Month: December 2012
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Wassail
An ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition called “Wassail” lives on in Pennsylvania, where a group of friends celebrate this week by drinking to the health of apple trees.
December 27, 2012Year End Fire Watch
“Be careful with fire!” is the call heard throughout Tokyo neighborhoods on the last two evenings of the year.
December 26, 2012Kwanzaa – Traditions
This week, millions of people around the world celebrate Kwanzaa, a relatively new holiday with roots in the ancient harvest festivals of Africa.
December 25, 2012Kalas
In Lindsborg, Kansas, folks still mark this time of year with traditions their ancestors brought from Sweden.
December 24, 2012Christmas Bonfires – Tradition
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, a line of Bonfires lights the way for Papa Noel.
December 21, 2012Natural Astronomy – Solstice
This week is the winter solstice. But without a calendar, would you be able to tell?
December 20, 2012Natural Astronomy – Rock Clock
One astronomer uses a home-made version on Stonehenge to keep track of the passing seasons.
December 19, 2012Seasonal Backyard Science – Every Tree Tells A Story
Examining a fallen tree can reveal a lot about the animals that have used it.
December 18, 2012Seasonal Backyard Science – Insects
Even in winter, you can find springtails!
December 17, 2012Seasonal Backyard Science – Winter Secrets
When you find grooves in the snow, or piles of pine cone chips – who has been there? Learn about the signs that animals leave behind.
December 14, 2012Seasonal Backyard Science – Holes
Grey squirrels have two homes – winter and summer, and woodpeckers help in the renovation process of the winter dwelling.
December 13, 2012Santa Lucia – Waking Up
Serving sweet bread and wearing a crown of candles, young Swedish girls represent Saint Lucia in an early morning ritual.
December 12, 2012Santa Lucia – History
The ancient legends of Santa Lucia are still embraced by the Swedish culture, with rituals of light in the darkness of winter.
December 11, 2012Bears – Slowing Down
Bears have unique mechanisms for self-preservation during their months of hibernation.
December 10, 2012Bears – Birthing
For bears in hibernation, giving birth and nursing newborns is a slumberous activity.
December 7, 2012Black Bears – Denning
This month, Minnesota’s Black Bears have taken to their dens to spend the long winter in hibernation.
December 6, 2012Sinterklaas
Change Santa Claus’s team of reindeer into a single white horse, and replace his costume with a bishop’s robes, and you’ll begin to get a picture of the Netherlands’ Sinterklaas.
December 5, 2012Klausjagen – Celebration
With bells, whips and candles, a Swiss village celebrates St. Nicholas’ Day.
December 4, 2012Grizzly Tracking – Signs
Grizzly bear tracking usually involves splitting a few hairs.
December 3, 2012Grizzly Tracking – Crucial Corridor
Scientists and volunteers work together to see if Grizzly bears are finally returning to the mountains of Montana.