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  English is primarily Germanic in its grammar and core vocabulary, but over time, it has absorbed words from Latin, Ancient Greek, Old French, and other global sources. If you’re curious about English word origins, those borrowings tell a story of travel, trade, and translation.   Shaped by cultural exchange, conquest, and globalization, English continues to evolve with the advent of new technologies and media. The 15 examples below spotlight English word origins from Greece and Persia to Nahuatl and Gaelic.   1. Arctic (Ancient Greek) Ursa Major in Urania’s Mirror by Sidney Hall, 1825. Source: Wikimedia Commons.   The northernmost area of the Earth, characterized by its icy conditions, is known as the Arctic. The name of this frosty region stems, as with many other words in this list, from an ancient Greek word. In this case, the word is ἄρκτος—meaning bear. This was in reference to the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, visible only in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the Great Bear and Little Bear.   Coincidentally, the Arctic is home to the polar bears, and this is often mistakenly thought to be the origin of its name. In this line of thought, Antarctica is etymologically believed to be the land “of no Bear.” However, the Greek is actually άντιάρκτικός—which translates to “opposite of the Bear.”   2. Awkward (Old Norse) Too Early by James Tissot, 1873. Source: Guildhall Art Gallery, London.   The word “awkward” originates from the Old Norse word afugr, meaning “turned the wrong way” or “crooked.” This word was borrowed into Middle English as awkeward, which was used to describe something clumsy or difficult to handle. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to describe something that was socially uncomfortable or embarrassing, and this usage has been in common usage in the English language for hundreds of years.   The word “awkward” is used to describe a wide range of social situations and experiences, from minor blunders to major faux pas. It remains a valuable part of the English vocabulary for expressing social discomfort and embarrassment.   3. Checkmate (Persian) Joueurs d’échecs by Honoré Daumier, 1863-7. Source: Wikimedia Commons.   In chess, the term “checkmate” refers to a situation where the player’s king is under attack and there is no way for the king to escape capture. The term is said to have derived from the Persian phrase shāh māt. However, the exact translation of this expression has caused much debate.   Originally, the phrase was understood simply as “the king died.” At the end of a chess game, however, a player’s king does not die but is placed in an inescapable position, a competition of capture rather than death. Instead, the word māt should be understood as the shah or “king” is “at a loss” or “defeated.”   4. Chocolate (Nahuatl) Codex Tudela: Aztec Woman pouring chocolate, 16th century. Source: Wikimedia Commons.   Chocolate, a beloved indulgence worldwide, has its roots in Aztec culture. The exact etymology of the word is uncertain; however, the Nahuatl word for chocolate drink is cacahuatl, meaning “cocoa water.” One proposed source is from xocolatl, a bitter drink brewed from cocoa beans. Another suggested origin is the word chicolatl from chikolli (“hook”), the utensil used to mix chocolate and water, and ātl, meaning “water.”   5. Genius (Latin) Statuette of a Roman genius, c. 1-50 CE. Source: Wikimedia Commons.   In Ancient Rome, a “genius” was a guardian deity or spirit that protected each individual throughout their life. The word stems from the Latin gigno, meaning to “give birth,” “produce,” or “bear,” since the guardian spirit was thought to appear as an individual was born.   These guardian spirits were said to influence an individual’s mental prowess. If a person was exceptionally talented and skilled, they were considered to possess a powerful spirit. It is clear how the word evolved to a contemporary understanding of “genius” as a naturally gifted and outstandingly intelligent individual.   6. Nice (Latin) The Letter by Daniel Ridgway Knight, 1911. Source: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.   The word originally comes from the Latin word nescius, meaning “ignorant” or “unaware.” This word was borrowed into Old French as “nice” and was used to describe someone simple or foolish. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved. By the 14th century, “nice” was used in Middle English to describe someone who was pleasant, kind, or good-natured.   7. Quiz (Irish) Georgian caricature showing a gentleman peering at a barmaid through a quizzing glass, 1795. Source: The British Museum, London.   The word “quiz” originates from the Irish word “cuisle,” meaning “a pulse” or “vein.” This word was used in word play to describe a short-written test as a quick pulse or sudden shock. In the late 18th century, the word was used to describe novelty entertainment, where people were asked impromptu questions to test their knowledge.   This type of entertainment became popular in London and quickly spread throughout the English-speaking world. The word “quiz” eventually came to be used more broadly to describe any type of test or examination designed to evaluate someone’s knowledge or abilities.   8. Outrage (Latin) The Father’s Curse by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, 1777. Source: Louvre Museum, Paris.   A noun and verb, “outrage” is triggered by a serious offense, which causes an intense reaction of indignation, disbelief, and anger. Surprisingly, the word “outrage” is neither etymologically related to the word “out” nor “rage.” The word actually stems from the Late Latin ultraticum (“going beyond”), which in turn comes from the Latin word ultra (“beyond”).   Therefore, from the original understanding, an “outrage” is an act that is beyond what is considered acceptable, rather than one that enrages. This is evident in the form of “outrageous,” which denotes shock or excess rather than just anger.   9. Robot (Czech) R.U.R. Rossum’s Universal Robots by Bedřich Feuerstein, 1920. Source: The Guardian.   The word “robot” was first used in the 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Czech writer Karel Čapek. The word “robot” originates from the Czech word robota, meaning “forced labor” or “drudgery.” In the play, the term “robot” is used to describe artificially created beings that are designed to perform menial tasks for their human masters.   10. Sarcasm (Ancient Greek) Quack doctors sarcastically presented as a pompous coat-of-arms in Hogarth’s 1736 engraving The Company of Undertakers. Source: Wikimedia Commons.   Sarcasm is the use of acerbic comments that mean the opposite of what they actually mean in order to criticize or mock someone. The word “sarcasm” derives from the Ancient Greek σαρκασμός (“sneer,” “jest,” “taunt”), which, in turn, comes from the verb σαρκάζω (“I gnash,” “I tear the flesh”).  Indeed, sarcasm is often described as a cutting or biting form of humor, intended to get under someone’s skin.   11. Shampoo (Sanskrit) La Coiffure by Edgar Degas, c. 1896. Source: The National Gallery, London.   Shampoo is an essential and commonplace item in every household; the name of this hair-washing liquid stems from the Hindi word champna, which derives from the Sanskrit word capayati. The word capayati can be translated as “pounds” or “kneads,” suggesting a sort of massaging motion.   During the colonial era, the word appeared in the English language as “shampoo” to take on the meaning of cleansing and massaging the scalp, which later came to the modern understanding of the liquid used to wash hair.   12. Sinister (Latin) Nightmare by Henry Fuseli, 1781. Source: Detroit Institute of Arts.   If an individual or situation is described as “sinister,” they provoke an ominous feeling of evil, harm, and malice. The adjective stems from the Latin word sinistra, meaning “the left-hand side.” In many cultures, the left is associated with unluckiness, weakness, and even the devil.   The Romans, for example, would interpret good or bad omens by observing the direction in which birds flew. The birds flying right would predict a good auspice, but those flying left signified bad luck. The favor of right over left can be observed in another word deriving from Latin. The adjective “dexterous”, meaning skillful, comes from the Latin word dexter, meaning “right.”   13. Tantalize (Ancient Greek) Tantalus by Gioacchino Assereto, 1600-49. Source: Museum Joanneum, Austria.   The word “tantalize” originates from the infamous Greek myth about the punishment of Tantalus for his crimes against the gods. Tantalus was among the first generation of mortals invited to dine with the gods, but he abused this honor by stealing their ambrosia and nectar. Another version of the myth tells the story of Tantalus serving forbidden food to the gods at a banquet—food that was revealed to be his own son, whom he had cooked into a stew to test the omniscience of the gods. The gods recognized the atrocity and were not fooled. Only Demeter, troubled by her daughter’s abduction, ate a chunk of the meat.   Furious at Tantalus’ offenses, Zeus enacted the most wicked of punishments upon him. In the depths of the Underworld, Tantalus was made to stand in a pool of water under the low branches of a fruit tree. If he reached down to quench his insatiable thirst, the water would drain away. When he reached up to satisfy his ravenous appetite, the branches would rise away from his grasp. As such, the word “tantalize” means to torment or to tease by presenting something desirable but, ultimately, unobtainable.   14. Tulip (Persian) Four Tulips by Jacob Marrel, c. 1635-45. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.   Tulips, bulbous flowers known for their vibrant colors, originated from the Middle East. The word itself has Persian roots, stemming from the word dulband, meaning “turban.” The word was most likely selected due to the rounded shape of the flower, which resembles the traditional headwear. Ottoman sultans wore this flower on their turbans to symbolize luxury and power.   15. Whisky (Gaelic) A Language Family Tree by Minna Sundberg, 2015. Source: The Guardian.   Interestingly, the English word “whisky” originates from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning “water of life”—a term that refers to a distilled spirit. This Classical Gaelic phrase likely comes from the Romans, who referred to alcohol as aqua vitae (“water of life”). The Gaelic word shares its roots with both the Germanic word “water” and the Slavic voda, from which another alcoholic spirit, vodka, is derived.

  Throughout history, various cultures have celebrated festivals that honor the dead, mark the changing seasons, or ward off evil spirits. From Samhain in ancient Celtic lands to modern Halloween and Día de los Muertos, these holidays share common themes of life, death, and the supernatural. This article delves into the origins and evolution of these spooky traditions, exploring how they have influenced and have been influenced by each other across time and geography.   Sense the Patterns of Spooky Holidays Chocolate Skulls, photo by Roberto Carlos Román Don. Source: Unsplash   When you strip back the layers of these “spooky” holidays, a distinct set of similarities emerges. At their core, many of these celebrations are deeply rooted in the recognition of those who have passed before us—our beloved ancestors. Across various cultures and traditions, the importance of departed family and those other spirits who’ve touched lives but passed on continues to shape the way people and communities mark the passing of time.   Food as Offering: From the Day of the Dead in Mexico to Samhain in the Celtic tradition, food plays a vital role in these celebrations. It is not just nourishment for living bodies: it is an offering for the homecoming of spirits. During these rituals, families prepare meals to honor their deceased loved ones, believing that the spirits of the departed return to partake in their favorite treats. This act of honoring the dead is a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect, acknowledging that the bond between the living and the dead exists beyond the physical world.   The Power of Light: Lanterns, candles, and bonfires light the way during these celebrations, serving as beacons for spirits. Whether it is the flickering jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween or the inviting glow of altars on Día de Muertos, light holds a symbolic significance in guiding and protecting both the living and the dead. In ancient times, bonfires were believed to ward off evil spirits, while the soft glow of candles on an altar might welcome home a faded soul. Light is both a comfort and a safeguard, a reminder that in the darkness, we are not alone and in the coldest winter there is still warmth to be had.   Candle of Remembrance, photo by Emine Şevval. Source: Pexels Honoring of Ancestors: At the heart of these traditions lies a profound respect for those who have gone before us. These holidays often blur the line between the living and the dead, creating a space where the past and present coexist. The rituals and customs observed during these times are a testament to the enduring influence of ancestors in daily life, even ones that didn’t share the earth at the same time as the newest generations.   Whether through storytelling, the act of prayer and hope that is putting an altar together, or through the journey of visiting final resting places, these practices enforce the belief that the dead are still with us, guiding, protecting, and sometimes even sitting down to a meal with those left behind in the living world.   1. Samhain: The Origin of Halloween and the Celtic Festival of the Dead Samhain Night, photo by Maël BALLAND. Source: Pexels   Considered to be the very origin of Halloween—or as it was known in ancient Gaelic culture, Samhain—this end-of-harvest festival laid the groundwork for the Western world’s most prominent and colorful creepy holiday. This festival marked the end of the growing and reaping season and the beginning of winter, a time when the lines between the living and the dead were less unyielding.   At Samhain (pronounced “sah-win”) the ancient Celts were diving into a world where the spirits were believed to walk among them, able to traverse the road from the Otherworld to that of the living on this one special occasion.   Stonehenge, photo by Neil Cartwright. Source: Unsplash   In the Neolithic Period, around 6,000 years ago, there weren’t any towns or cities as we would recognize them. Instead there stood massive stone monuments—megaliths—scattered across the landscape, like miraculous beacons in stonework. These sites weren’t just for gaping in awe at. They were gathering places, where scattered communities of people would come together to celebrate Samhain and other traditions with massive feasts of in-season foods, which would soon become scarce after the harvest. In a world with no refrigerators or ways to keep ice, it was important to consume as much of the season’s bounty as possible before it rotted. These meals were as much a part of the ritual as the spoken histories and the honoring of the dead.   Researchers have come to see that the monuments where these feasts took place were purposefully built and carefully aligned with the cosmos. Take Newgrange in Ireland, for example. On the winter solstice, a shaft of sunlight illuminates the innermost chamber, connecting the earthly realm with the heavens in a dramatic display. Imagine being an ancient, standing there in the cold, dark morning after months wrapped in womb-like winter darkness, waiting for that single beam of light to pierce the overwhelming gloom—proof that even in the bleakest of times, light and life would return.   Feast of the Bohemians, by Jacques Callot, 1621. Source: National Gallery of Art, Washington   But Samhain was more than a seasonal marker. It was the most important day of the year for communing with the dead and especially significant if someone beloved had recently passed as was too common in the unforgiving environs of the ancient world. The Celts believed that the Otherworld—the realm of spirits—wasn’t some far-off place. It was right here, overlapping with the world of the living. Most of the year, the dead stayed in their realm, but on Samhain, the veil between worlds was at its most translucent, allowing spirits to cross over.   The same megalithic sites where people gathered to feast were the places most likely to call to these phantoms. These holy locales were called “sí” sites in Irish Gaelic, and they were believed to be sacred spots where both the Earth and Otherworld lined up—liminal sanctuary spaces for what we might call “fairies,” though that word hardly captures their true nature. These beings were deeply connected to the kingdom of the dead and to Samhain, making the festival a time when the living could reach out to their ancestors, those intermediaries, and even glimpse the future.   Samhain was a time of feasting, of coming together, and of acknowledging the spirits that still linger among their loved ones. The ancients would advise their modern descendants to honor these long-dead souls—maybe they’re closer than you think.   2. Halloween Pumpkin Carving, by Monstera Production. Source: Pexels   Halloween is a holiday that’s become as American as apple pie with a ghoulish twist. However, the seeds of Halloween weren’t planted in the New World but in Europe’s earliest Christian interpretations of pagan practices.   It all started with soul cakes—as food once again took center of the spooky stage. In the Middle Ages, people would bake these little cakes and hand them out to the poor, who in turn would vow to pray for the souls of a family’s dead stuck in purgatory. This was all part of “souling,” a tradition that was kind of like a church-sanctioned early trick-or-treat. Over time, those soul cakes—stuffed with sweet raisins and spices—evolved into the candy we know and love today.   Two Jack o’ Lanterns, lit up, photo by David Menidrey. Source: Unsplash   If soul cakes were the initial start of the trend that led to candy, what was the precursor to the adorable orange gourd that makes its home on many a front porch? Jack’s roots are from deep in Irish lore, where he started out as a rule breaker who tricked the Devil and ended up wandering the earth with nothing but a hollowed-out turnip to light his way. When the Irish arrived in the U.S. en masse, especially after the potato famine in the mid-1800s, they brought Jack’s tale of deviousness with them.   But turnips weren’t exactly plentiful here—pumpkins, however, were both carvable and easy to grow. And so, Jack the Turnip became Jack the Pumpkin, giving us the grinning, glowing Jack-o’-lanterns that have become the very symbol of Halloween.   This mash-up of cultures—soul cakes from England, Jack from Ireland, stuffed field witches from Germany that would morph into our flannel-clad scarecrows—became something uniquely American. Halloween was celebrated in the States as early as the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that it really became the social juggernaut we know today.   Mail order retailers, never ones to miss a chance to make a buck, started mass-producing Halloween cards, decorations, and costumes. Suddenly, what was once a night of modest merriment turned into a full-blown celebration, complete with haunted houses, spooky parties, and more candy than the hungriest conjurer could shake a broomstick at.   Soul Cakes with Raisins. Source: Wikimedia Commons   And what better way to cap off this holiday than with a movie marathon? Enter the 1978 classic Halloween, directed by John Carpenter and produced by movie juggernaut Debra Hill. This film didn’t just scare the pants off unexpecting audiences—it practically invented the slasher genre. Masked killer? Check. Terrified babysitter? Check. Creepy score that instills in you inexplicable chills? Double check. Halloween took the night of frights and turned it into a theater-going occasion, making October 31st as much about buttery popcorn and gory horror flicks as it is about spirits.   But why are spine tingling monsters still a part of our rather scientifically minded society? Scholars posit it is because they tap into something deep and ancient—those old European beliefs that the dead, once buried, could still reach out and curse the living. These legends, often born from the fear of decaying bodies that weren’t appropriately buried or entombed, evolved into the ghouls, ghosts, and goblins that now roam our screens and streets every Halloween. These creatures serve as a little reminder that no matter how much folk try to rationalize the world, there is always going to be a part of our humanity that is just a little bit horrified by what goes bump in the night.   Halloween is a celebration of humanity’s deepest fears, oldest traditions, and the grimness of the never-ending cycle of growing and dying.   