Christmas trees have become a worldwide symbol for peace and good cheer. They are at the center of one of the largest family gatherings of the year. And religions of all shapes and sizes brandish it as something spiritual and meaningful to their beliefs. While random uncles and cats think of it as a nice …
Mother’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating mothers and motherhood, has a rich history rooted in various traditions and cultures around the world. The story of Mother’s Day begins in the United States in the early 20th century, but its origins can be traced back to ancient festivals and the Christian tradition …
A doll with a skinny frame, long blonde hair, blue eyes, perfectly done up makeup, swathes of clothing, and a companion named Ken. Sound familiar? Most Americans will recognize this as the familiar Barbie doll, invented by Ruth Handler and marketed by the well-known toy company Mattel. Yet, this description that we nowadays so often …
Peter Linebaugh and Marcus Rediker, The Many-Headed Hydra: The Hidden History of the Revolutionary Atlantic (Boston: Beacon Press 2000) LABOUR HISTORIANS STUDY the working class to examine its development, composition, working conditions, lifestyle, culture, and many other aspects. But what exactly do we mean when we use the term “working class”? Over the past half-century, …