Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, December 30, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
downcast
| |||||||
| Article of the Day | |
|---|---|
 The Eight ImmortalsIn Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals are a group of diverse and legendary figures, each of whom possesses a powerful talisman that can be used to perform magic. They are frequently referenced in Chinese art and culture—either individually or as a group—and are revered in the Taoist faith. They are often depicted in the company of other deities. What Chinese proverb was inspired by the story of the Eight Immortals crossing a sea to attend the Conference of the Magical Peach? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
|---|---|
 The Granada Massacre (1066)When Rabbi Samuel ha-Nagid died around the year 1055, his son Joseph succeeded him as leader of the Jewish community of Granada and vizier to the Berber king. At the time, figures in the Muslim community were unhappy with what they believed to be inordinate Jewish political power. Joseph, who was said to be arrogant and ostentatious, in contrast with his father, was eventually assassinated by a Muslim mob in a siege that also claimed 4,000 Jews of Granada. How was Joseph killed? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
|---|---|
 Simon Forman (1552)Forman was arguably the most popular occultist, astrologer, and herbalist in Elizabethan London, despite not possessing a medical degree. He kept detailed records of his unorthodox practice, and his diaries have yielded a wealth of historical information—including contemporary accounts of Shakespeare's plays. He was posthumously implicated in a murder plot that tarnished his reputation and has been characterized as either evil or a quack. What 1611 event is he said to have accurately predicted? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
|---|---|
 Riot, n.: A popular entertainment given to the military by innocent bystanders.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
|---|---|
 Sanghamita Day (2020)Observed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka, this day celebrates the arrival of Sanghamita, daughter of Emperor Asoka of India, in 288 BCE. According to legend, Buddhism was first brought to Sri Lanka by a group of missionaries led by Mahinda, Asoka's son. Mahinda later sent for his sister, Sanghamita, who arrived with a branch from the Bodhi tree at Gaya, sacred to Buddhists as the tree under which the Buddha was sitting when he attained Enlightenment. The sapling was planted in the royal city of Anuradhapura, where Sanghamita founded an order of nuns. More... | |