3. All Souls’ Day: From Purgatory to the Festa dei Morti Prayers for All Souls. Source: Wikimedia Commons   If Samhain is the ancient, spooky ancestor of Halloween, then All Souls’ Day is like its devout but equally eerie auntie. Celebrated on November 2nd, this day is all about remembering the dearly departed—those who’ve left this world but might still be lingering in the in-between, waiting for a little help to move on to the pearly gates. Originally, this day was all about praying for the souls in purgatory, that murky middle ground where souls went to be purified before they could enter the afterlife’s shining palace. But in Italy, especially in Sicily, All Souls’ Day evolved into something a bit more festive—enter the “Festa dei Morti.”   In Sicily and many places where Sicilians have settled, the Festa dei Morti is celebrated with all the vibrancy you’d expect from a Mediterranean carnival. For these communities, it is believed that on the night of November 1st, the spirits of the dead return to visit their families and friends. But rather than just sitting around and mourning, the living prepare a grand welcome with all the accouterments of the best parties.   Frutta Martorana on sale in Palermo, Sicily. Source: Unsplash   In the lead-up to the Festa dei Morti, Sicilian families prepare special treats like “Frutta Martorana,” colorful marzipan fruits, and “Ossa dei Morti,” or “Bones of the Dead,” bone-shaped biscuits that are delightfully crunchy on the outside and decadently soft in the middle—kind of like the dual nature of the festival itself, celebrating both the living and the lost.   Children in Sicily wake up on the morning of November 2nd to find small gifts and sweets, left behind by the visiting spirits of their ancestors. It is a tradition that is meant to connect the youngest generation with those who’ve passed, those they may never have been lucky enough to know, teaching them to honor their roots while also enjoying a little sugary indulgence. Some liken it to Christmas, but with a much spookier, though no less magical, guest list.   San Giorgio, Night in Sicily. Source: GoodFon   However, Festa dei Morti is certainly not all sweetness and light. There’s an underlying reverence for the dead, and the day is filled with visits to cemeteries, where families clean and decorate the graves of their ancestors with fragrant flowers and warmly lit candles. It is a way of keeping the memory of the dead front of mind, ensuring these treasured spirits are not forgotten even as the world turns.   So, while All Souls’ Day may have started as a somber day of prayer, in Sicily, it has become something much richer—a celebration of life and death, of remembering those who’ve gone before while making sure the next generation understands why they matter. It is a day that is as much about the living as it is about the dead, a perfect blend of reverence and revelry.   4. Día de los Muertos: A Vibrant Celebration of Life and Death Dia de Muertos in Juarez, by Daniela Martinez. Source: Unsplash   Welcome to Día de los Muertos, or as it is known in English, the Day of the Dead. This is no ordinary holiday—this is a vibrant, colorful celebration that is as much about enjoying living as it is about dying. Like many of the beautiful traditions that have made it into the modern day, it is a confection made up of ingredients from once separate cultures, specifically the Aztecs and the Spanish. Día de Muertos is a harmonious mashup of ancient Aztec traditions and good old-fashioned Catholicism, brought together in a way that is as rich and layered as the ofrendas displayed on this special day.   Long before the Spanish ever set foot in Mexico, the Aztecs were already honoring the dead in a big way. These ancient folks believed that death was just part of the cycle of life, not an end but a continuation. They spent an entire themed month dedicated to celebrating the deceased, where they’d offer food, drinks, and even bouquets to help their loved ones on their journey through the afterlife. It was a sort of 30 days of Halloween long before Halloween was birthed into the cultural conscience.   Then came the Spanish, bringing their Catholic leanings with them. The result? A fusion of beliefs that gave birth to Día de Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, right after All Saints’ Day. But here’s the twist—while the first day, Día de los Angelitos, is dedicated to the pure souls of children who’ve passed, the second day, Día de los Muertos, is all about honoring the departed who reached adulthood. It is a two-day fiesta that’s less about mourning and more about remembering, celebrating, and reconnecting.   Orange Blooms, photo by Gerardo Martin Fernandez Vallejo. Source: Unsplash   If there is a star of the Dia de Muertos show, it is the marigold. Known as cempasúchil in Mexico, these bright orange blooms are more than just pretty petals. They’re believed to guide the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living, their vibrant color and overpowering scent creating a bridge between this world and the next for the souls to follow. That is why all can see marigolds thick on nearly every surface during the festival—lining streets, decorating altars, and even scattered atop graves.   Altars, or ofrendas as they’re called, are the heart and soul of Día de los Muertos. A complete and visually appealing ofrenda is a multi-tiered altar filled with photos of the departed, their favorite foods and drinks, candles, incense, and, of course, marigolds. Each element has a purpose, and acts as a factor in a known equation. The candles light the way, the incense purifies the space, and the food is there to welcome the spirits back with open arms—and full bellies! Upon the altars can also reside sugar skulls, pan de muerto (a special bread made just for the occasion), and other personal items that were meaningful to the departed. It is like throwing a party for the ancestors, complete with all their favorite things.   