Holly, ivy, white-berried mistletoe and vibrant red poinsettias all serve to add festive cheer to the home, both inside and out, and are ...

To this day, however, hints of these ancient faiths and rituals can be found in some of the most popular Christmas traditions ...

Anand Yadav, 35, was reportedly convinced by an occultist that his dreams of becoming a father would come true if he swallowed a live chick as part of a ritual.

Ekadashi, the sacred day to worship Lord Vishnu, occurs twice a month. Devotees engage in prayers, fasting, and puja rituals, seeking blessings and forgiveness. The fast symbolizes purity and ...

The tradition dates back to 1300, and the door openings themselves follow a ritual first carried out in 1423. They mark ‘Jubilee’ years, a concept dating back to the Old Testament when sinners ...

These rituals vary slightly based on family and community, but the core essence remains the same: a celebration of fertility, womanhood, and the girl’s new role in society. The ‘Tuloni Biya’ ceremony ...

FUSHUN, China—This rust-belt hub helped fuel China’s economic rise. Now, it offers a view of China’s future—in which eroding growth collides with a ballooning elderly population and a ...

Pope Francis will commence a centuries-long Catholic tradition on Christmas Eve and introduce a first-time, historical addition to the holy ritual. Starting on Dec. 24, the pontiff will open a ...

Around 180 mostly elderly people have been killed in Haiti after they were reportedly suspected of witchcraft. Gang leader Monel "Mikano" Felix ordered the massacre in Cite Soleil - a densely ...

An ancient ritual compound has come to light in the deepest, darkest part of a cave located in what’s now northern Israel. Homo sapiens groups assembled at the cave to hold torchlit ceremonies ...