History Schmistory, April 5: Bring Me Back Some Scones!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1621Â –Â Mayflower sails from Plymouth on a return trip to England.
Culture Buzz: Savage Easter
Friday, April 4, 2025
In the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary it is an Easter tradition to torment women for the day. This typically includes dousing them with water and/or lightly spanking them. Seriously. Somehow, symbolically the ritual is meant to keep them young and fertile, derived from an old medieval tradition that probably should’ve stayed just that. Though most observe the tradition playfully, there are always a few who ruin it for everyone. So, to be safe, many ladies of Central Europe will justifiably choose to stay in this Sunday.
History Schmistory, April 3: The Crown? Your Face!
Thursday, April 3, 2025
1657Â –Â English Lord Protector Cromwell refuses crown.
GO THERE! Easter has an Island?
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Easter Island is named so because Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen landed there on Easter Sunday in 1722. That’s all. Natives actually call this mysterious and isolated island Rapa Nui. But, we still think it would be a great place to go for an Eater egg hunt!
History Schmistory, April 2: France Rules (the papacy)!
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
999–Gerbert of Aurillac elected as 1st French Pope.
Are You For Real?
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Spaghetti doesn’t grow on trees! Or does it?
In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’re throwing it back to one of the most famous gags in history. Back in 1957, BBC pranked its viewers with a faux news story featuring the discovery of a seemingly improbable crop of noodles sprouting from trees in Switzerland.
Take a look!
Today’s Latin Phrase: Utinam barbari spatium proprium tuum invadant!
Monday, March 31, 2025
May barbarians invade your personal space!
April Fools’ Week on Team Marco Polo: Poisson d’Avril
Sunday, March 30, 2025
The French call April 1Â Poisson d’Avril, or “April Fish.” French children sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying “Poisson d’Avril” when the prank is discovered.
History Schmistory, March 29: Beethoven Rolls Over!
Saturday, March 29, 2025
1795 – Beethoven (age 24) debuts as pianist in Vienna.
History Schmistory, March 28: Mona Winks!
Friday, March 28, 2025
1794 – The Louvre Museum in Paris opens to the public.
