The dabbawala' network: A near-failsafe food delivery system that has been feeding Mumbai for a centuryDabbawalas in Mumbai have been reliably delivering homemade lunches for over 130 years, ensuring exceptional service with a very low error rate.
How Counting Down to Midnight on New Year's Became a TraditionNew Year's Eve countdowns originated amid Cold War anxieties, marking a transition from private celebration to a public spectacle of hope and renewal.
Volunteer discovers astonishing' array of witches marks at English Heritage siteThe discovery of witches marks at Gainsborough Old Hall offers insight into historical beliefs about protection and cursing practices.
The dabbawala' network: A near-failsafe food delivery system that has been feeding Mumbai for a centuryDabbawalas in Mumbai have been reliably delivering homemade lunches for over 130 years, ensuring exceptional service with a very low error rate.
How Counting Down to Midnight on New Year's Became a TraditionNew Year's Eve countdowns originated amid Cold War anxieties, marking a transition from private celebration to a public spectacle of hope and renewal.
Volunteer discovers astonishing' array of witches marks at English Heritage siteThe discovery of witches marks at Gainsborough Old Hall offers insight into historical beliefs about protection and cursing practices.
The Philosophical Import of Where We EatFood and space are interlinked, affecting individual and community identities.COVID-19 highlighted the sociopolitical significance of dining environments.Changes in dining practices due to the pandemic reveal underlying cultural values.
How the Wine Industry Is Fighting Back Against Bad PressWine faces challenges from climate change, declining sales, and shifting consumer attitudes, prompting industry advocates to promote its positive cultural aspects.
Join seabirds as they migrate, encountering human communities along the way | Aeon VideosThe film illustrates the interconnectedness of coastal communities and migratory seabirds, highlighting cultural practices and environmental challenges.
How the Wine Industry Is Fighting Back Against Bad PressWine faces challenges from climate change, declining sales, and shifting consumer attitudes, prompting industry advocates to promote its positive cultural aspects.
Join seabirds as they migrate, encountering human communities along the way | Aeon VideosThe film illustrates the interconnectedness of coastal communities and migratory seabirds, highlighting cultural practices and environmental challenges.
Is Napping Good or Bad for the Brain?Short naps enhance cognitive function but shouldn't replace quality nighttime sleep.Different cultures exhibit varying attitudes toward napping, with some workplaces embracing it for productivity.
Siesta on the job: Should we all be having naps at work?Napping can enhance memory and focus, and short naps (15-20 minutes) are most restorative.
Is Napping Good or Bad for the Brain?Short naps enhance cognitive function but shouldn't replace quality nighttime sleep.Different cultures exhibit varying attitudes toward napping, with some workplaces embracing it for productivity.
Siesta on the job: Should we all be having naps at work?Napping can enhance memory and focus, and short naps (15-20 minutes) are most restorative.
People Are Sharing The Funniest Lies They Were Told As Kids They Didn't Realize Weren't True Until Later In LifeHumor can arise from misunderstandings about cultural practices, as illustrated by a humorous anecdote involving kosher dietary laws.
I want my mother-in-law to move in with us. Multigenerational households are great for the family budget, and we love having her around.Intergenerational households provide financial benefits, improve family connections, and are a common practice in many cultures, including the U.S.
People Are Sharing The Funniest Lies They Were Told As Kids They Didn't Realize Weren't True Until Later In LifeHumor can arise from misunderstandings about cultural practices, as illustrated by a humorous anecdote involving kosher dietary laws.
I want my mother-in-law to move in with us. Multigenerational households are great for the family budget, and we love having her around.Intergenerational households provide financial benefits, improve family connections, and are a common practice in many cultures, including the U.S.
The Somewhat Surprising True History of the ToiletThe evolution of toilet design shows significant advances from communal pits to private outhouses, improving hygiene and convenience.
How contrast therapy became 2025's biggest wellness trendTemperature contrast therapy is making wellness more accessible and regular for people.
Best Sauna Buckets from Finnish and Japanese Design for the Home Spa: 10 Easy PiecesSauna rituals are accessible with the right equipment, enhancing the experience whether at home or in a shared space.
How contrast therapy became 2025's biggest wellness trendTemperature contrast therapy is making wellness more accessible and regular for people.
Best Sauna Buckets from Finnish and Japanese Design for the Home Spa: 10 Easy PiecesSauna rituals are accessible with the right equipment, enhancing the experience whether at home or in a shared space.
FA Cup fifth round to feature Ramadan breaksFA Cup matches will pause to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.
