A Note from the Curator Carl Jung believed that we do not walk alone; we carry the “psychological heritage” of our ancestors within us. To help you visualize these deep ancestral influences, I’ve selected some visual examples from our Heritage Archive. These historical “maps of meaning”—like our 1875 Oddfellows Record Print—were used by our forebears to navigate identity and community. Our connection to our ancestors runs deeper than we often realize. Renowned psychologist Carl Jung dedicated much of his work to exploring the profound influence of ancestral heritage, inherited patterns, and the collective unconscious on our identities. His insights remind…
Author: klawrence
Love knows no bounds, and nowhere is this more evident than in the global celebration of Valentine’s Day. This cherished holiday has evolved far beyond simple romantic gestures. Today, it carries the weight of centuries of tradition and cultural significance. By exploring these ancestral Valentine’s traditions, we can forge deeper connections to our roots while enriching our modern celebrations. The Ancient Origins of Valentine’s Day The story of Valentine’s Day begins in ancient Rome with the festival of Lupercalia. This vibrant mid-February celebration honored fertility, purification, and the coming of spring. Young men would draw names of women from a…
Love speaks in many languages, but its most enduring expressions often come through symbols. These timeless images transcend words, telling stories of connection, passion, and devotion across cultures and generations. From ancient carvings to modern emojis, symbols of love continue to bridge the gap between hearts. The Universal Language of Love Symbols Every culture has its own way of representing love through symbols. These visual expressions capture feelings that are often too profound for words. Whether etched in stone, painted on canvas, or worn as jewelry, these symbols hold emotional weight and connect us across time and space. They remind…
Common Holiday Themes Run Through Many Cultures Incorporating different Christmas traditions from around the world into your gatherings and decor can be a great way to add variety and fun to your family celebrations. From snowy Nordic villages to tropical islands, holiday customs reflect local landscapes and beliefs. Yet, many cultures share common themes that fit in any household regardless of cultural background—light in the darkness, warmth in winter, and protection from the unknown. Folklore animals play a big role in these stories. They are the symbolic guardians of the season, representing generosity, protection, and renewal. This article explores these…
Curious about the history and origins of the Christmas symbols we use to “deck the halls” each year? In a season filled with lights, colors, and traditions that have been cherished for centuries, the symbols woven throughout our décor infuse the festivities with timeless themes of love, hope, and faith. Let’s unwrap the stories and significance behind each of these beloved Christmas symbols, discovering the meaningful messages they carry. Quick Overview Light, Love, and Hope Christmas Tree: The Christmas tree, often an evergreen like a spruce, fir, or pine, is a symbol of everlasting life with God. The triangular shape…
Why Winter Solstice Symbolism Matters Today Finding winter solstice meaning amid the holiday hustle and bustle is an often overlooked, but always meaningful and worthwhile effort. People yearn for deeper, more intentional winter traditions as the days grow short and darkness settles in. Winter solstice, the season’s shortest day and longest night, is celebrated by cultures around the world as a time of rebirth and hope. Ancient people created rituals and icons—lanterns, animals, guardian spirits—to guide, comfort, and inspire communities as winter deepened. This post gathers ten symbols, culled from centuries of winter solstice traditions, to help you build meaningful…
Key Takeaways Vintage Christmas decorations are more than just a trend—they’re a heartfelt way to celebrate the holiday season’s magic. With the rise of nostalgia in recent years, vintage Christmas art and crafts have become increasingly popular, bringing the timeless charm of bygone eras into our modern holiday celebrations. The appeal of vintage Christmas decor lies in its sentimental value, evoking memories of holidays past, and creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in any home. The Growing Popularity of Vintage Christmas Art and Crafts People are embracing vintage Christmas decorations for their nostalgic charm, warmth, and unique character. In a world…
Could honoring your ancestors as part of your Thanksgiving celebration be a new tradition to add to your family gatherings? Remembering the ancestors who have passed down stories, traditions, recipes, values, and traits is a great way to show heartfelt gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy. Acknowledging the contributions they have made to our history, culture, and identity is a legacy worth passing around the family table on a day dedicated to giving thanks. In this article, we will explore 10 meaningful ways to incorporate ancestral remembrance into your Thanksgiving celebrations. These ways will help you pay tribute to…
Mythical creatures have always fascinated humans. From terrifying forest witches to mysterious ocean beings, these stories are part of our shared cultural heritage. Folklore is more than just ancient storytelling — it’s a reflection of a culture’s values, fears, and hopes. In part one of this series, Scary Mythical Creatures and Their Cultural Significance, we discussed a batch of wild and wooly mythical creatures from ancient mythology and urban legend. In this post, we’ll explore five more incredible mythical creatures that folklore lovers will adore. These legendary beings span multiple regions, each with their own unique history and symbolism. Whether…
A study of Victorian photos is a captivating voyage through time, where sepia tones and delicate images transport us to an era of corsets, horse-drawn carriages, and whispered secrets. The Victorian Era, spanning from the early 19th century to the dawn of the 20th, was a period of grandeur, societal shifts, and—yes, you guessed it—photography. It’s likely that box of old photos your grandparents or great-grandparents had stashed in the attic contains some Victorian photos. Imagine gas lamps flickering on cobblestone streets, ladies in voluminous skirts sipping tea, and gentlemen sporting impressive mutton chops. It’s on this enchanting backdrop that photography…