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By their very nature, holidays are steeped in tradition, folklore, and mythology. Here we present some of the more common legends and superstitions associated with our special days.

Why Do We Carve Pumpkins on Halloween?

Oct. 11, 2024 The exact origin of the beloved Halloween tradition is unknown, but there is Irish folklore that ...

What Is the Connection Between KKK Hoods and Spain's Easter Tradition?

March 23, 2024 The pointed hoods worn in Easter traditions in Europe do not have the same meaning as those in t ...

What is a Shamrock, Really, and Why Is It Associated with St. Patrick's Day?

March 16, 2024 This story sits at the strange crossroads of religion and botany.

Did Pope Francis Say 'Eat Whatever You Want For Easter'?

Feb. 18, 2024 Holding with long-standing tradition, the pope released a message commemorating the beginning of ...

Spotify Blocked the Playing of Christmas Music Until Thanksgiving?

Taija PerryCook

Jan. 18, 2024 "Mariah Carey would be finished," one user wrote.

NYC's Rockefeller Christmas Tree Is Repurposed After the Holidays

Taija PerryCook

Dec. 22, 2023 Reduce, reuse, recycle.

What is the true first name of Santa Claus' wife, Mrs. Claus?

No One Knows Mrs. Claus' First Name

Dec. 22, 2023 She's gone by "Jessica" and "Gertrude" over the decades.

Ever Wondered What Happens to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree After the Holidays?

Taija PerryCook

Dec. 20, 2023 Every year, the iconic New York Christmas tradition takes on new life.

Times Square's NYE Party Uses Confetti Strips With People's Wishes Written on Them

Dec. 16, 2023 The small peices of confetti will carry people's dreams and hopes for 2024.

Exploring the Curious Origins of the Christmas Tree

Dec. 12, 2023 O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, nobody knows your origin.

In Search of the 1st Christmas Tree: Origins of a Tradition

Dec. 10, 2023 This is a very festive rabbit hole.

A rumor said that the liquid in snow globes was dangerous to pets and children.

Do Snow Globes Contain Antifreeze Chemical Ethylene Glycol That's Dangerous to Pets?

Dec. 10, 2023 Here's what we know about the clear liquid that's inside snow globes and its purported risks to ...

Alabama Was the First US State To Declare Christmas a Holiday?

Dec. 3, 2023 The rumor dates back to at least 1954, according to Alabama historical records.

A TikTok user named Matt Shaver posted a purported Never Forget family costume representing the September 11th terrorist attacks with the former World Trade Center and its twin towers as well as an airplane.

Did Spirit Halloween Stores Sell 'Never Forget' 9/11 Family Costumes with Twin Towers and Airplane?

Oct. 31, 2023 A TikTok user posted a video and asked, "Ok, so I just left Spirit Halloween, and can somebody t ...

Should a U.S. Flag Be Burned Once It Has Touched the Ground?

David Mikkelson

June 13, 2004 A misunderstanding of flag protocol has led to the mistaken belief that a U.S. flag should be de ...

The Origins of April Fools' Day

Barbara Mikkelson

March 21, 2000 How the custom of pranking on April 1 came about remains shrouded in mystery.

Was Valentine's Day Invented by Greeting Card Companies?

Feb. 14, 2022 It's a pithy line for the lovelorn and screenwriters to say, but is it true?

groundhog day, punxsutawney phil

How Old Is Punxsutawney Phil?

Feb. 2, 2022 According to legend, the world's most famous groundhog has been predicting the weather since 1886.

Do Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas in January?

Jan. 6, 2023 While many people are winding down from Christmas, others are just getting started.

What Are the Origins of Kissing at Midnight on New Year's?

Dec. 31, 2022 Many of us pucker up when the clock strikes 12 without knowing why.

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