172 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Mythologies and Legends

Explain why the ancient Greeks believed in gods living on Mount Olympus?

Explain why the ancient Greeks believed in gods living on Mount Olympus?

Mount Olympus was clearly more than just a simple peak in the eyes of the ancient Greeks: it was THE symbol of divine power, the...

Read full answer

Explain why are the traditional clothes of Tibetan monks red?

Explain why are the traditional clothes of Tibetan monks red?

Historically, the shades of red in the clothing of Tibetan monks mainly come from natural pigments such as madder, a plant with red roots that...

Read full answer

Explain why some cultures consider greetings by bowing the head instead of shaking hands?

Explain why some cultures consider greetings by bowing the head instead of shaking hands?

Greetings by nodding the head date back far in history, somewhere between respect and caution. Even in ancient times, bowing the head or bending the...

Read full answer

Explain why was the tradition of eating crepes on Candlemas Day born?

Explain why was the tradition of eating crepes on Candlemas Day born?

The festival of Candlemas comes from an interesting mix of pagan and Christian traditions. Originally, the Romans celebrated festivals called Lupercalia in early February to...

Read full answer

Explain why did the Vikings use symbols inscribed on runic stones?

Explain why did the Vikings use symbols inscribed on runic stones?

For the Vikings, runes were much more than just letters: they possessed a very strong sacred dimension. It was believed that each rune held particular...

Read full answer

Explain why is the swan song a myth rooted in several cultures?

Explain why is the "swan song" a myth rooted in several cultures?

The idea of the swan song dates back to ancient Greece: the Greeks believed that the swan, silent throughout its life, sang beautifully once, just...

Read full answer

Explain why ghost stories are especially common in old houses?

Explain why ghost stories are especially common in old houses?

Old houses often have a dark, silent, and dilapidated appearance that stimulates our imagination at the slightest sound. Creaking floorboards, icy drafts, or strange crackling...

Read full answer

Explain why do some mythological stories include heroes who undertake quests imposed by the gods?

Explain why do some mythological stories include heroes who undertake quests imposed by the gods?

In many mythological tales, the gods impose quests on heroes for various reasons: sometimes to test their courage and worth, sometimes simply to assert their...

Read full answer

Explain why is the haka dance such an important tradition in New Zealand?

Explain why is the haka dance such an important tradition in New Zealand?

The haka is a traditional warrior dance practiced by the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Originally, it was mainly a way to impress...

Read full answer

Explain why Maori warriors had tattoos on their faces?

Explain why Maori warriors had tattoos on their faces?

The art of facial tattooing, called tā moko, has been an integral part of Māori tradition for centuries. According to Māori legend, it was the...

Read full answer