Tag: history

ALT., Sex & RelationshipsLeave a comment

The Marvellous History of Valentine’s Day A romp through the annals, from the Romans to romance.

Let’s get real for a minute: there’s nothing sexier than old Roman martyrs or Geoffrey Chaucer. Valentine’s Day as we know it is a product of the Victorians. Twee, gilt cherub-and-chapel-encrusted greeting cards boomed because, in 1840, the British postal … Continue reading The Marvellous History of Valentine’s Day A romp through the annals, from the Romans to romance.

Food & DrinkLeave a comment

Food of the Dead While most overseas celebrations aren't much more than a rave with face paint, the Day of the Dead is alive in Mexico, a rich and touching tradition of honouring loved ones, infused with Mesoamerican indigenous religion, Spanish Catholicism and the culture of 41 of Mexico’s ethnic groups.

  The taste of Hallowe’en, for most of us, is a taste of alcohol and euro-store Snickers. A brack your mam bought you might sit on the side table, and maybe some monkey nuts sprinkled around a Chinese-imported pumpkin. The … Continue reading Food of the Dead While most overseas celebrations aren’t much more than a rave with face paint, the Day of the Dead is alive in Mexico, a rich and touching tradition of honouring loved ones, infused with Mesoamerican indigenous religion, Spanish Catholicism and the culture of 41 of Mexico’s ethnic groups.

Art & DesignLeave a comment

The World of Lesbian Art Putting the words “lesbian” and “artist” together is a political gesture, acknowledging a historically marginalised group’s ability to independently create.

Contrary to what traditional art history courses imply, lesbians have existed and contributed to the visual art world for centuries and continue to do so today. Like artists of any other sexuality, they have painted, drawn, sculpted, and photographed their … Continue reading The World of Lesbian Art Putting the words “lesbian” and “artist” together is a political gesture, acknowledging a historically marginalised group’s ability to independently create.

TVLeave a comment

We Are Amused: the Return of “Victoria” Series 2, Episode 1 offers a second helping of a reliable recipe for a successful Sunday night historical drama, but can it do more?

●●●●○ Back for a second series after last year’s eight-episode run took audiences from accession to the birth of an heir, Jenna Coleman’s young and opinionated Queen Victoria is faced with more political shenanigans, servants who just can’t keep their … Continue reading We Are Amused: the Return of “Victoria” Series 2, Episode 1 offers a second helping of a reliable recipe for a successful Sunday night historical drama, but can it do more?