For years, Santa Claus has been busy “making his list and checking it twice,” but the man in the red suit has come a long way from his humble beginnings to the Santa the world knows and loves today.
Tag: Religion
“O Tannenbaum:” A Closer Look at the History of Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are a beloved tradition for people all over the world, symbolizing the end of the year and the joy of the holiday season. Long thought of as a religious symbol, it may come as a surprise that the earliest origin of the Christmas tree dates back to ancient, paganistic rituals.
China’s Yuncheng Salt Lake: A Kaleidoscope of Color
For thousands of years, Yuncheng Salt Lake has served as an important source of salt for residents all over China. Located in the Shanxi Province in Northern China, the lake, nicknamed “China’s Dead Sea,” has been the focus of numerous wars, territorial disputes, and religious traditions for over 4,000 years. Ancient people even worshipped “salt gods” in nearby temples to pay homage to the lake.
Feet in the Clouds: Walking Vietnam’s Golden Bridge
Nestled just outside of the city of Da Nang, Vietnam’s Golden Bridge may be the world’s most unique footbridge. It connects the nearby cable car station to the beautiful gardens of the Bà Nà Hills Resort. Set against a backdrop of lush, fantastical scenery, the bridge rises from the ground, supported by two giant hands.
The Magic Tree of Bali’s Skull Island
Bali island in Indonesia is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal waters, and dazzling tropical landscapes. The village of Trunyan, however, practices a not-so tourist-friendly tradition that may come as a surprise to the island’s usual sunseekers.
The Haunting History of Halloween
Halloween is one of the most popular days of the year – when revelers dress up in clever costumes and gorge themselves on candy and delicious fall treats. It is not just another modern holiday, however. It can be traced back over 2,000 years to a supernatural Celtic festival called “Samhain.”
Day of the Dead: Bringing Culture and Tradition to Life
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a multi-day celebration of all five senses. Contrary to the somber tone that its name implies, the holiday is treasured in Mexican culture as an opportunity to honor the dead while celebrating the joy of life.
The Vanishing Tradition of the Kulung Honey Hunters
For centuries, the Kulung people in eastern Nepal have harvested the honey from the Himalayan honey bees. Not a remarkable feat, except for the fact the harvesters must scale the sheer cliffs of the Himalayas – hundreds of feet or more – to reach the hives.
Kryžių Kalnas: Lithuania’s Eerie Hill of 100,000 Crosses
Just outside the small city of Šiauliai stands a small hill with a big history. Kryžių Kalnas, or “The Hill of Crosses,” rises proudly from the landscape as the national pilgrimage center of Lithuania and a beacon of the nation’s rich history and tradition.
The Giant Buddha of Leshan in the Sichuan Province of China
Looking down on the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers in the Sichuan Province of China, the “Leshan Giant Buddha” is the largest cliff rock carving Maitreya Buddha statue in the world. “Da Fo,” as this stone behemoth is also known, measures over 233 feet (71 meters) tall.