History Articles

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History of the Poinsettia

Where does the poinsettia come from? Where was this traditional Christmas plant discovered? Are...
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Quarter Days and Cross-Quarter Days

Ever wonder how Groundhog Day got started, why weddings were traditionally in June, or why we hold...
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Independence Day (USA): Fourth of July

What is the real meaning behind the Fourth of July? Get Independence Day (U.S.) dates, a brief...
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When Is Grandparents Day 2018?

Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Take the time to honor...
Groundhog Day: Will the Groundhog See His Shadow?

Groundhog Day 2018: Will the Groundhog See His Shadow?

Will the groundhog see his shadow this year? What is the meaning of Groundhog Day—and why do we...
Flag Day June 14

Flag Day: Celebration of the American Flag

What is Flag Day? Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs on its anniversary,...
Father and Daughter

The History of Father's Day

Though Father’s Day wasn’t made a national holiday until 1972, the efforts of one woman in...
Almanacs in America

The Almanac in America

In all my years of experience in publishing The Old Farmer’s Almanac, holding one up before a...
Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the Almanac, and a Murder Trial

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12 in 1809, pursued a legal career before turning to a political...
Walking Down the Aisle

Why Are Wedding Dresses White?

Why are wedding dresses white, and what are wedding dress color meanings? Find out about the...
Ethnic Breads for Christmas, New Years, Easter, and More

Ethnic Bread Recipes for the Holidays

Certain holidays are accompanied by traditional, ethnic recipes, many of which are for baking bread...
Mark Twain

Interesting Facts About Mark Twain

November 30 is the birthday of Mark Twain, born in 1835. Here are 10 curious facts about his life...
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Sarah Josepha Hale: Godmother of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! While you are being grateful for your food, friends, and family, take a little...
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Timeline of The Old Farmer's Almanac—and America!

People often ask how and why this Almanac has lasted. Here’s the answer in an interactive timeline...
The Process of Pickling

History of Pickling and Pickling Spices

If you love pickles, you will be as intrigued as to learn about the history of pickling and...
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Origin of Day Names

The days of the week were named by the Romans with the Latin words for the Sun, the Moon, and the...
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The History of Shaving and Beards

Methods of shaving have changed significantly throughout history, and perceptions of facial hair...
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Sourdough Starters and Recipes

The early pioneers used yeast batters to make their distinctive sourdough, and the “tang” of their...
History of Switchel

A History of Switchel

Switchel, or haymaker’s punch, is an old-fashioned summer drink that carries great history. This...
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Left-Hander's Day: August 13

August 13 is Left-Handers Day! If you or the lefties in your life feel excluded, forgotten, or even...
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Best Pancake Recipes

Some of the best homemade pancake recipes are also the simplest. One easy buttermilk pancake recipe...
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Summer Heat Wave of 1936

Eighty years ago as of July 2016, a blistering heat wave hit the eastern seaboard. We may complain...
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How Not to Rob a Bank

With tongue in cheek, we present here six easy rules to follow when robbing a bank, along with...
Origin of month names-Thinkstock

Origin of Month Names

What is the origin of the calendar months’ names? Read on. JANUARY Named for the Roman god Janus,...
History of ice cream-Thinkstock

The History of Ice Cream

The history of ice cream is a messy one. Many nations claim to have invented it, just as various...
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Etiquette and Manners in the Victorian Era

There were countless rules of social manners and etiquette during the Victorian Era, and they now...
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How Appearance Determines Personality

Judging by this document published in Brookfield, Massachusetts in 1816, a bushy eyebrow shows you...
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History of American Cosmetics

The history of cosmetics in the United States is a fascinating one, as standards of beauty have...
Hair

Homemade Hair Treatments, Lotions, and Nail Care

All-natural homemade treatments can help you not to break the bank, especially with these easy and...
Remembering the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake-HD Chadwick, Wikimedia Commons

Remembering the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

 At 5:12 A.M. on Wednesday, April 18, 1906, an earthquake woke up residents of San Francisco and...
saint-nicholas

When Is St. Nicholas Day?

Was St. Nicholas real? Actually, he was! Find out about the history of St. Nicholas (and St....
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Natural Beauty Treatments: History and Recipes

For centuries, women have been using fruits, vegetables and other natural products for their beauty...
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Garlic's History of Healing

You might know garlic simply as your favorite fall crop, but it also has a long history of healing...
Gold Trophy

Weird, Wacky, and Wicked Fun Contests

We searched for some of the most obscure contests held throughout North America. Bored at a family...
Why the Week has Seven Days

Why the Week Has Seven Days

No more logic supports seven days than, say eight or five, yet the seven-day week has resisted any...
Charleston Earthquake

Famous Earthquakes in History

Alaska's “Good Friday” Earthquake At 10:36 p.m., March 27, 1964 one hour and ten minutes after...