Despite all this, Día de los Muertos isn’t just about the dead. It is also a celebration of life, a reminder to cherish the time we have and the people we love. It is a time when the veil between worlds is thin, and for just a moment, the living and the dead come together to dance, laugh, and remember. Those marigolds, those colorful altars, and those grinning skulls are parts of a tradition that is as ancient as it is alive, as sacred as it is festive. Día de los Muertos is all about celebrating the connections that death can never sever.   5. Obon: Japan’s Festival to Honor Ancestors and the Spirits of the Dead Obon Dance. Source: NARA & DVIDS Public Domain   In mid-August in Japan, the air is buzzing with excitement and the soft hum of beating dragonfly wings. Families will be packing up, heading back to their hometowns, and preparing for one of the most cherished holidays of the year—Obon. It is a time for both honoring passed family members and thanksgiving for all their hard labor has wrought.   Obon, at its core, is all about family—both the living and the dearly departed. It is a time to reconnect with loved ones who’ve moved on, to honor their memory, and to celebrate the lives they lived. Think of it as a grand family reunion that spans generations, where the guest list includes those who’ve transcended to the next world. During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors return to the world of the living to visit their families. And what better way to welcome them back than with a festival?   But before the festivities, folks need to know what they should and, maybe more importantly, shouldn’t do—because there are a few taboos around this time of year to keep in mind.   What is wrong with a little fishing during a family holiday? According to Buddhist tradition, Obon is a time to respect all living creatures, big and small. That means putting down the fishing rod and letting the fish enjoy their own happy lives. Honoring life equates to eating less flesh. Plus, there is this charming belief that ancestors can come back as dragonflies during Obon, so wisdom dictates people let the bugs be, too.   Woman with Lantern, by Shibata Zeshin, 1860. Source: Raw Pixel   Next—needlework. Sewing is off the table during Obon, and here’s why: there is a chance you might prick your finger, and that is verboten. Blood is considered “unclean” during this holy high holiday, so it is wisest to save those sewing projects for another week. No one wants a minor injury to mess up the all important vibes when you’re trying to connect with your ancestors.   A significant part of the festival is the Bon hozuki, or the devil’s lantern. This isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. These bright, flickering decorations are actually works of art, and they serve an important purpose. They’re like neon signs for the spirits, or the Japanese version of Mexico’s marigolds, lighting the way back home. Along with these lanterns, families set up Buddhist altars with the big five of offerings, known as goku: incense, flowers, lighted lamps, purified water, and food and drinks. It is a rolling out of the red carpet for the ancestors, complete with snacks and a warm glow.   Obon is also filled with joyful moments: dancing in the streets at Bon Odori festivals, visiting family graves, and sharing memories of loved ones who have passed. It is a beautiful blend of reverence and celebration, where the past and present come together in a lively, heartfelt way.   Obon has also influenced Japanese communities abroad, particularly in Hawaii, where Bon Odori dances are a popular summer activity. Despite its solemn purpose, Obon is a time of joy and togetherness, reflecting the belief that death is a time for family reunions and the nostalgic comfort of remembering.   6. Sat Thai Day Spirit House Offering. Source: Wikimedia Commons   In Thailand Buddhist rituals and a touch of ghostly charm collide culminating in Sat Thai/Sart Thai—one of the most fascinating festivals in the rather packed Thai calendar.   Sat Thai is a festival dedicated to the familial deceased. Taking place on the new moon at the end of the tenth lunar month, this event is like Thailand’s answer to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a family reunion all combined. Instead of costumes, there are spirits, temple offerings, and a whole lot of amazing food.   During Sat Thai, spirits are at the forefront, with locals focusing their energy on good deeds done for their ancestors. It is a time to honor the dead, offer them a little help in the afterlife, and ensure they’re well taken care of. Think of it as sending a care package to the great beyond, soul to soul.   The festivities span three days, each with its own special ritual. The first day, known as Hmu Rub, is all about setting the stage—arranging the ritual on the 13th night of the waning moon. It is the calm before the spiritual storm, where families prepare to honor their ancestors.   