Culture

Unique traditions, customs, and social practices from different cultures and time periods.

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Ancient Roman soldiers would drink vinegar mixed with water as an energy drink.

This mixture, called posca, was a standard military drink that helped prevent waterborne illness and provided energy. The...

Read more: Ancient Roman soldiers would drink vinegar mixed with water as an energy drink.

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Japanese businessmen would hire ‘wakaresaseya’ (breakup agents) to end relationships.

These professional relationship breakers would be hired to orchestrate situations leading to breakups or divorces. This practice emerged...

Read more: Japanese businessmen would hire ‘wakaresaseya’ (breakup agents) to end relationships.

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The Aztecs believed turquoise would prevent illness if inserted in the nose.

They would place small pieces of turquoise in their nose piercings, believing it would ward off sickness. This...

Read more: The Aztecs believed turquoise would prevent illness if inserted in the nose.

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Ancient Chinese nobles wore jade plugs in their ears while sleeping.

These jade ear plugs were believed to improve sleep quality and protect against evil spirits. The practice was...

Read more: Ancient Chinese nobles wore jade plugs in their ears while sleeping.

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In medieval Europe, eels were sometimes accepted as rental payment.

Some tenants could pay their rent in eels, which were highly valued. Specific numbers of eels were required...

Read more: In medieval Europe, eels were sometimes accepted as rental payment.

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The Aztecs would punish drunkenness among the elderly with death, but younger people only faced fines.

This age-based justice system reflected the belief that older people should set better examples. Young people caught drinking...

Read more: The Aztecs would punish drunkenness among the elderly with death, but younger people only faced fines.

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In ancient Sparta, marriage ceremonies included ritual bride kidnapping.

The bride would be kidnapped as part of the wedding ceremony, and the marriage was consummated before she...

Read more: In ancient Sparta, marriage ceremonies included ritual bride kidnapping.

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Medieval Japanese samurai would practice meditation while sitting under cold waterfalls.

This practice, called takigyo, was believed to purify the spirit and strengthen resolve. Practitioners would sit under freezing...

Read more: Medieval Japanese samurai would practice meditation while sitting under cold waterfalls.

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In ancient Sparta, unmarried men were banned from watching sporting events.

Bachelor men faced various social penalties, including being barred from certain public events. They were also required to...

Read more: In ancient Sparta, unmarried men were banned from watching sporting events.