Thousands of years ago, as flowers bloomed and the weather warmed, villagers in what is now Europe gathered to celebrate the vernal equinox. Communities gathered in open clearings, the air filled with the rich scent of burning herbs and fresh, damp earth. They placed eggs—symbols of renewal—on altars, and the sight of a hare darting…
Currently Viewing: Humanities
In our modern world, there are countless mediums through which we can document our emotions regarding the human experience: photos on Instagram and shorts on YouTube, to name a few. But nothing quite reflects our highs and lows like the written word, particularly in the form of poetry. For centuries, poets have shaped the way…
“I don’t paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.” —Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits became a mirror of her struggles and independence, portraying both physical pain (from a life-altering bus accident) and emotional torment and giving voice to women of her time who were often silenced. Kahlo’s struggles mirrored those of many female…
Starting at midnight on November 1st, families across Mexico and beyond celebrate the cherished annual tradition of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), coming together to welcome back the souls of their departed loved ones. On the evening of October 31st, families prepare elaborate altars, traditional food and drink, and colorful costumes…
What is it about horror stories that’s so captivating? More than any other literary genre, horror has the power to leap off the page, sending shivers down our spines and turning shadows into lurking dangers. It brings us to the darkest corners of our minds, where our deepest fears live. Journey with us beyond the…
“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move.” — Ossie Davis, actor and activist October is Art and Humanities Month in the United States, a celebration that provides the perfect opportunity to consider how art helps…
As store aisles fill with skeletons, ghouls, and endless bags of candy, children begin the great debate over whether to be witches or firefighters for Halloween. Meanwhile, adults across the country start adding gargantuan bags of candy to their normal grocery lists in preparation for trick-or-treaters. This raises the question: Has trick-or-treating always been a…
You know summer is over when “autumn is coming” and “it’s brass monkey weather.” Or at least, you know this if you’re British. An American may say “fall’s on its way” or “I’m freezing my tail off.” Both speakers may scratch their heads over the other’s way of speaking. The divergence between British English and…
Why pursue an education in humanities? Contrary to common perceptions that a humanities degree is less practical than a STEM degree, the skills you’ll develop through a humanities education are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s world. According to the US. Department of Labor, the most desired soft skills include oral and written communication,…
When we think of summertime, we often reminisce on memories of summers past—enjoying a respite from the heat in the local swimming hole, chasing after the ice cream truck for a red, white, and blue “firecracker” popsicle, and taking part in seasonal celebrations, like family gatherings on the Fourth of July. But summer wasn’t always…
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