Category: Feature Stories

For centuries, various customs and symbols have been associated with Easter, some of which have survived in a different form. Some of them, such as the ratchet and the epitaphios, a liturgical blanket, are only common in individual Christian denominations. The rabbit, Easter lamb and egg are probably the best-known Easter symbols. However, there are also numerous other traditions for the main festival in the Christian church year, such as the palm bush, ratcheting and the Easter food blessing, which is popular in rural areas. While the blessing of food…

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The twice-daily ritual in the bathroom is brushing your teeth and washing your face. A dermatologist explains the consequences if the latter falls by the wayside. Unlike the rest of the body, the face is not protected by clothing and is surrounded by environmental influences all day. It goes without saying that the dirt has to be cleaned off in the evening. But what is the point of washing extensively in the morning? Is it necessary, or can our skin cope better than we think it would without it? Dermatologist…

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Eggs are not only on everyone’s lips at Easter: whether as a soft-boiled version at breakfast, as a savoury omelette for a quick dinner or as a baking ingredient in afternoon cakes, eggs are regularly on the menu. At the same time, eggs had an image problem for a long time, as they were notorious for being a real cholesterol bomb. This bad reputation has been crumbling for years, as it has been shown that the egg is much more of a high-quality nutrient bomb with many important vitamins and…

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The world’s population is still growing, but according to a current forecast, it is likely to shrink again in the long term: by 2100, only six countries worldwide—Samoa, Tonga, Somalia, Niger, Chad, and Tajikistan—will be above the 2.1 children per woman mark. This value is considered the threshold for keeping the population at a constant level. For the remaining 198 countries, the researchers assume that the birth rate in 2100 will be below the 2.1 mark. The number of people there is likely to fall in the long term unless…

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The comet “12P/Pons-Brooks” is currently traveling through the inner solar system and is rapidly approaching Earth. It will soon reach its maximum brightness and thus offer a fascinating observation opportunity. It can already be spotted in the night sky with a suitable lens. But what is behind this celestial phenomenon, and when is the best time to observe it? Comets and their characteristic featuresHistory and discovery: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was first discovered on July 12, 1812, by the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons. Over seventy years later, William Robert Brooks accidentally came…

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What is celebrated on Palm Sunday – and what does it have to do with Holy Week? We explain the customs, history, and significance of Palm Sunday in the church, religion, and art. Palm Sunday (March 24, 2024) marks the beginning of Holy Week, also known as “Silent Week,” during which Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross and prepare for Easter. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of his Passion. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus rode into the city on…

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You need something at work or want to make a new contact. If you’re effective, you pick up the phone. Ideally, at least. But when phone phobia strikes, it’s a different story. All excusesInstead of calling, you start looking for excuses not to. “The ways are extremely creative,” says communication trainer Jürgen Eisserer. In the end, many people shirk and choose the written message. Why is that? “Because they are afraid of rejection,” explains Eisserer. What’s more, many don’t know exactly what they want to say or are worried that…

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What does Easter mean?At Easter, the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the main festival of the Christian faith. According to the apostle Paul, the Christian faith would be invalid without Easter: “But if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is empty too” (1 Cor 15:14). The word “Easter” probably comes from the terms “eos” (Greek), “aurora” (Latin) or “austro” (Old Germanic), which all mean “dawn”. The resurrection took place in the early morning of Easter Day.…

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