At 19, I Was Forced To Marry A Stranger And Was Sexually Assaulted Every Month For 12 YearsThe article recounts the painful, coerced marriage experience faced by an Orthodox Jewish woman, highlighting systemic abuse within her community.
Something has been taken away': Pakistan's well-kept FGM secretFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is a traumatic reality for many Pakistani women, yet remains largely unacknowledged in societal discussions.
Female cutting debate in Gambia takes surprising turn: To women's pleasureThe ban on female genital cutting remains, sparking an unexpected focus on women's sexual pleasure in Gambia.
'Klaasohm': Why a German island is scrapping its violent Christmas traditionGermany's Klaasohm festival faces national outrage over its violent tradition of men striking women, revealing deeper issues of gender oppression.
Cruel tradition: How Kazakhstan fights 'bride kidnapping' DW 01/19/2025Kazakhstan is tightening laws against bride kidnapping to protect women and eliminate this outdated custom.
When a Nation Banned Female Genital Cutting, a Defiant 96-Year-Old ResistedIn 2013, Gambian women publicly renounced female genital cutting, marking a significant cultural shift.
At 19, I Was Forced To Marry A Stranger And Was Sexually Assaulted Every Month For 12 YearsThe article recounts the painful, coerced marriage experience faced by an Orthodox Jewish woman, highlighting systemic abuse within her community.
Something has been taken away': Pakistan's well-kept FGM secretFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is a traumatic reality for many Pakistani women, yet remains largely unacknowledged in societal discussions.
Female cutting debate in Gambia takes surprising turn: To women's pleasureThe ban on female genital cutting remains, sparking an unexpected focus on women's sexual pleasure in Gambia.
'Klaasohm': Why a German island is scrapping its violent Christmas traditionGermany's Klaasohm festival faces national outrage over its violent tradition of men striking women, revealing deeper issues of gender oppression.
Cruel tradition: How Kazakhstan fights 'bride kidnapping' DW 01/19/2025Kazakhstan is tightening laws against bride kidnapping to protect women and eliminate this outdated custom.
When a Nation Banned Female Genital Cutting, a Defiant 96-Year-Old ResistedIn 2013, Gambian women publicly renounced female genital cutting, marking a significant cultural shift.
I Used the Japanese Concept of "Mottainai" to Lower My Grocery Bill - And Saved $127 in a WeekEmbracing the Japanese concept of mottainai encourages mindful consumption and respect for resources, impacting everyday life positively.
Best worry stoneWorry stones are ancient tools used for anxiety relief, originating from various cultures including Greece and Native American tribes.
I Used the Japanese Concept of "Mottainai" to Lower My Grocery Bill - And Saved $127 in a WeekEmbracing the Japanese concept of mottainai encourages mindful consumption and respect for resources, impacting everyday life positively.
Best worry stoneWorry stones are ancient tools used for anxiety relief, originating from various cultures including Greece and Native American tribes.
Rare Iron Age seated burials found in DijonEvidence of unique seated burials from the La Tene period discovered in Dijon may reflect cultural practices distinct from traditional burial customs.
Cow bone tile floor found in North HollandArchaeologists discovered a unique floor using cow bone tiles in a townhouse in Alkmaar, indicative of an unusual historical practice.
Bronze beverage filter from Late Antiquity found in TurkeyA bronze beverage filter from the 5th century was found in Hadrianopolis, showcasing ancient drinking practices and agricultural advances.
Archaeologists find a floor of BONES in Dutch red light districtArcheologists in the Netherlands discovered a floor made of arranged cattle bones, sparking questions about its purpose and historical significance.
Ancient warriors ate their enemies' BRAINS, grisly study revealsMagdalenians practiced cannibalism, consuming brains of enemies post-battle as part of their ritualistic celebrations.
Europe's last pagans imported horses to sacrifice 700 years agoPagans imported horses for barbaric ritual slaughter up until the 13th century.
Rare Iron Age seated burials found in DijonEvidence of unique seated burials from the La Tene period discovered in Dijon may reflect cultural practices distinct from traditional burial customs.
Cow bone tile floor found in North HollandArchaeologists discovered a unique floor using cow bone tiles in a townhouse in Alkmaar, indicative of an unusual historical practice.
Bronze beverage filter from Late Antiquity found in TurkeyA bronze beverage filter from the 5th century was found in Hadrianopolis, showcasing ancient drinking practices and agricultural advances.
Archaeologists find a floor of BONES in Dutch red light districtArcheologists in the Netherlands discovered a floor made of arranged cattle bones, sparking questions about its purpose and historical significance.
Ancient warriors ate their enemies' BRAINS, grisly study revealsMagdalenians practiced cannibalism, consuming brains of enemies post-battle as part of their ritualistic celebrations.
