8 little-known facts that will take all your thoughts
15.12.2018
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Do you know why people knock on wood for luck? Or how did Leonardo da Vinci treat animals? If you are eager to learn something new everyday this article is right for you.
#1 Some black bears are born with white fur
They are called the Spirit bears or the Kermode Bears. These bears are neither albinos nor the Polar Bears. They are a rare subspecies of the Black Bear and live in the forests of British Columbia. This unusual color is the result of recessive gene mutation.
#2 Knock on wood for luck
People from different countries have that superstition: to knock on a piece of wood to ward off bad luck and sorrow. This tradition has its roots in Celtic culture. People believed that gods live in trees, so to communicate with them and ask for their protection they knocked on tree trunks.
#3 Michelangelo did shopping with a grocery list
Scientists found a grocery list written by Michelangelo in 1518. It is a text with his sketches of products. They say it might have been a hint for his assistant who couldn't read.
#4 The longest prison sentence ever was given to a mailman
Gabriel March Grandos, a mailman from Palma de Mallorca, was sentenced to 384,910 years in prison in 1972. In Palma de Mallorca, a person can get a 9 year sentence for not delivering one letter. Gabriel March Grandos failed to deliver more than 40,000 letters!
#5 The Statue of Liberty has a broken shackle and chain at her feet
The Statue of Liberty represents democracy. Near the Statue's right foot, there's a chain and broken shackles that can't be seen from below. They symbolize American independence, freedom from slavery.
#6 Tuberculosis changed Fashion of 1800's
Long skirts and corsets were criticized by the doctors. They were considered to be the reason for spreading tuberculosis bacteria. New corsets were made with elastiс fabric in order to prevent the chest and waist from compression. Men's fashion was also changed by tuberculosis - beards and moustaches were thought to transmit infectious diseases and were shaved off.
#7 Edvard Munch's "Scream" is based on true events
Norwegian scientists offered a new theory to explain, what was the source of inspiration for this work of Munch. First, it was believed that he was impressed by the eruption of Krakatoa Volcano. However, scientists found out that the colors of wavy shapes in the picture are close to those of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (Nacreous Clouds). As these thin clouds are rare to see and they could totally impress the artist.
#8 Leonardo da Vinci fought for animal rights
Leonardo da Vinci was not only a great artist but also a wonderful man. Leonardo's view of life was ahead of his time. He fought for animal rights and his love of animals was so great that he ate no meat and milk. He also bought birds and animals in cages in order to set them free.
And what do you think about that? Do you have any interesting facts to share? If so, tell us in the comments below, please!
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