History Facts That Will Make You Question the Passage of Time

History is the study of past events. We know what happened in the past thanks to the thousands of humans who kept track of historical events in books, paintings, recordings, and photographs.

In most cases, these records have survived over several decades, centuries and in some cases, even thousands of years. But most kids in school only learn about the history of their own country and maybe a few historical tidbits.

Most of us have a difficult time putting together a timeline of the biggest events in the history of the world. So if you’re looking to refresh your mind, check out these incredible history facts that will make you question the passage of time.

Hocus Pocus

The Eucharist is a Christian ritual commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples, where everyone feasted on bread and wine. According to legend, the bread represented his body and it was blessed. The wine (which was also blessed) represented his blood.

This ritual has been continuously used in ceremonies such as baptisms. But during the traditional Eucharist, the priests make the sign of the cross and say, “Hocus Pocus.” This is surprising given that the phrase is associated with wizards, magicians and witches—three things that go against the teachings of the church.

Medieval Bird Armor

Medieval knights have always been portrayed as powerful and intimidating, but it’s easy to see how their enemies might have chuckled a bit at the sight of their helmets as some of them were shaped like bird beaks.

Can you imagine a heavy steel helmet with eye holes shaped like bird’s eyes and a beak as well as metal feathers on the sides. Even the squiggly lines under the neck and sides of the arms were inspired by birds.

Regardless, they’re still pretty nifty and undoubtedly did their job in keeping the knight inside safe.

Iran Banned Mullets

In 2010, Iran released a list of hairstyles that were approved for people in their country. Unfortunately, the mullet was banned because it represented a decadent Western cut just like ponytails. And anyone who was seen walking around with a mullet were either harassed or arrested by authorities.

In many cases, the individual was forced to undergo a haircut. While this rule might have seemed silly, it served as a reminder to the Iranian people that they needed to look over their shoulders to remember who was in charge.

Spock’s Vulcan Dilemma

Actor Leonard Nimoy played Mr. Spock, a half-human, half-Vulcan with pointy ears in the original “Star Trek” series from the 1960s, as well as several movies.

He also made a guest appearance in the two-parter “Unification” episode on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Fans may also recall that he wrote one autobiography called “I Am Not Spock” and later one called “I Am Spock.” In “I Am Not Spock,” the actor compared his life to Spock’s life to explain the difference between the two of them.

But in “I Am Spock,” he explained that Spock had always been a part of him.