Europe's last pagans imported horses to sacrifice 700 years agoPagans imported horses for barbaric ritual slaughter up until the 13th century.
Photos of the Week: Mandarin Duck, Groundhog Day, Llama RaceGlobal events portray diverse cultural practices and responses to weather, politics, and environmental issues across various nations.
Self-Help for Chronic WorriersWorry is inherent in human nature, leading to global cultural practices for relief.Catastrophizing is an intense, manageable form of worry requiring specific skills to address.
Breastfeeding Around The World | Cultural | Baby DomainBreastfeeding practices vary widely across cultures, influenced by societal norms, government support, and communal beliefs.
Readers reply: How do people manage to wear shorts all winter long?Certain individuals can endure cold in shorts due to personal comfort, heritage, and societal norms.Wearing shorts in winter can stem from historical clothing practices.
The Familiar Ingredients Vikings Used To Make Beer - Tasting TableVikings brewed beer primarily for safety, using basic ingredients and local botanicals, resulting in a drink integral to their culture and social life.
This surprisingly family-friendly tropical island holds valuable lessons for younger generationsMadagascar's northeastern wilderness showcases unique ecological beauty and cultural practices surrounding death.The region exemplifies how nature and ancestral traditions coexist in the Malagasy culture.
To Divine the Future, the Ancients Relied on These Chance-Based Fortune-Telling ToolsHumans have historically sought answers to personal uncertainty, similarly to using horoscopes or Magic 8 Balls.The Sortes Astrampsychi provided a structured fortune-telling system for individuals in ancient times.
All together now: chimps engage in contagious peeingUrinating is typically a private activity, yet it can become social, as seen in Japan with the term 'tsureshon'.
To Divine the Future, the Ancients Relied on These Chance-Based Fortune-Telling ToolsHumans have historically sought answers to personal uncertainty, similarly to using horoscopes or Magic 8 Balls.The Sortes Astrampsychi provided a structured fortune-telling system for individuals in ancient times.
All together now: chimps engage in contagious peeingUrinating is typically a private activity, yet it can become social, as seen in Japan with the term 'tsureshon'.
Women are the best to women': has Iceland found the antidote to toxic girlboss' feminism?Women supporting women has become a resonant principle in Iceland, promoting solidarity over competition.
My Dad's Life Fell Apart. When He Died, I Logged On To His Email And Made A Shocking Discovery.The narrative revolves around the emotional turmoil and complexities of grieving a father who lived a troubled life, culminating in his unexpected death.
Video: What are the Christmas traditions of Mission District residents?Holiday traditions in the Mission District reflect a blend of cultural practices centered around family and community.
My Dad's Life Fell Apart. When He Died, I Logged On To His Email And Made A Shocking Discovery.The narrative revolves around the emotional turmoil and complexities of grieving a father who lived a troubled life, culminating in his unexpected death.
Video: What are the Christmas traditions of Mission District residents?Holiday traditions in the Mission District reflect a blend of cultural practices centered around family and community.
Here's What A Quintessential Breakfast Looks Like In Egypt - Tasting TableEgyptian breakfast features specific traditional dishes like foul medames and aish baladi, showcasing cultural culinary practices that cater to various dietary needs.
I did 30 days post-birth confinement - a nanny took care of me and my babyPostpartum confinement provides a resting period for new mothers, enhancing recovery after childbirth.
'The Medicine My Ancestors Prayed For': Medi-Cal Now Covers Native Healing Practices | KQEDMedi-Cal expansion may enhance access to culturally appropriate care for Native Americans suffering from addiction.
How long is too long for Christmas decorationsThe duration of holiday decorations is subjective, influenced by personal preference and tradition rather than a strict timeline.
What Can be Owned?The philosophical problem of property examines what can and cannot be owned, emphasizing the need to understand ownership beyond legal frameworks.
Get a head start on New Year's resolutionsMany individuals reflect on personal changes after the holiday season ends.30% of U.S. adults make New Year's resolutions, with young adults being the most active in this tradition.
The Irish New Year's Tradition That Involves Throwing Bread At A Door - Tasting TableIrish New Year's Eve traditions combine cultural beliefs and superstitions, emphasizing history and good fortune for the upcoming year.
The family 'puke bowl' tradition is making some people gagThe family puke bowl tradition reflects unique Midwest cultural practices, eliciting both laughter and disbelief.
How Christmas is celebrated in 21 places around the worldThe Christmas celebrations around the world reflect unique cultural traditions and practices, varying greatly between countries.
