In the 7th century A.D. it was common practice for people to respond to someone sneezing by saying words that meant, in effect, “congratulations,” “good job,” or “way to go.” This was done because it was believed that sneezing was the body’s attempt to expel the devil or an evil spirit from the body. Sneezing was a positive thing, the… Read more »
The word “Christ” comes from the Greek word “christos” which means “messiah.” Forensic anthropologists, geneticists, and other scientists have come up with a picture of Jesus much different from the one most of us are familiar with (such as the one below). Using the best techniques available to science, they have come up with a “best guess” image of what… Read more »
When Columbus and his men reached the West Indies in 1492, they found the natives sleeping in hanging beds called “hamacas.” Sailors borrowed this idea immediately for two good reasons. First, it made it possible for them to avoid sleeping on the often wet and filthy floors and decks of their ships. Second, it was a way to prevent rats,… Read more »
Dr. Thomas Lushington, was an English clergyman/chaplain who was widely and famously known to like his liquor, and indulged himself deeply and frequently in this singular vice. He lived from 1590 to 1661, a long life for that time in history and, it can be speculated, it was a result of his penchant for drink. Water was not safe… Read more »
In England, before 1694, the most popular colors for judge’s robes were green, scarlet (red) and violet – apparently, you had a choice! In 1694, Queen Mary II of England (pictured below) died and was buried in Westminster Abbey in London. At her funeral, all the judges in attendance wore their official judicial robes – but wore them in the… Read more »
