1. Washington You can’t hear “Washington” without thinking of George himself, but this surname goes far beyond the first president. After emancipation, many formerly enslaved people took the name Washington as a powerful symbol of freedom and dignity. It was […]
1. The Egyptian “Ren” Naming Rite In ancient Egypt, your ren—or true name—was believed to be tied directly to your soul and your destiny. Naming a child wasn’t something parents did casually; it often involved consultation with priests and even
1. Kente Cloth in West Africa If you’ve ever seen someone wearing Kente cloth, you know how striking it is—the bold patterns, the vivid colors, the intricate weaving. Long before fashion runways, Kente was worn by royalty in the Ashanti
1. Japan In Japan, silence isn’t just golden—it’s expected. Whether you’re on a crowded train or standing in line at the convenience store, talking too loudly can turn heads for all the wrong reasons. Commuters often wear headphones or simply
1. Ayds Reducing Plan Candy Back in the ’70s and early ’80s, Ayds candy was marketed as a delicious way to suppress your appetite and help you lose weight. The chewy caramels came in a little box and were supposed
1. Coloring Their Hair Once upon a time, showing up to school with a streak of blue or pink in your hair was seen as a full-on rebellion. Teachers would gasp, principals would call parents, and in some extreme cases,
1. Sneaking into an R-rated Movie Back in the ’70s, a lot of us found ourselves peeking around the corner at the box office, hoping the ticket guy wouldn’t ask for proof of age. It wasn’t that we wanted to
