Korean
folktales often incorporate unique cultural elements and supernatural
beings that reflect the traditions and beliefs of the Far East. Unlike Western
myths, which may focus on gods and heroes, Korean folktales can include
whimsical and humorous explanations for natural phenomena, such as the tale
"Runny
Nose," which offers a fantastical reason for why people get runny
noses when they catch a cold.
The Codex
Gigas, also known as the "Devil's
Bible," is a 13th-century medieval manuscript renowned for its
enormous size and the eerie legend that surrounds it. Created in Bohemia, it
features a full-page illustration of the devil, sparking numerous myths. The
manuscript includes the complete Latin Bible, various religious texts, medical
recipes, and more. It is believed to have been produced in the Benedictine or
Cistercian monastery. Despite its mysterious origins, the Codex Gigas remains a
masterpiece of medieval bookmaking and is housed at the National Library of
Sweden.
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StevenJay Russell, born in 1957, is a notorious con artist known for his multiple
prison escapes and various frauds. His ability to outsmart prison security and
law enforcement earned him the nickname "The Great Escape Artist."
Russell's life has inspired many, including the movie "I Love You Phillip
Morris"
In the 19th century, leech collectors, also known as leech gatherers or finders, played a crucial role in the medical field. They collected leeches from ponds using horses' legs or their own as bait. These leeches were then sold to pharmacists and physicians for bloodletting, a common medical practice believed to restore health by balancing bodily humors. Despite the risks and hardships, including significant blood loss, leech collecting was a widespread profession until advancements in medicine rendered it obsolete.
Execution by elephant was a form of capital punishment used for over 2000 years across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Elephants, seen as symbols of royal power, were trained to inflict pain and death in various gruesome ways. This practice was a display of authority and a method of public torment. Historical records highlight its use in India, Sri Lanka, and the Mughal Empire, among others.
Read more about Death by Elephant
The
term "Friend
of Dorothy" emerged as a coded way for LGBTQ+ individuals to
identify each other during times of social and legal oppression. Its origins
are linked to "The Wizard of Oz" books and film, with Judy Garland
and Dorothy Parker playing significant roles in its adoption. The term's usage
persisted through military settings, where it became a discreet way for gay
service members to connect. While less needed today, it remains a symbol of
resilience and community within LGBTQ+ history.
Explore the fascinating world of 20 bizarre and now-obsolete customs, from devil-jumping over babies during the Feast of Corpus Christi to self-mummification by Buddhist monks. Discover how elephants were used as executioners, the dangerous fashion of the hobble skirt, and the extravagant Macaroni style. Learn about medieval justice through trial by ordeal, the use of leeches for bloodletting, and other peculiar traditions that reveal the values and beliefs of past societies.
20 Weird And Strange Customs No Longer Practiced Today
The Stone Age, spanning from approximately 3.4 million years ago to around 3300 BCE, is often associated with the development of early human tools and the emergence of human societies. It was a pivotal era in human history marked by significant cultural and technological developments. It witnessed the emergence of Homo sapiens as adept and resourceful beings.
Alongside advancements in hunting and toolmaking, archaeological evidence suggests that Stone Age communities living near water bodies adapted to aquatic environments, developing rudimentary swimming skills. The existence of swimming scenes in Stone Age Rock Art implies that these activities held cultural significance. Swimming may have played a role in rituals, ceremonies, or as a communal bonding experience.
Mami Wata, a water spirit prominent in West, Central, and Southern African folklore, is associated with numerous legends. While the exact number of stories may vary depending on the cultural context and region, there are countless tales involving Mami Wata, each reflecting different aspects of her character and powers.
Andrei Chikatilo, known as “The Red Ripper,” “The Butcher of Rostov” and the “The Rostov Ripper,” was a Soviet serial killer known for committing sexual assaults, murders, and mutilations of women and children between 1978 and 1990. The killer confessed to at least 52 of the homicides and in April 1992 was tried for 53 of them. After being convicted and sentenced for 52 deaths, he was executed in 1994.
Nestled deep within Belize's lush jungles lies the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, also known as the Midnight Terror Cave. Explored by archaeologists since 1989, this cave reveals an intriguing glimpse into ancient Maya civilization. Inside, artifacts and human remains dating back to 250 A.D. shed light on Maya religious practices and sacrificial rituals. Despite facing challenges from tourism and preservation, the Belize government remains committed to safeguarding this invaluable historical site.
The Brethren of the Free Spirit, a medieval mystical movement, emerged in late medieval Europe challenging established religious structures and advocating for direct communion with the divine. Rooted in Christian spirituality, they believed in the inherent divinity of all individuals, rejecting the need for intermediaries like priests. Despite facing persecution for their radical beliefs and lifestyle, they left a lasting impact on Christian mysticism and theological thought, influencing later movements like the Protestant Reformation.
During the tumultuous era of Medieval Europe, amidst floods, famines, and natural disasters, a bizarre phenomenon emerged: the Medieval Dance Mania. Different from Tarantism and the Dancing Plague, these outbreaks saw people uncontrollably dancing to exhaustion, often resulting in death. Despite numerous theories ranging from mass hysteria to fungal poisoning, the cause remains elusive.
The Oklo-reactors in Gabon, Africa, are natural nuclear reactors dating back over two billion years. They are considered Earth's first natural nuclear reactors due to their unique geological and biological conditions, sustaining slow nuclear fission through a balance of uranium, water, and ancient microbes.
Tassili n’Ajjer, nestled within Algeria's Sahara Desert, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning rock formations and ancient art. Over millions of years, wind and water sculpted the landscape, forming towering cliffs and natural arches. The site boasts over 15,000 petroglyphs, spanning 10,000 years of human history, offering insights into ancient cultures and their adaptation to changing environments. From depictions of large fauna during lush periods to desert-adapted animals in drier times, the art reflects the region's climatic shifts. Today, conservation efforts aim to protect this cultural treasure for future generations.
Journey through time to explore the captivating origins of religious automata, a tale that spans from the introduction of the term "robot" by Karel Čapek to the mysterious rituals of Ancient Egypt. Discover how Čapek's groundbreaking play "RUR" laid the foundation for our modern understanding of robots, while ancient civilizations ingeniously crafted mechanical marvels for religious ceremonies. From statues that mimicked human movements to devices designed for temple rituals, delve into the fascinating history of humanity's quest to blend technology and spirituality.
This exploration into the history of ketchup delves into its surprising Chinese roots, tracing back to a concoction of fish intestines and stomachs. The journey unfolds through the evolution of early ketchup recipes in China to the incorporation of ingredients like cherries and walnuts in England. The tale climaxes with the introduction of tomatoes in the 19th century and the eventual commercialization of ketchup, led by pioneers like Heinz.
The history of the umbrella is a fascinating journey through time, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to its modern-day ubiquity. Initially conceived as a means of protection against the sun, the umbrella evolved over millennia, serving various purposes and undergoing technological advancements that have shaped its form and function.
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