How Did Evergreen Trees Become a Christmas Symbol?
Discover the origins of the Christmas tree tradition that brings joy to millions each season.
BIG QUESTIONS
Why Do the Lions and Cowboys Always Play on Thanksgiving?
Why do the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always take to the field for a Thanksgiving football game? Because it’s tradition! But how did this tradition begin?
Why Do We Cook So Many Foods at 350 Degrees?
There’s science behind that seemingly random number.
Living Room vs. Family Room vs. Den: What’s the Difference?
You can binge Netflix in any room you like, but there are some key differences between these living areas.
Where Does the Phrase ‘Beyond the Pale’ Come From?
To get to the answer, we need to discuss Latin, wooden stakes, Catherine the Great, and, of course, Shakespeare.
Why Does ’Phony’ Mean Fake?
The origins of the term come from the Irish word for “ring.”
Why Do English Cucumbers Come Wrapped in Plastic?
English cucumbers have a few qualities that make them superior to regular cucumbers, but one causes some problems, too.
How Many Continents Are There?
You may have been taught that Earth has seven continents. Or is it six? Or eight?
Where Do Online Orders Go When You Return Them?
The fate of your unwanted air fryer, explained.
Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What’s the Difference?
Here's how to tell frostbite symptoms from hypothermia symptoms.
Tsunami vs. Tidal Wave: What’s the Difference?
Tsunamis and tidal waves may look similar, but they differ in crucial ways.
What Do Dryer Sheets Actually Do?
Whether you’re trying to get rid of wrinkles or reduce static electricity, dryer sheets can be useful in more ways than you might expect.
Should You Remove Your Dog’s Collar When at Home?
There are several important factors to take into consideration. And if your dog does wear a collar, you need to make sure it fits well and is safe.
Why Do We Eat Cranberry Sauce on Thanksgiving?
Your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce—be it homemade or Ocean Spray’s canned classic—is all part of America’s history.
Why Do Cats Cover Their Faces While Sleeping?
There are several reasons why cats have this adorable habit.
What Do Referees Do Between Periods of a Game?
Spoiler alert: They’re not just sitting around.
What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are meant to celebrate military veterans, but there's one important distinction you should remember.
Can You Really Get Your Tongue Stuck to a Metal Pole?
As anyone who has seen ‘A Christmas Story’ knows, licking a cold metal object can be dangerous. Here’s why you should never stick your tongue to a metal pole in winter.
How Did Mary Jane Shoes Get Their Name?
Mary Janes have an early-20th-century comic strip to thank for their name.
Neanderthal vs. Cro-Magnon: What’s the Difference?
These prehistoric members of our genus, ‘Homo,’ occupy different branches of the human family tree.
Why is 12 of Something Called “a Dozen”?
As with many words, we have Latin to thank.
Why Is It Called a ‘Grandfather Clock’?
The imposing clocks have an origin story, but it doesn't have much to do with any actual grandfathers.