1. The Venetian “Scaletta” – A Skin-Smoothing Staircase In Renaissance Venice, beauty routines were nothing short of theatrical, and the “scaletta,” or beauty staircase, was one of the more unusual tools used. Women would climb these wooden steps, which were […]
1. No Shoes Allowed in Japan In Japan, it’s considered improper to wear shoes inside schools, and this rule extends to almost every building, from homes to offices. Students change into indoor slippers before entering the classroom, and they must
1. Roman Baths: Public Hygiene, Socializing, and Relaxation In ancient Rome, public baths were more than just a place to clean up—they were a social hub. People would gather in these massive, often luxurious, bathhouses to bathe, exercise, and chat
1. Chicken Sexer During the Great Depression, one rather unusual job that became essential was chicken sexing. This task involved determining the sex of newly hatched chicks, a critical part of the poultry industry. Male chicks were often seen as
1. The Jewish Bar and Bat Mitzvah For centuries, the Bar Mitzvah (for boys) and Bat Mitzvah (for girls) have been central to Jewish tradition, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood at the age of 13 for boys and
1. Ketchup Ketchup, a beloved condiment, was actually born out of necessity. In the early 19th century, when fresh tomatoes were not readily available, a recipe for a tomato-based sauce was created using fermented fish brine. It was an attempt
1. Cigarettes for Calm Back in the day, it was common for doctors to recommend cigarettes as a way to relieve stress and calm nerves. Tobacco companies even marketed cigarettes as a soothing remedy, claiming they helped to ease anxiety.
