The hottest Cultural Practices Substack posts right now

Shopping at French village markets is a fun experience with a variety of fresh, local foods. You'll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses that travel short distances from farms.
It's important to take your time when shopping. Walk around the market first to see what looks good, buy heavier items first, and make sure to have small bills and coins ready.
Being friendly goes a long way at the market. Smile, say hello, and chat with vendors or other shoppers to learn more about the local food and culture.

Pharaoh's character shows how someone can become too proud to admit they are wrong. Even when faced with power beyond his own, he refuses to truly accept it.
God hardens Pharaoh's heart to illustrate the importance of justice and punishment for past wrongdoings. This story highlights that sometimes, consequences need to be faced fully.
In the end, even a hard-hearted person can show vulnerability. Pharaoh's last request to Moses for a blessing shows a moment of human connection, despite his earlier choices.

The study provides strong evidence of early horseback riding among Yamnaya people based on bioarchaeological analysis
Identifiable skeletal markers like acetabular ovalization suggest long-term horse riding activity
Riding horses in ancient times might have been an infrequent elite male activity due to challenges and risks

Woolly dogs were kept by the Coast Salish people for their fur, which was used to make warm blankets. Unfortunately, these dogs went extinct in the late 1800s, leaving only one pelt known today.
Recent research used genetic studies and the historical context of Mutton, a woolly dog, to learn about its unique traits and the care it received from Indigenous people. This shows how important these dogs were to their culture.
The extinction of woolly dogs is connected to historical racism and policies that targeted Indigenous practices. Understanding this context is just as important as studying the genetics of the dogs.

Israel's national solidarity is explored in 'The Genius of Israel,' suggesting a unique ability to balance tradition and modernity, individualism and collectivism.
Key social institutions like the kibbutz, youth movements (gibush), the military (IDF), and mechina programs play a crucial role in shaping Israel's collective identity and resilience.
Israel's success in economic growth, demographic health, and social cohesion is attributed to the balance between individual and collective forces, with the IDF serving as both a defense mechanism and a training ground for intergroup collaboration.

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Many of today's popular companies like Uber and Airbnb are actually built on ideas that have existed in poorer countries for a long time. These companies are not groundbreaking innovations but rather modern versions of traditional practices.
The gig economy has become more accepted in other parts of the world compared to regions like Europe and America, which has seen pushback from established systems that want to maintain traditional business models.
Innovations often come from immigrants bringing in ideas from their home countries. This means that many disruptive concepts in developed nations actually have roots in the experiences of the 'Third World'.

Soap has a long and diverse history, originating from ancient civilizations like Sumerians and Egyptians.
The concept of hygiene and soap usage evolved over time, from ancient times to modern-day practices.
The modern obsession with hygiene and soap may have unintended consequences, like antimicrobial resistance.

Human sacrifices were believed to have happened at Mt. Lykaion in Greece, where a significant discovery of human bones was made in 2016.
The area is linked to King Lycaon, who supposedly challenged Zeus and was transformed into a wolf as a result of his actions.
This site also shows that other cultures, like the Romans, had practices of human sacrifice to please their gods, highlighting a widespread ancient belief in the need for sacrifices.

Antimonial cups in the 17th century were used for purging the body of diseases, albeit violently, showcasing the notion of enduring discomfort for a perceived cure.
The use of antimony in medicine goes back to ancient times, with antimonial cups being a popular method of taking antimony-infused wine despite being banned in France, showcasing how popularity can grow even when something is prohibited.
John Evans, a colorful character from the 17th century, sold antimonial cups in London and faced criticism for his promotion of the cups as a cure-all medicine, despite concerns about the dangerous nature of antimony.