, didn’t start appearing in the U.S. until the 20th century.

The Christmas Tree Is One of the World's Oldest and Most Evergreen Traditions

Long before your living room's seasonal centerpiece, cultures around the world marked the darkest time of year with palms, pines, and other greenery.

Troy Bickham December 19, 2022

Podcast: Luciadagen

Dive into the origins of a Swedish holiday tradition that evolved from sinister pagan lore to a celebration of light, warmth, and music.

The Podcast Team December 12, 2022

Biko's toppings vary depending on the region, but toasted coconut and coconut-cream curds are favorites.

The Disappearing Philippine Tradition of 'Souling' for Rice Cakes

Pangangaluluwa means singing, costumes, and treats.

Barbara Woolsey October 24, 2022

Podcast: St. Brigid’s Well

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

The Podcast Team March 1, 2022

Statue of King Æthelberht

Queen Bertha and King Æthelberht

Today, Kent's medieval monarchs hold court on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare—or at least their statues do.

Meet the Woman on a Quest to Attend Every Wondrous British Festival

The historian behind an online database of eccentric traditions has already visited more than 550 events.

Bonnie December 9, 2021

Croft Moraig Stone Circle entry stones

Aberfeldy, Scotland

Croft Moraig Stone Circle

This Neolithic stone circle is the most complete of its kind in Scotland.

Urnes Stave Church and graveyard.

8 Viking-Style Churches to Visit (Not Pillage)

These epic, wooden stave churches are scattered across two continents.

Sarah Durn November 4, 2021

The little marzipan bones are traditionally filled with egg-yolk marrow.

The Bone-Shaped Sweets That Honor the Dead in Spain

Make the marzipan "limbs" that commemorate loved ones on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Vera Armus October 15, 2021

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Burryman

As part of an 800-year-old tradition, a man parades through town covered in a suit made out of spiky burrs.

Glasgow, Scotland

Sighthill Stone Circle

This astronomically-aligned stone circle was the first of its kind to be built in Great Britain after a 3,000-year hiatus.

In a handful of villages in eastern Georgia, the ancient spring festival of Berikaoba kicks off with a procession of fearsome, masked berikas.

In Ancient Georgia, Spring Arrived With Wine, Whips, and Mud

The pre-Christian festival of Berikaoba nearly vanished before one woman made it her mission to revive it.

Melanie Hamilton April 8, 2021

Tbilisi, Georgia

Berikaoba Sculpture Group

A lively circle of dancers in the Georgian capital commemorates an ancient rite of spring.