Merit by Feeding Monks, photo by Kathy. Source: Flickr   Next comes the day of Gratitude. On this day, families bring food to the temple, offering it up to their deceased relatives. But there is more to it than just a meal—this act is believed to help release souls from suffering, giving them a better shot at a peaceful ever after. It is a beautiful mix of compassion and tradition, wrapped up in a simple but powerful gesture.   Finally, there is the day of Merit. This is when the good deeds and offerings really count. It is believed that any merit made on this day is fully received by the deceased, helping them pay off their karmic debts and hopefully securing a better rebirth. It is a moment of deep spiritual communion, where the living and the dead are brought together in a shared hope for redemption and peace.   A temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, photo by Jochen van Wylick. Source: Unsplash   One of the most intriguing parts of Sat Thai is the setting out of food for the dearly departed. During the festival, people place dishes on elevated platforms as offerings for those ancestors who may not have any living relatives. After a while, the food is considered “consumed” by the ghosts, and that is when things get interesting. The food is then up for grabs by the living participants. Eating a ghost’s leftovers? That is considered good luck! It is a quirky, delicious tradition that brings the community together in a unique way, blending the sacred with the everyday.   Sat Thai isn’t just another festival—it is a meaningful event that resonates deeply within Thai culture in which elders and ancestors hold the loftiest position in a family’s hierarchy. It is a time to remember the past, honor those who’ve gone before, and ensure that the spiritual bonds between the living and the dead remain healthy. It is also a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, and the importance of family, both here and in the hereafter.   Sat Thai is a celebration in which the spirits are fed, the ancestors are honored, and the living come together in a dance of tradition and love.   7. The Qingming Festival Offerings at Tombs, Cattan2011. Source: Flickr   The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day in China, is a time when families come together to honor their ancestors, spruce up graves, and connect with the past. This springtime celebration is also known as the Pure Light Festival.   Qingming, celebrated on April 4th or 5th, is all about paying respect to ancestors. Traditionally, families visit gravesites, clean them, offer flowers, and burn incense and paper goods as a way to send a little something to their loved ones in the afterlife.   For the growing number who count themselves among the Chinese diaspora, and can’t physically be at the gravesite of their loved ones, there are plenty of ways to keep the Qingming spirit alive. The holiday is often observed overseas by setting up a family altar at home. This can be simple or as elaborate, including photos of loved ones, some offerings of their favorite foods, and a few sticks of incense. It is all about creating a space where a spiritual bond can be made, even from a distance.   Some folks like to take this day to think deeply about their ancestors, reflecting on the time spent together, the lessons learned, and the influences that have shaped them at the most personal, intrinsic level. Memories are shared over qingtuan, a green mochi-like dessert that is a staple of the occasion.   Tomb Sweeping Day. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Another common practice during Qingming is to burn “冥币” or joss paper at a crossroads. Any place where paths cross is believed to be a symbolic junction between the living and the dead, an emblematic and perfect spot to send paper offerings to the ancestors.   Another tradition is to carry or affix willow branches to a home’s front door to ward off any wandering spirits that might be feeling a little too curious during Qingming. It is a simple gesture, but one that is an act of ancient warding.   While burning incense and offerings on Qingming is acceptable, it is traditional to avoid using fire for more utilitarian purposes and only eat cold food. Whipping up some delicious no-cook dishes is part of the custom or celebrants can enjoy leftovers as part of the observance.   During this time, in many Chinese communities people get together with loved ones, share stories about ancestors, and bond over a cold feast in their honor. The Chinese diaspora has been spreading across the globe for millennia, and with it, the traditions have evolved and adapted. This means that, from one place to the next, ritual observances can be different, but at its heart every Qingming celebration is a quiet, whispered “thank you” and “I still hear you” to the generations before.   Qingming teaches those left behind that the love, respect, and connection we all inherit bond us to our ancestors and transcends the distance between the living and the dead.

Could Kid Rock be the first performer to break in Trump's new White House ballroom? He sure hopes so. Continue reading…

In the hierarchy of serious titles in the media industry in the 21st century, "celebrity chef" isn't exactly really high up on the list of categories of people I feel the need to emulate. Granted, there's a category or two below that -- where you'll find "crypto influencer," "sourdough microblogger,"...

