Search - Curious Customs: The Stories Behind 296 Popular American Rituals

Curious Customs reveals the sense behind the nonsence of many popular American traditions we all take for granted. Fun to read.

Have you ever considered visiting the golden arches at McDonald's to be a religious experience? Did you ever wonder why people tie old shoes to the bumper of the 'just married' car? Wouldn't you like to know why we cross our hearts and thumb our noses? Lots of fun and fascinating information in here.

From back cover: Every morning a man knots a long strip of patterned cloth around his neck, convinced he won't be fit to conduct business if he doesn't . . .
A little girl skins her knee, and her mother's first reaction is to press her lips against the wound . . .
To celebrate the vernal equinox, a family drops chicken eggs in dye, then pretends they are presents left for them by a rabbit . . .
Strange behavior? Not unless you think wearing ties, kissing a scrape 'to make it better', and coloring Easter eggs are out of the ordinary.
These are just a few of the everyday rituals that are perfectly normal to us until we stop and think how perfectly ridiculous they actually appear!

Its a book about the origins of certain customs such as when we say Pardon me, or excuse me or where the custom of men opening doors for ladies or standing up when a lady stands up. Very interesting book.