History Archives - Page 4 of 8

The Secret Samhain Origins of Trick-or-Treating

October 26th, 2023

Millions of children will go trick-or-treating this Halloween, and unbeknownst to many of them, they'll be engaging in a practice thousands of years old, dating back to the Samhain in pre-Christian Europe.

Pagan & Wiccan 44 Comments

How Sea Monsters in the Bible Inspired Modern Mysteries

August 25th, 2023

When it comes to fascinating and mysterious creatures, few can rival the allure of sea monsters. But did you know that many modern perceptions of sea monsters have their roots in ancient biblical texts?

ULC Minister Training & Education 29 Comments

Burn After Reading: History of the Marijuana Tax Act

July 31st, 2023

August 2nd is the 86th anniversary of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which made recreational marijuana use and sale all but illegal in the United States. Almost a century later, what is the legacy of that legislation?

Political & Religious Controversy 97 Comments

The Real History of the Little Mermaid

May 26th, 2023

With the release of Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid on the horizon, some are criticizing the casting of black actress Halle Bailey as unscientific or inaccurate to the original Danish folktale.

Political & Religious Controversy 105 Comments

Ancient Judaism Recognized Wide Variety of Genders, Scholars Say

March 22nd, 2023

Did Jews in the second century have a more nuanced and complex understanding than we do now? Religious scholars say that ancient Judaism recognized eight different genders, far more than the binary view we have today.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 151 Comments

Top 10 Myths About Saint Patrick's Day, Debunked

March 8th, 2023

Saint Patrick’s Day is known for green Guinness, parades, and lots of corned beef. You might think know all there is to know about this holiday's namesake, Saint Patrick. But here’s the thing… you’re probably wrong.

ULC Minister Training & Education 53 Comments

Was Christmas Invented by Pagans in Ancient Rome?

December 22nd, 2022

Did you know that the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday around the 25th of December each year? It has some eery similarities to the modern celebration of Christmas, too. Is it possible the Romans invented Christmas?

ULC Minister Training & Education 153 Comments

The Secret Story of the Original War on Christmas

December 9th, 2022

Did you know that the first 'War on Christmas' was started by the Puritans? We may view our seasonal Christmas squabbles as a modern phenomenon, but the Puritans were trying to cancel Christmas all the way back in 1659.

Pagan & Wiccan 22 Comments

Ever Heard of the 'Slave Bible'? How Christians Used the Sacred Text to Support Slavery

October 22nd, 2022

Have you heard of the 'Slave Bible'? Used by Christian colonizers in the British West Indies, this controversial version of the Bible was edited to remove all references to freedom or slave liberation.

Christian 40 Comments

The Creepy History of Halloween Costumes

October 19th, 2022

Many might believe that the tradition of dressing up in a Halloween costume on October 31st is a modern one, but the roots of Halloween costumes run almost as deep as the roots of Halloween itself.

Pagan & Wiccan 46 Comments

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