Monday, September 16, 2024

In today’s History newsletter, pilgrims still seek power from the Virgin Mary; obsess over orcas; walk off back pain; slice into pizza’s saucy origin;  delve into new alcohol and driving findings ... and recall that time beavers parachuted into Idaho

No other woman has been as exalted. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to shrines worldwide devoted to the Virgin Mary, praying for her intercession with Jesus to cure disease or heartbreak. How was Mary, who Pope Francis calls his ‘mama’, accorded such power? 

Look no further than the Biblical miracle of the wine. 

Related: Have you seen the Blessed Mother? Creating images of Mary. 

Also: Why are there four heads of John the Baptist?  

Rodents or superheroes? You’ve heard of famous aerialists, daredevils, Flying Wallendas, Niagara divers. But what about the parachuting beavers of Idaho? 

One might ask: What prompted the massive air-dropping of the dam-building rodents over the U.S. Northwest? Was it a good idea? Did other states follow suit?  

Today’s Soundtrack: I Was Made For Sunny Days, The Weepies

We hope you enjoyed today’s History newsletter. Let us know if you have ideas on how to make this better. It was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant.