Questions tagged [traditions]
A belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time
14
questions
1
vote
2answers
33 views
Has divine prowess always been considered a factor in determining the outcome of wars?
In reading both fiction and nonfiction materials over the years, involving Egyptian, Roman, Persian, Greek, and Jewish cultures, I have seen statements to the effect that the locals believed their war ...
5
votes
2answers
114 views
What is the origin of a common Christmas tree quotation concerning an old Babylonish fable about an evergreen tree?
Searching for "evergreen tree which sprang out of a dead tree stump" gets nearly 3000 hits.
The Seed of the Woman and the Power of Darkness - Donbor Syiemlieh - Google Books is an example:
&...
2
votes
1answer
63 views
Way to measure the probability a story evolving in a given culture
I am wondering if there exists a way to get a numerical estimate of the probability of whether or not a given society will evolve a story with certain characteristics within a certain amount of time. ...
2
votes
1answer
184 views
What is the significance of soy beans in the Japanese custom of Setsubun?
During the Setsubun festival in February, it is customary to 'cast out' roasted soy beans and say,
"Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("鬼は外！福は内！", "Oni go out! Blessings come in!").
What is the ...
4
votes
1answer
108 views
Why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day and get pinched if we don't?
Wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is a tradition. No questions asked, just do it, kinda thing. So, as I'm running away to ask this, in my green shirt (it says "WORLD'S TALLEST LEPRECHAUN), I came to ...
7
votes
3answers
212 views
When and why did necromancy became a bad thing?
Talking about Europe and cultures that influenced it...
Why and since when was the revival of the dead considered evil?
In Greek mythology bringing back a loved one is hard or comes at a price, but ...
6
votes
2answers
129 views
Why do we "trick or treat" on Halloween?
On Halloween, children in masks and costumes visit houses and ask for treats, using the phrase "trick or treat".
How did the tradition get started, and does it stem from the pagan festivals that ...
4
votes
1answer
134 views
Why do we dress up to celebrate Halloween?
Why do people wear elaborate masks and costumes to celebrate Halloween?
Did people dress up during the pagan festivals that inspired Halloween, or is the practice a modern addition?
12
votes
2answers
4k views
What is the origin of the story that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole?
Can the traditional location of Santa Claus home and workshop be traced to older folklore stories, or is it a modern invention, a piece of fakelore?
4
votes
1answer
462 views
Why are poinsettias associated with Christmas?
The site Poinsettia Facts associates the flower with Christmas:
No flower says Christmas like the beautiful poinsettia. Learn a few facts about this traditional Christmas plant.
Today the plant is ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
Why do Ethiopians play gena on Christmas?
Traditionally, people in Ethiopia play gena - a rugby/field hockey like game - on Christmas day.
Where does this tradition come from?
6
votes
2answers
239 views
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?
Why do people kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas?
Where does the tradition come from?
2
votes
1answer
284 views
Are There Pagan Roots of Christmas Traditions?
Why do we celebrate Christmas as we do today? What do the Christmas symbols mean: Santa, an evergreen tree, adornments, bells, mistletoe, reindeer, elves, socks filled with gourmet... where do they ...
6
votes
1answer
421 views
Ηοw is the pomegranate connected with New Year's celebrations?
I flew to Crete on New Year's Eve, and the flight crew offered all of us a pomegranate and instructed us to break it open at midnight.
What's the story there? How is the pomegranate connected with ...
