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Telling the Bees – Bees Symbolism and Folklore
Bees are intelligent little insects, crucial for the environment and present in mythology, folklore, customs, and literature. Here we propose a recount of some interesting stories, traditions, and symbolism surrounding these little yellow and black insects. Telling the bees Among the many traditions of the world, one of the most interesting involves keeping the bees…
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The Aesthetic Fantasy of Consumerism: Shopaholics as seen in the media
Imagine working your typical 9-5 and finally getting your check by the end of the month. After paying your bills and groceries, there is something, almost like self-care, in going into a shop just because the mannequin had something you really liked. Maybe a pair of shoes that are perfect for special occasions or a…
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Voices Unheard: The Fight to Save Endangered Languages
Across the world, every language tells a story. These stories are rich with the history, values, and worldviews of the people who speak them. But as globalization stretches its reach and cultures merge, countless languages are fading into silence. What Language Really Means Language isn’t just a way to communicate; it’s the heart of a…
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The Problem with Exoticism: A Critical Look at Orientalist Paintings
19th Century Italian Orientalist Masterpiece Painting “Four Women In The Harem” c. 1880, in the Circle of Rudolf Ernst. Have you ever looked at an old painting of a lavish palace, veiled women laying on silk cushions, or mysterious desert landscapes and thought, “Wow, so magical”? You’re not alone. Orientalist paintings, especially those from 19th-century Europe,…
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From Shrines to Stages: The Influence of Sufism on South Asian Music
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, has deeply influenced the musical traditions of Pakistan and India for centuries. Its emphasis on divine love, spiritual transcendence, and devotion has given rise to some of the most soulful musical expressions in South Asia. From qawwalis that echo in shrines to folk songs that tell tales of divine…
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The Resurgence of Book Bans: What History Tells Us About Censorship and Free Speech
Book bans have been a recurring phenomenon throughout history, often reflecting societal anxieties, political struggles, and cultural shifts. In recent years, the resurgence of book bans, particularly in schools and public libraries, has reignited debates over censorship, intellectual freedom, and the role of literature in shaping public discourse. Understanding the historical context of book bans…
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Why People Romanticize ‘Vintage’ Art Styles
Vintage art styles never truly fade—they always resurface in different forms, reinterpreted by new generations. From the tinted photographs of 1920s, grainy film aesthetics of the 60s to the youthful 90s Y2K style, it seems as if vintage trends remain timeless and people continue to be fascinated by them. But why are we so drawn…
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From Patronage to Sponsorship: A Historical Look at Art Funding and Brand Partnerships
Art and artists have been around since the dawn of humanity, from cave paintings to fertility sculptures that have added value to material culture all over the world. But just as artists have been there for mankind, support has been necessary to maintain the pursuit of these arts. Patronage and sponsorship, defined as the practice…
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The World in a Wardrobe: Glocality of Fashion in the 20th Century
Thinking about fashion in the current year is inevitably thinking at a glocal scale. The interconnected world allows us to obtain and often repurpose material culture from around the world in order to adapt to our local needs as consumers. When I see my closet, I usually encounter thrifted pieces that come from Germany or…
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