The enduring legacy of Zapotec culture in Oaxaca
In the mountainous valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, one of Mesoamerica’s most ancient civilisations continues to thrive after more than 2,500 years. The Zapotec people, whose name derives from the …
World Cultures: Celebrating humanity's rich tapestry
From ancient traditions to modern expressions, this category is your gateway to the diverse and vibrant cultures that shape our world. Here, we explore the customs, languages, beliefs, foods, festivals, and art forms that define communities across continents, highlighting both the beauty of difference and the threads that connect us all.
Whether it's uncovering the roots of Indigenous rituals, exploring diasporic identities, or highlighting lesser-known traditions, World Cultures invites you to travel through time and place with curiosity and respect. This is about more than just learning — it's about appreciation, understanding, and honouring the many ways people find meaning, joy, and belonging in the world.
The Pashtun Culture: Ancient traditions in a modern world
The Pashtun people, also known as Pathans, are one of the world’s largest tribal societies, with over 50 million members primarily residing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their culture, forged …
Understanding Sharia Law: Principles, practice, and global context
Sharia law represents one of the world’s most discussed yet often misunderstood legal systems. Derived from Arabic, meaning “the way” or “path to water,” Sharia …
The Summer Solstice: Celebrating the longest day of the year
The summer solstice marks one of nature’s most significant astronomical events, occurring when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and delivers the maximum amount of daylight to one …
The Albigensian Crusade: Christians killing Christians (1209-1229)
The Catholic Church’s crusade against the Cathar heresy took place in the Languedoc region of southern France (centred around the city of Albi, from which the term “Albigensian” …
The history of the full English breakfast: A cultural institution
The full English breakfast is one of Britain’s most beloved culinary traditions. This hearty, satisfying meal has evolved over centuries from the dining tables of the wealthy to become a …
Pancake Day: A tradition of faith and feasting
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a beloved celebration that takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. In 2025, it falls on 25 …
St David’s Day: A Celebration of Welsh heritage and culture
On 1 March each year, Wales comes alive with a vibrant celebration of its patron saint, St David (Dewi Sant in Welsh). This cherished holiday represents not just a religious observance, but a profound …
The Desert Fathers: Origins, beliefs of early Christian monasticism
In the harsh, unforgiving landscapes of the Egyptian desert, a remarkable movement emerged in the 3rd century CE that would profoundly influence Christian spirituality and monasticism for centuries. …
The history of the Zoroastrians: A journey through time
Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest known monotheistic religions, traces its origins to ancient Persia, present-day Iran. The faith was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in the …
The history of Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūnjié), is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. Its history spans thousands of years and is deeply …
The history of New Year celebrations: A journey through time
The start of a new year is a time of renewal and hope and has been observed by civilisations across the world for thousands of years. While the modern-day festivities on 1 January have their roots in …