USC Dornsife News

Gifting roses and celebrating love on Valentine’s Day are now a normal part of courtship, but the history behind these choices may surprise you.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, USC Dornsife faculty reflect on the ways their moms encouraged and inspired their academic careers.

Dive into the rich cultural history, myths and religious traditions surrounding this popular holiday.

One hundred years ago, the excavation of King Tut’s tomb famously brought us a mummy with a “pharaoh’s curse.” Our fascination with mummies goes back much farther, however. USC Dornsife scholars explain why we’re still so wrapped up in these eerie remains.

The Easter Bunny typically evokes memories of fun and colorfully painted eggs, but this mythical rabbit has prehistoric origins and is a longstanding cultural symbol that keeps returning each spring.

The Irish government recently declared a national holiday for another patron saint of Ireland, St. Brigid. A USC Dornsife scholar and medieval historian explains her fascinating life and history. [6 min read]

USC Dornsife students, faculty and staff members are among billions of people worldwide celebrating Lunar New Year on Feb. 1. [2¾ min read]

Ring in the New Year with these USC Dornsife scholar-recommended reads that promise a little self-transformation. [4½ min read]

In the settlement of Jamestown a more typical incident of distrust, displacement and repression can tell more about the colonial era than the Pilgrims' experience. [6¼ min read]