Did You Know?
Japanese Samurai would practice ‘tsujigiri’ – testing new swords on random passersby.
This practice, literally meaning 'crossroads killing,' was eventually banned in the 17th century. Samurai would test their newly-made swords on unsuspecting civilians to ensure the blade's quality. This brutal custom reflected the extreme power imbalance in feudal Japanese society.
Did You Know?
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...
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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...
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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...