Category Archives: WHY?
282.WHY IS BLACK WORN FOR MOURNING?
We think of our way of life as the only one, and when we learn about other civilizations, we are often shocked, or at least surprised. When we mourn somebody, we naturally wear black What else could one wear?
Well, in Japan and China, they wear pure white when mourning! And in some sections of Africa, the natives apply red paint to their bodies as a sign of mourning.
281.WHY DO WE HAVE GRAMMAR?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just speak and write as you like, without having to learn the rules of grammar?
When you have something to express, you want to express it accurately, don’t you? You don’t want to be misunderstood. If everybody spoke and wrote perfect English, and everything you heard and read was expressed in perfect, accurate English, you probably wouldn’t have to study grammar! Grammar teaches you what corrections to make in your speech and writing and why the corrections should be made. And the study of grammar helps you improve the way you express yourself by using English which is accurate, clear, varied, and interesting.
264.WHY IS FRIDAY THE 13TH CONSIDERED UNLUCKY?
Man has always had superstitions about numbers and about days. Some were supposed to be lucky; some, unlucky. Why the number 13 came to be considered unlucky no one really knows, though there are some theories about it. One explanation has to do with Scandinavian mythology. There were 12 demi Gods. According to this legend, Loki appeared, making the 13th. Since Loki was evil and cruel and caused human misfortunes, and since he was the 13th demigod, the number 13 came to be a sign of bad luck.
