Category: Folklore

In many ancient cultures, broad beans were associated with death and the deceased, embodying a potent cycle of regeneration. Today, the meaning of a kidney bean is multifaceted, ranging from modern online subculture to echoes of ancient beliefs connecting the legume to spirits and health, a complex evolution of symbolism.

Over a century ago, Spanish grape growers faced a surplus harvest, which they cleverly marketed by promoting the tradition of eating 12 grapes for luck. What is the myth of eating 12 grapes, and how did this marketing ploy become a global phenomenon associated with good fortune for the new year?

Across Northern Europe, folklore warns against burning elder wood, claiming it will summon the devil. The black elder, or *Sambucus nigra*, is steeped in a rich and often conflicting tapestry of symbolism, simultaneously revered as a protective spirit and feared as a cursed vessel.

Across many cultures, certain fruits are endowed with special meaning, with the golden mandarin orange being a prime example representing wealth and good fortune during Chinese New Year. But what fruit symbolizes good luck in other traditions, and what do their colors and shapes represent?

The practice of drinking Coca-Cola when ill dates back to its origin in 1886, when pharmacist John S. Pemberton marketed it as a medicinal tonic. This historical context explains why people drink Coca-Cola when sick, perpetuating a tradition passed down through generations, despite modern medical advice suggesting better alternatives for hydration and recovery.

Despite its long and storied portrayal in popular fiction and ancient folklore, mandrake root is not a magical cure-all, but a highly poisonous plant belonging to the deadly nightshade family. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause severe and potentially fatal poisoning due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

Mermaids, with their enchanting allure, are among the most enduring mythical creatures. While their beautiful appearance and mesmerizing songs captivate our imaginations, their daily lives, including what they eat, remain a fascinating mystery. The answer to what food does a mermaid eat is not a simple one, as it varies greatly depending on the folklore and cultural story.

According to ancient folklore and herbal medicine traditions, the dandelion is the flower linked to bedwetting, a belief so prevalent that its French name, 'pissenlit', translates directly to 'wet the bed'. While the superstition states that picking or touching the flower is the cause, the truth lies in the plant's powerful diuretic properties when consumed.

In many cultures worldwide, animal blood, including that of goats, is consumed as a delicacy or for its purported nutritional benefits. However, there is no single universal term for it; instead, what is goat blood called depends largely on the regional language and the specific dish it is used in. This article delves into the various names and contexts surrounding goat blood, from culinary traditions to scientific applications.

Reports of star jelly, a strange gelatinous substance found in fields, have existed for centuries, with early folklore attributing it to fallen stars during meteor showers. Modern science, however, has since revealed several, more terrestrial explanations for this unusual phenomenon.