Cross-legged low chair concept makes sitting on the floor easier and more fun - Yanko DesignThe Sway chair redefines sitting by blending traditional chair comfort with cross-legged sitting styles.It aims to enhance comfort and encourage lounging in a cross-legged position.
Study confirms Egyptians likely used hallucinogens in ritualsAncient Egyptians used hallucinogens in rituals, revealing their complex spiritual practices and beliefs about fertility and healing.
Dance was ubiquitous in ancient Rome. What was its meaning? | Aeon EssaysDance was integral to Roman society, influencing enterprises and expressing cultural identity.
Study confirms Egyptians likely used hallucinogens in ritualsAncient Egyptians used hallucinogens in rituals, revealing their complex spiritual practices and beliefs about fertility and healing.
Dance was ubiquitous in ancient Rome. What was its meaning? | Aeon EssaysDance was integral to Roman society, influencing enterprises and expressing cultural identity.
British Vs Hong Kong Milk Tea: What's The Difference? - Tasting TableTea offers a nutritious and delightful beverage choice with distinct regional styles, especially seen in British and Hong Kong milk tea.
When Christmas Was Legally Banned for 22 Years by the Puritans in Colonial MassachusettsChristmas, as a public celebration, is a modern invention shaped by cultural influences.
Best of How To: The Infrastructure of CommunityPhysical environments and willingness to connect dictate the quality of our relationships.
Readers Share Their Offbeat Holiday TraditionsPersonal holiday traditions enhance comfort and connection among families.
From tradition to innovation: CROPPS Symposium explores sustainable agriculture for hotter, drier climates | Cornell ChronicleIndigenous farming practices contain invaluable knowledge for modern agricultural resilience, especially in arid conditions.
How Mistletoe Became a Christmas Kissing TraditionMistletoe symbolizes love and romance, linked to ancient traditions and myths, most famously the custom of kissing beneath it during the holidays.
Must-have German household items DW 11/20/2024Bread and salt symbolize prosperity and stability during a German housewarming.House slippers, or 'Hausschuhe,' are essential for comfort in a German home.High-quality German knives from Solingen are renowned for their durability and sharpness.
Bad Sleep Could Stem From This Lonely Bedtime HabitAnimal sleep behavior reveals social influences on sleep patterns, observable in species like olive baboons and mice.Infant co-sleeping is prevalent in various cultures despite controversy, contrasting with Western views on self-reliance.
Pope Francis Wants to Save the Environment. He Can Start With a Tree.Environmentalists are urging Pope Francis to reconsider the relocation of a large tree for Christmas decorations to protect it from being cut down.
11 Gratitude Practices From Around the World That You May Want to BorrowGratitude is expressed uniquely across cultures, each with its own rituals and significance.
The Painful Pleasures of a Tattoo ConventionArt and community experiences are deeply tied to cultural practices and settings, as seen in the New York Tattoo Convention.
11 Gratitude Practices From Around the World That You May Want to BorrowGratitude is expressed uniquely across cultures, each with its own rituals and significance.
The Painful Pleasures of a Tattoo ConventionArt and community experiences are deeply tied to cultural practices and settings, as seen in the New York Tattoo Convention.
Readers reply: Why do windows in the UK open outwards?UK's outward-opening windows stem from historical practices and safety considerations, while other regions adopt inward-opening designs for easier cleaning and stability.
Chatting with the DeadDeathbots enable interaction with deceased individuals through AI chatbots, continuing a long tradition of connecting with the dead.
The case for sparing 46 million turkeys this ThanksgivingThe annual turkey pardon tradition raises ethical questions about animal rights and the human perceptions surrounding Thanksgiving dinner.
Chatting with the DeadDeathbots enable interaction with deceased individuals through AI chatbots, continuing a long tradition of connecting with the dead.
The case for sparing 46 million turkeys this ThanksgivingThe annual turkey pardon tradition raises ethical questions about animal rights and the human perceptions surrounding Thanksgiving dinner.
Opinion | The Ubiquitous Flower That Marks the Day of the DeadCempasuchil flowers symbolize life, death, and memory, especially during Day of the Dead in Mexico, connecting families across generations.
Designing for Death: The Bizarre Appeal of Aestheticizing the AfterlifeDesign is integral to how we memorialize death, bridging emotional gaps and shaping cultural narratives around mortality.
The Victorian Era Fork That Used To Rule Ice Cream Eating - Tasting TableVictorians demonstrated wealth through etiquette, notably with specialized utensils like the ice cream fork, which reflected their obsession with dining sophistication.
Is It Okay to Lick My Fingers at a Crab Boil?Licking your fingers at a crab boil is generally acceptable, as dining etiquette varies with context and the messiness of the meal.
