Ever wonder why Easter never seems to land on the same day each year? Or why your keyboard isn’t arranged alphabetically? From the quirks of our everyday language to the hidden design choices behind common objects, the world around us is packed with fascinating details we rarely stop to question.
In this post, we’re diving into 12 surprising facts about everyday things—revealing the science behind brain freeze, the superstition of knocking on wood, and even why some people see colors the rest of us can’t. You may be surprised to discover the hidden logic, history, and oddities of these things we never normally think twice about!
1. Why Easter’s Date Changes Every Year
Easter doesn’t have a fixed date because it follows the lunar calendar rather than the solar (Gregorian) calendar. It’s set as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, which means it can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. This system was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to align with Jewish Passover traditions and seasonal changes.
2. Why We Say ‘O’Clock’
The term o’clock comes from the phrase of the clock, used in early English to distinguish between clock-based time and other systems like sundials. In the past, people also used different timekeeping methods (such as canonical hours in monasteries), so o’clock helped clarify that the time was being referenced from a mechanical clock.
3. The Reason Keys on a Keyboard Aren’t in Alphabetical Order
The QWERTY keyboard was designed in the 1870s for early typewriters. The original alphabetical arrangement led to jamming when people typed too quickly. To prevent jams, inventor Christopher Latham Sholes rearranged the keys, and QWERTY became the standard.
4. Why Ice Cream Gives You Brain Freeze
Brain freeze happens when something cold touches the roof of your mouth (the palate), causing blood vessels to rapidly constrict and then expand. This sudden change triggers pain receptors that send signals to the brain, which interprets it as a headache.
5. Why Doorknobs Are Often Made of Brass
Brass doorknobs aren’t just for looks—they have antimicrobial properties. Copper, which is in brass, can kill bacteria and viruses on contact, making brass doorknobs, handles, and railings a natural way to reduce germ spread.
6. Why Do We Refrigerate Eggs in the U.S. but Not in Europe?
In the U.S., eggs are washed to remove potential salmonella but this also strips away the natural protective coating, requiring refrigeration to prevent contamination. In many European countries, eggs are left unwashed so they retain their natural defenses and can be safely stored at room temperature.
7: Why Are There Tiny Holes in Airplane Windows?
That small hole in airplane windows is called a breather hole and helps regulate pressure between the inner and outer window panes. This prevents the glass from shattering due to the extreme pressure differences at high altitudes. It also helps reduce fogging by allowing moisture to escape.
8. Why Are Manhole Covers Round?
Manhole covers are round because a circular shape won’t fall through its own opening, unlike a square or rectangular cover, which could drop through if inserted diagonally. The round design also makes them easier to roll and position.
9. Why Do We Knock on Wood for Luck?
The phrase knock on wood comes from ancient pagan and Celtic traditions. Many cultures believed spirits or gods resided in trees, and knocking on wood was thought to either summon their protection or prevent evil forces from hearing one’s good fortune and reversing it. Over time, it became a widespread superstition.
10. Why Do We Call It a “Soap Opera”?
Daytime drama shows were originally sponsored by soap manufacturers like Procter & Gamble in the early days of radio and television. These companies targeted housewives, who were the primary audience during the day, and their ads for cleaning products were so prevalent that the genre became known as “soap operas.”
11. Why Do We Say ‘Sleep Tight’?
The phrase sleep tight comes from old-fashioned rope beds, where ropes were woven to support a mattress. Over time, these ropes would loosen and need to be tightened for better support. A well-tightened bed meant a good night’s sleep—hence, sleep tight.
12. Why Do Some People See More Colors Than Others?
Most people have three types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes—red, green, and blue—but some individuals, known as tetrachromats, have a rare fourth cone that allows them to see millions of additional subtle color variations that others can’t perceive. This is more common in women due to how color vision genes are inherited. While the average person can distinguish about a million shades, a tetrachromat might see 100 million!
Well. there you have it! I hope that next time you knock on wood, type away on your QWERTY keyboard, or grab an egg from the fridge, you take a moment to appreciate the quirky, brilliant, and unexpected ways the world works. Until then, stay curious and keep wondering!
P.S. ! had so much fun uncovering these tidbits of information that I’ll definitely be making more posts like this, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop!
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