The Surprising History of Ketchup
Sure, ketchup is a beloved condiment in America today, but ketchup's origins are actually ancient. Discover the surprising history of the sauce.
The History Behind 13 Popular Easter Traditions
From coloring eggs to gifting baskets full of candy, here's the history behind your favorite Easter traditions
Why Are Roses So Popular for Valentine’s Day?
Why do we give these tokens of love (or friendship) on Valentine's Day? There's more to the lore and logistics...
How Every State Capital Got Its Name
"Juneau" the origin stories behind all the state capitals? Keep reading, and you will!
What Is the Electoral Count Act—and Why Did the House Vote to Reform It?
Updating the 135-year-old Electoral Count Act could help safeguard future presidential elections. Here’s how.
20 Best History Documentaries to Stream Now
Don't know much about history? These fascinating documentaries are a great way to immerse yourself in events that shaped the...
Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: The Meaning Behind This Wedding Objection
While it's uncommon to hear "speak now or forever hold your peace" nowadays, the phrase once served an important purpose...
When Is Mother’s Day, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Memorize this date—and don't forget to call your mom!
What Is Cinco de Mayo and Why Do We Celebrate It?
The history of Cinco de Mayo dates back to a mid-19th-century battle fought in Mexico. Here's how it evolved into...
What Is Easter, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Here's everything you need to know about what Easter is and how the holiday began
April Fools’ Day: How Did It Start, and Why Is It April 1?
The origins of the prank-lovers' favorite holiday are murky. In fact, it's possible that the entire concept of April Fools'...
When Is Memorial Day 2023, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
It's not just the unofficial beginning of summer. Read up on this holiday's meaning and history before Memorial Day 2023...
The Complicated Ukraine-Russia War, Explained in Simple Terms
As war erupted in Ukraine, many people wondered how things got to this point. Here, we break down Russia and...
Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?
It's a question many have about the U.S.'s highest court—and the rationale dates back to America's founding.
Why Do Justices Wear Black Robes?
We looked back in history to figure out why Supreme Court justices wear black robes—and where the tradition of robes...
How Many Justices Are on the Supreme Court?
There's a set number now, but it has fluctuated since the late 18th century.
13 of the Weirdest Discoveries Archaeologists Have Made
Relics left behind by ancient humans are typically broken, buried, and hard to identify, but then there are some that...
14 Olympic Moments That Changed History
These inspirational and controversial Olympic moments have left the deepest impressions on the world—and the Games themselves.
What Do the Olympic Rings Symbolize?
The famous Olympic rings logo is more than 100 years old, but its symbolism is ageless.
Why Is Cupid the Symbol of Valentine’s Day?
Cupid is forever linked to Valentine's Day, but how much do you know about this chubby mythical matchmaker?
100 Things Turning 100 in 2022
It’s a big deal to celebrate such a big number, and we should know, because Reader’s Digest is turning 100...
The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols
How did decorated trees, cut-out cookies and stockings by the fireplace become Christmas symbols?
What Is Christmas, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
Christmas is America's No. 1 favorite holiday—85% of us celebrate it. Here's how Christmas started and why we have the...
Thanksgiving Turkey Wishbone: Why We Break It and How to Find It
Here's what to know about the timeless Thanksgiving tradition of breaking the turkey wishbone—and how to win this turkey face-off.
The Real History of Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving isn't the rosy story from your childhood. Here's what really happened and the truth about some...
Everything to Know About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022
The annual event marks the Thanksgiving holiday and kicks off the Christmas season. Here's when and how to watch it.
When Is Thanksgiving 2023, and Why Do We Celebrate It?
There's a lot more to this popular holiday than handprint turkeys and pumpkin pie. Here's what to know going into...
15 Podcasts Guaranteed to Make You Feel Smarter
Get smarter in your spare time with these educational and entertaining podcasts.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day: 5 Things You Need to Know
President Biden officially proclaimed October 10 Indigenous Peoples' Day, but Columbus Day is not behind us yet. Here's why.
24 Famous Hispanic Americans Who Made History
During Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, take a look at just a few notable Hispanic Americans who have changed the...
The History of Jack-o’-Lanterns and How They Became a Halloween Tradition
Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween? This fun tradition dates way, way back to ancient customs and a spooky...