What to Know About Tipping in Italy, According to an American Who's Lived There for 15 YearsTipping in Italy is not obligatory, but it is evolving and appreciated as a sign of gratitude for good service.
The Victorian Era Fork That Used To Rule Ice Cream Eating - Tasting TableVictorians demonstrated wealth through etiquette, notably with specialized utensils like the ice cream fork, which reflected their obsession with dining sophistication.
Is It Okay to Lick My Fingers at a Crab Boil?Licking your fingers at a crab boil is generally acceptable, as dining etiquette varies with context and the messiness of the meal.
What to Know About Tipping in Italy, According to an American Who's Lived There for 15 YearsTipping in Italy is not obligatory, but it is evolving and appreciated as a sign of gratitude for good service.
30 Days (of Soup) at a Postpartum HotelPostpartum recovery practices in Taiwan emphasize nutritious meals delivered by professionals to aid recovery.
This Is How Eggs Became The Ultimate Breakfast Staple - Tasting TableEggs are a historic breakfast staple tied to nutrition and energy for manual laborers, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations.
30 Days (of Soup) at a Postpartum HotelPostpartum recovery practices in Taiwan emphasize nutritious meals delivered by professionals to aid recovery.
This Is How Eggs Became The Ultimate Breakfast Staple - Tasting TableEggs are a historic breakfast staple tied to nutrition and energy for manual laborers, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations.
We need to talk about whether Trader Joe's counts as a pumpkin patchThe American Halloween pumpkin tradition evolved from Irish folklore and has become commercialized through grocery stores.The legitimacy of Trader Joe's as a pumpkin patch is debated, highlighting the clash between tradition and modern convenience.
7 favorite recipes for celebrating Day of the DeadPan de muerto is a traditional sweet bread symbolizing the connection between the living and the departed during the Día de Muertos celebration.
How to Bring the Light of Joy to OthersSukkot offers a unique approach to generating happiness, emphasizing humility, gratitude, and celebration even amidst personal suffering.
How much do you have to play with your kids?Parents often feel guilty for not playing enough with their kids, yet their involvement isn't always beneficial for child creativity.
We non-Jews us should follow the Yom Kippur tradition of asking for forgivenessYom Kippur serves as a reminder for all to acknowledge their sins and seek repentance regardless of faith.
I'm a lucid dreamer - I use it to stay in touch with my dead granddadLucid dreaming can lead to profound spiritual awakenings and personal insights, particularly in times of stress.
People Who Had An Arranged Marriage Are Sharing Their StoriesArranged marriages remain a common cultural practice worldwide, eliciting varied personal experiences that range from deep love to significant challenges.
Why do Spaniards eat so late?Spaniards have significantly later meal times compared to much of Europe influenced by historical time zone changes.
A teenage bride auctioned' for a record price: the child marriage that divided a nationCultural marriage practices in South Sudan often disregard the individual's right to choose, leading to controversies around consent and age.
The Guardian view on tackling FGM: as progress slows, efforts must be redoubled | EditorialFGM remains a critical issue globally, affecting 12,000 girls daily with serious health risks and violations of rights.
Indians celebrate elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha, remover of obstaclesDevotees celebrate Ganesha's birth during Ganesh Chaturthi, culminating in immersing idols in water while whispering their wishes to the deity.
Medieval Pilgrimages: It's All About the Journey - Medievalists.netChristianity was fundamentally integrated into the daily lives of medieval Europeans, influencing their practices, values, and spiritual journeys.
fromPsychology Today7 months agoA Brief History of SubmissionHistorical practices of submission have deep roots across cultures and time, often reflecting complex emotional states.
New interpretation of runes reveals Viking Age pricingThe Forsa Ring's inscription suggests a flexible Viking monetary system with a new interpretation revealing nuances in payment of fines.
Understanding The Conflict Of Interests Between Daughters-in-law And Mothers-in-law And How To Handle Them.The primary conflict in African marriages often arises from mothers-in-law prioritizing their interests over their sons' marriages, leading to interpersonal tensions.
Recipe for Philippines chicken adobo with rice adobong manok by Sri OwenThe best rice in rice-growing countries is plain steamed, not overcooked in foreign recipes.
Challenges and Solutions for Building Machine Learning SystemsChallenges in building ML systems are primarily in model creation and maintenance. MLOps involves cultural practices to bridge data science and ML engineering.
"Kaffepause" Is the Relaxing Norwegian Habit You Need to Try TomorrowExperience the Norwegian kaffepause to shift from rushed coffee consumption to a ritual focused on connection and coziness.