Many Pacific cultures practice tapu (taboo) — restrictions on contact with sacred objects or persons.

Ancient Greeks believed music had direct effects on the soul — different modes were associated with different emotions.

People are more likely to marry someone with similar education levels.

Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words still used today, including 'bedroom,' 'lonely,' 'generous,' and 'obscene.'

The gamelan orchestra of Indonesia uses percussion instruments tuned to local scales that differ from Western temperament.

In sumo wrestling, the ring (dohyo) is considered sacred and purified with salt before each tournament.

Opera was invented in Florence around 1600, originally as an attempt to recreate ancient Greek theater.

There's a statue of Jason Voorhees, the “Friday the 13th” serial killer, chained to the bottom of a Minnesota lake.

About 1 in 10 people are left-handed.