Month: December 2020
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Starring
Russian traders left the legacy of their traditions in Anchorage Alaska, including the Christmas-time practice of Starring.
December 30, 2020Like a Waking Sleep
Bears have unique mechanisms for self-preservation during their months of hibernation.
December 29, 2020When Christmas was Illegal
There was a time when the singing of Christmas carols could land you in jail.
December 28, 2020The Etymology of Christmas
Ever wonder where “Xmas” came from?
December 25, 2020Roots of Christmas
Some of our most enduring Christmas traditions date back to the pre-Christian era.
December 24, 2020Christmas Eve in Woodstock
In “the most famous small town in the world”, how will Santa arrive this year?
December 23, 2020Breaking Bread
The Polish Christmas tradition of Wigilia.
December 22, 2020Nano-Toymaking
200 million presents is a big load for any sleigh.
December 21, 2020Bonfires on the Levee
Celebrating Christmas eve with a 20 foot pyre of wood and wire.
December 18, 2020Parranda
Christmas caroling – Puerto Rican Style!
December 17, 2020Santa’s Secret
What if Santa Claus got the flu and an ordinary mortal had to cover for him?
December 16, 2020Las Posadas
Commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.
December 15, 2020Kalas
Dipping into the Doop of ancestral Sweden.
December 14, 2020A Crown of Candles
Young Swedish girls represent Saint Lucia in an early morning ritual.
December 11, 2020Santa Lucia
Rituals of light in the darkness of winter.
December 10, 2020All I Want For Christmas is a Relativity Cloud
With a little help from quantum physics, Santa could have all the time he needs to make Christmas deliveries.
December 9, 2020Chasing Mr. Claus
Switzerland’s Klausjagen blends a Catholic holiday with a much older celebration.
December 8, 2020Celebrating Klausjagen
Whips, bells and a giant paper bishop’s hat.
December 7, 2020Sinterklaas
Change Santa Claus’s team of reindeer into a single white horse, replace his costume with a bishop’s robes, and you’ll begin to get a picture of Sinterklaas.
December 4, 2020Ravens Adapt
Ravens’ natural curiosity may be the trait which allows them to survive in nearly every part of the planet.
December 3, 2020Hunting with Falcons
When certain hunters give a whistle, they’re not calling their dog, they’re summoning a trained falcon.
December 2, 2020The Sport of Kings
A handful of hunters still practice the ancient sport of kings and they’re meeting this week.
December 1, 2020Hunting the Red Stag
The sounds of the mating behavior, or ‘rut’, signal the start of Red Stag hunting season in Hungary.