Scientists believe they have found the earliest biochemical evidence of people chewing the popular psychoactive plant

Ancient Magdalenians practiced cannibalism, consuming enemies and possibly loved ones, revealing prehistoric violence.

Our final Halloween episode tackles a grizzly topic: Ritual Sacrifices. We explore some of the practices and reasons for sacfrifice throughout history. Note that there are somewhat graphic descriptions of some violent acts toward humans and animals. If you're going to sacrifice something, make it an inanimate effigy or other symbolic object. Happy Halloween 2025! Recommendations - Abraham: Novocaine: https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/novocaine - Shane: Nine Inch Nails - Tron:Ares OST (https://open.spotify.com/album/47pjW3XDPW99NShtkeewxl?si=4fV1oxzNTaaCMyDasdFkWw) Holidays (10/29/2025): - International Internet Day - Happy Early Halloween - National Cat Day - National Hermit Day - National Oatmeal Day - Read for the Record Day - World Psoriasis Day - World Stroke Day - Brain Tumor Awareness Week - Disarmament Week - International Magic Week - Prescription Errors Education and Awareness Week - Winter Weather Preparedness Week - World Origami Days - Happy birthday to Winona Ryder, Ben Foster, Bob Ross and Gabrielle Union Links and references:  - https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-sacrifice - https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/ritual-sacrifice-0017159 - https://www.thecollector.com/human-sacrifice-throughout-history/ - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27042932/ - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-human-sacrifice-propped-up-the-social-order/ - https://www.science.org/content/article/human-sacrifice-may-have-helped-societies-become-more-complex  

The controversy surrounding Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's comments about a gift of Shizuoka Crown melons from Japan has sparked debate about cultural practices and gifting traditions. These melons, part of a significant Japanese cultural ritual, are hand-patted by growers to achieve an even shape and texture, making them a luxury item priced between $50 and $150 each. While Albanese faces scrutiny for his remarks, the melons themselves have received less attention despite their cultural importance. Melbourne fruit expert Thanh Truong highlighted that Japan's fruit-gifting culture differs from Australia's, where fruits are seen as commodities rather than luxury items. The melons, a variety of muskmelon, symbolize respect and good fortune in Japan, contrasting with typical Australian gift choices like alcohol. Despite their seasonal arrival in Australia, they remain unsold locally, reflecting differing cultural values around fruit appreciation.

TRIDEC and county officials updated commissioners on a multi‑jurisdiction effort to transfer Army Corps shoreline lands to local control while memorializing tribal access through a cultural‑practices easement and memoranda of agreement. Commissioners pressed for timelines, costs and a unified congressional strategy.

Council members suggest easing restrictions on home businesses and discreet butchering practices.

Circumcision was just the beginning—subincision was the brutal next step, and yes, it still happens. Learn more at the link in bio. #RitualHistory #Subincision #Anthropology #TribalCustoms #CulturalPractices #BodyModification #IndigenousRituals #ExtremeRituals #Ethnography #LearnHistory

Itinerant acupuncturists applied feng shui and chi knowledge to optimize healing methods.

Decades-long use of chalice at Worcester College highlights violent colonial history of looted human remains, says Prof Dan Hicks Oxford academics drank from a chalice made from a human skull for decades,...

A stab in the dark.

A study of skeletons from a cave in Poland has revealed widespread evidence of cut marks and fractures suggestive of cannibalism.