Ancient Community May Have Sacrificed and Eaten Dogs to Become ‘Werewolves’

WORLD Members of a Bronze Age culture that lived along the Russian steppe practiced ritual sacrifice of dogs and wolves, and their young men then ate them as part of an initiation ceremony evoking the mythological transformation into a werewolf. (Newsweek) “All stories are about wolves. All worth repeating, that is.” Learn more with our great study guide on wolves of ritual, myth, and legend. … Continue reading Ancient Community May Have Sacrificed and Eaten Dogs to Become ‘Werewolves’

Weekly Warm-Up: Food Rituals and Pumpkin-Flavored Feelings

It’s that time of year again. Get ready for colorful leaves, crackling fires, and, of course, “pumpkin spice” flavoring. In the U.S., everything edible—from cookies and lattes to ketchup and hummus—has gone seasonal yet again. But how exactly is the favorite fall flavor made? And what makes Americans love it so much? Botanically speaking, pumpkins are actually indistinguishable from some other types of squash. Culturally … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Food Rituals and Pumpkin-Flavored Feelings

Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?

FOOD A shortage of whitefish in the Great Lakes is coming at an inconvenient time for Jewish families: the Passover holiday, perhaps the only time of year when demand for gefilte fish (where whitefish is a key ingredient) exceeds supply. “It may taste like cat food, but that’s why I love it,” says one man. (Associated Press) Use our resources to better understand Passover, food, … Continue reading Why Is This Year Different From All Other Years?