Tag: Christmas
Can astronomy explain the biblical Star of Bethlehem?
David Weintraub, Vanderbilt University
Bright stars top Christmas trees in Christian homes around much of the world. The faithful sing about the “Star...
The humble origins of ‘Silent Night’
Sarah Eyerly, Florida State University
One of the world’s most famous Christmas carols, “Silent Night,” celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.
Over the centuries, hundreds...
Is it unethical to give your cat catnip?
Debra Merskin, University of Oregon
As the Christmas season gets underway thoughts turn to buying gifts for the entire family. For some, companion animals...
What winter solstice rituals tell us about indigenous people
Rosalyn R. LaPier, The University of Montana
On the day of winter solstice, many Native American communities will hold religious ceremonies or community events. ...
How Salvation Army’s red kettles became a Christmas tradition
Diane Winston, University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Tinseled trees and snowy landscapes are not the only signs of the upcoming...
This Christmas tell your children the real Santa Claus story
Lisa Bitel, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Santa Claus will soon be coming to town, bringing gifts to...
Don’t stress about what kind of Christmas tree to buy, but...
Bert Cregg, Michigan State University
Environmentally conscious consumers often ask me whether a real Christmas tree or an artificial one is the more sustainable choice....
What Hanukkah’s portrayal in pop culture means to American Jews
Ted Merwin, Dickinson College
When I was growing up in suburban New York, Hanukkah was not grounded in religious observance. Having no clue that there...
EXPLORING NATURE
‘Space tornadoes’ could cause geomagnetic storms – but these phenomena, spun...
Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, University of Michigan and Ward B. (Chip) Manchester, University of Michigan
Weather forecasting is a powerful tool....
