Topics

Nov

Storytelling in Miniature

by Meredith Mullins on November 5, 2018

Giant Panda eating peaches on a postage stamp from Mongolia, proving postage stamps show something about a country's cultural heritage and traditions. (Image © Gingwa/iStock.)

What does a postage stamp say about its country?
© Gingwa/iStock

Cultural Heritage and Traditions of the Mighty (Yet Tiny) Postage Stamp

As the popularity of “snail mail” dwindles in our digital age, it seems sadly plausible that some people today have never used a postage stamp. And that’s a pity.

Postage stamps of the world tell fascinating stories. And stamps—like the design of paper currency noted in an OIC Moments story last month—reveal much about a country’s cultural heritage and traditions.

Postal services have exploded with creativity to offer stamps that people look forward to adding to their letters and cards—like an artistic bow on a heartfelt package. Read more...

Meredith Mullins Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Cultural Symbols/Worldwide Sites

Oct

Grand Openings

by Joyce McGreevy on October 9, 2018

A facade in Hobbiton, New Zealand evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

What’s behind doors and windows? In Hobbiton, New Zealand, that’s a trick question!
© Joyce McGreevy

A Cross-Cultural Tour of Doors and Windows Around the World

With more than 12 million posts and counting, doors and windows around the world are among the most shared objects on Instagram. Clearly, doors can be adorable and windows wonderful. But beyond pretty pictures, what cross-cultural stories do doors and windows tell?

A window in Lismore, Ireland evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

In Lismore, Ireland, a medieval window has been silent witness to both
Sir Walter Raleigh and John F. Kennedy.
© Joyce McGreevy

A facade in Zagreb, Croatia evokes the cross-cultural stories of doors and windows. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

In Zagreb, Croatia, a post-Civil War window showcases the city’s renaissance.
© Joyce McGreevy Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 2 Comments

Crossing Cultures/Cultural Symbols/The World's Art & Design/Worldwide Sites

Dec

Angels of Paris

by Meredith Mullins on December 18, 2017

The Most Celestial of Cultural Symbols

Happy holidays to all! This festive season surrounds us with sparkling lights, fir trees of all shapes and sizes, menorahs, wish lists, santas, elves, mangers, jingling bells, and heralding angels. We celebrate with a variety of cultural symbols at this time of year.

One of these symbols, however, has more than just a holiday presence. Angels can be full-time residents, finding a home in history and architectural design, especially in a city such as Paris. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Cultural Symbols/France (Paris)

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