In ancient Ireland, cows were a symbol of wealth and were the standard of value for prices, wages, and marriage portions. Pigs were also commonly kept, by both rich and poor, as they could be fed by being turned out in the woods to eat whatever was available. Sheep were kept both for food and […]
The Groundhog is the only mammal to have a day named for him. Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd, each year. The Pennsylvania Dutch introduced the tradition to the U.S. in the 18th century. Originally, these early German immigrants had celebrated Candlemas in Germany with the badger, but transferred the honor to the Groundhog. Candlemas […]
In 2009, researchers conducted a study of where domestic cats originated. Their findings, based on DNA showed that domestication of cats began in the Fertile Crescent. The Fertile Crescent is part of the Middle East including Turkey to Northern Africa and eastward to Iraq and Iran. When humans decided to settle in one place and […]
