While Christmas has come to dominate December for most of us, the winter solstice is the really significant day of this month. Tom Oliver discovers the modern and ancient celebrations revolve around this event.
Victoria, Queen of Christmas
As the woman who brought us both Christmas trees and Christmas crackers, Victoria had more of an effect on your 25th December than you might imagine. Becky Hennell-Smith investigates Victoria’s fascination with Christmas celebrations, as well as the popularity that gave rise to the widespread adoption of these new traditions.
Culture shock
The news that Hull will be the Culture Capital of the UK in 2017 has caused widespread surprise. Stephen Fulham investigates the social history of Hull and its culture as an explanation for this decision.
The underbelly of medieval chivalry
Lad culture is one of the hot social topics of the moment, with a multitude of (other) university’s societies and sports clubs being criticised due to inappropriate and sexist behaviour. Laura Robinson explores the alternative side of the chivalric knight as the medieval version of the modern lad.
Trading on tradition
The commercialisation of Christmas is often lamented as one of the great tragedies of the twentieth century. Michael Cass and James Eatwell examine where this process began and follow it through to the present day.