Category
Things we think
Uncover the history behind beliefs, superstitions, and ideas that still shape how we think today.
15 Articles
Things we think
Who Cursed Friday the 13th?
Buildings skip the thirteenth floor and nobody can tell you why. Four suspects, one of them a real atrocity — and the answer is not the one everybody gives.
Things we think
Origins of Emperors, Kings, Kaisers, Rex, and Dictators
The words we use for rulers reveal the complex history of power and governance. Trace the linguistic roots of titles that shaped civilizations across centuries.
Things we think
The Lucky, Protective Powers of The Horseshoe
Hanging a horseshoe over your door is a tradition spanning continents and centuries. The belief in its protective power blends blacksmith mythology, iron magic, and Christian legend.
Things we think
The Black Cat from Egyptian God to Evil Omen
Once revered as sacred beings in ancient Egypt, black cats endured a dramatic reversal of fortune in medieval Europe. Explore how superstition transformed gods into omens.
Things we think
The Rebirth of Chocolate Bunnies and Easter Eggs
Some Easter traditions seem disconnected from the religious meaning. In particular, the rebirth traditions of chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs.
Things we think
Sleeping Beauty Waking Up Through The Ages
Sleeping Beauty waking up with a prince kiss is a tale millions of kids have enjoyed through the ages. In fact, the story has been enjoyed for many more years than people think! We all know the Disney
Things we think
The First and Oldest Republics
There are many countries in the world that claim to be the first “true” Republic. Whether they are right or not, the concept of Republic is a very old one. In fact, different civilizations have adopte
Things we think
America and The Naming of a New Continent
The Romans and the Vikings were probably the first non-natives to visit the Americas. Although not a well known fact, Roman coins were found in Canada, Florida and South America. Whether Romans did vi
Things we think
Who Discovered Pi 3.141592…?
We take the number Pi for granted as we take for granted all the perfect round shapes that surround us. We celebrated Pi on March 14 while we probably were annoyed by it in school. Still, Pi remains o
Things we think
The Misfortune of Walking Under a Ladder
Walking under a ladder is considered really bad luck, which really makes sense. The ladder might fall and cause harm to the daring soul who wants to challenge this superstition. Is the superstition ju
Things we think
When Did We Start Women’s Day?
March 8th in most of the world is International Women’s day. A day were Women all of the world are celebrated. When did it start? Was there something similar in the past? What is the history behind it
Things we think
What is The Story of The Irish Shamrock?
In March finding a Shamrock is considered very lucky. The three leaves of a Shamrock are meant to represent hope, faith and love. A great omen. However, only the rare four leave clover is considered a
Things we think
Where Do Knights Come From?
We all associate knights with chivalric tales of the Middle Ages: men in shiny armor who loved to joust and save damsels in distress. But who were the first knights, what did they do, and where have t
Things we think
What is The Senate? Where Does it Come From?
Where does the senate come from? Why do some states have a Senate? The senate is an old institution that has been around for thousands of years.
Things we think
Why Would Knocking on Wood Bring me Luck?
Why do we knock on wood for good luck or to ward off bad luck? Different Origins, Similar Meanings There are a couple of theories but most likely all lead to the same origin of this superstitious gest