I just came across a really fascinating video from some unknown woman claiming she thinks she knows what’s really behind the Schumer Shutdown and I have to say I think she’s absolutely nailed it! So while I don’t make a habit out of posting random TikTok videos on here, I thought this one was so spot on that I wanted to share it with you. This isn’t hard news, it’s just this woman’s opinion, but she’s getting a double thumbs up from me. See what you think: TRANSCRIPT: Alright everyone, so I’m heading to Capitol Hill. Just got off the metro. Okay. So, they are voting on the Shutdown Fairness Act today. But I figured something out, okay? I think I understand why this shutdown is happening, because I’ve been scratching my head like, “Why would the Democrats be shutting down the government, depriving federal workers and the military of basically pay and food, and then depriving the military of their healthcare through TriCare?” I’m like, “This doesn’t make any sense. Why would you be so hell-bent on this?” And I don’t think it has anything to do with the talking points that, “Oh, it’s the far-left radicals.” No. It has nothing to do with that — that they’re against Trump. No. It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the fucking insurance companies. So, I found out these people — even though the government’s shut down because of the ACA — their payments every month are coming directly from the Treasury to their bank accounts. So the insurance companies — UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Molina, Kaiser — they are getting paid right now, mandatory pay every single month, while the federal workers and the military get nothing. And so now it’s finally making sense. This has nothing to do with healthcare. It has to do with dark money from the billion-dollar insurance companies, because keep in mind, if they lose the ACA credits for next year, they’re not going to get any of that money. They won’t get any of that money. So, even though the tax credits are “tax credits,” what actually happens is these tax credits get paid on behalf of you — the insured — and they go directly to the insurance companies. So that’s why the Democrats are fighting so hard on this. It has nothing to do with people’s premiums. It has to do with the fucking insurance companies not getting billions and billions and billions of dollars in January and next year. So, what finally occurred to me this morning — and that’s what took me so long — I had to do research to figure out how those tax credits were paid. But this shutdown, it’s about them. It’s about the billion-dollar insurance companies. And so everyone, at least the talking points of the Democrats, are like, “Oh, the premiums are gonna go up.” Uh, why don’t you hold the insurance companies accountable? These are not market rates. They’re setting the premiums. They’re the ones that are deciding to keep human beings without healthcare. That has nothing to do with what the government does. If anything, the government’s making it worse. The problem is the insurance companies. They’re setting the premiums. They’re setting the rates, and then their providers — that they own — they fucking own the hospitals, and the providers are setting these obscene rates for procedures. And so then they’re making money off of the hospitals. This entire shutdown has nothing to do with healthcare and everything to do with the billion-dollar corporations — UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Kaiser, Molina. They are the ones that are keeping the government shut down right now. And this is how dangerous it is to have dark money from corporations like them involved with our politicians. And this is why the entire government is shut down right now. And I’ve finally figured it out, because I just couldn’t get it — why would the Democrats do this unless the insurance companies are threatening to not fund their re-election next year? And there it is. This is all about health insurance companies and not about people trying to access healthcare. ’Cause if you were trying to get people to access healthcare and you wanted to make it cheaper, then you force the insurance companies to quit raising their premiums and you put a cap on what those premiums are every year. Backup here if needed: Woman Explains The REAL Reason Behind The Schumer Shutdown — Finally Makes Perfect Sense! pic.twitter.com/OtzD8HIKs1 — Noah Christopher (@DailyNoahNews) October 25, 2025 Ok so in case you didn’t follow all of that, allow me to offer this concise summary — as well as asking ChatGPT if the theory makes sense and holds up, and you might be surprised to find out it does: Summary: The speaker claims the government shutdown isn’t really about political infighting or healthcare policy—it’s about protecting major insurance companies (like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Kaiser, and Molina). They argue that Democrats are allowing the shutdown because these insurers continue receiving Treasury payments for ACA tax credits even while federal workers and the military go unpaid. In short: the shutdown serves the financial interests of insurance companies, ensuring they keep their billions in government-backed payments. Assessment: The theory is plausible in motive but weak in evidence. It’s true that insurers receive federal subsidies for ACA plans and that corporate lobbying heavily influences policy. However, shutdowns are usually caused by broader political standoffs over budgets and policy riders, not direct insurance payments (which are typically mandatory spending unaffected by shutdowns). The link between insurer payouts and deliberate political shutdown strategy isn’t supported by hard evidence—so it’s speculative, not proven.