The BabaYaga Project: Recent Episodes
The BabaYaga Project
Samantha saves the day! But the real hero is the Admiral and his sweet sweet moves he puts on Grandmary. We talk all about vacations at the turn of the 20th century and how we, in general, feel kind of meh about these books.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
Samantha has a birthday party and it’s not great. Her new friends try to make up for it and they end up lost in NYC. We talk urbanity and women’s suffrage in this birthday episode.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
It's Christmas for our American Girlies again! This time we see what a Christmas is like for a wealthy family at the turn of the 20th century. But will Cornelia ruin the Christmas magic???
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
We learn about class and school in this episode of American Girlies with Samantha! Samantha has a speaking competition that is made more complicated by the things she is learning about child labour from her new friend, Neliie.
We meet a new girlie! Samantha lives at the beginning of the 20th century and she is RICH! We talk about her introductory story, which is wild for very boring reasons and we talk about class in America at the turn of the last century.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
Kirsten starts off strong by adopting a wild racoon and letting it burn her house down, then finishes off with some light gravrobbing (?), corpse robbing? Kirsten lets a wild animal burn down her family home and remedies the issue by taking a bunch of stuff from a dead man. See what we think about giving this book to kids!
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
Will Kirsten get her whole family eaten by bears? Margot talks bears and honey as we read the 5th installment of the Kirsten Saga.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
Kirsten has a birthday and it is terrible! Join us as Hannah talks us through contraception on the frontier and we are all horrified by how poorly Mama and Kirsten are treated.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
It’s Christmas in Minnesota! Join the Baba Yaga Girlies as we dive into a Christmas in July episode. Sonya walks us through the history of St. Lucia and Christmas traditions and we learn about just a few of the ways that Kirsten gets herself into life-threatening trouble in these books.
American Girlies is a production of the BabaYaga Project, brought to you by Patreon members just like you. Find our Patreon page at patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, or on TikTok or Twitter @babayagaproject.
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they).
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective.
In this episode Kirsten makes a new friend, Singing Bird! Join our hosts as we discover if the Kirsten books treat the active genocide of the Indigenous peoples of North America with the care and delicacy the topic deserves, or if this character is plot device to further the idea of the inevitability of the American nation-state! So much fun!!
American Girlies is brought to you by Patreon members, supporting the hard working Baba Yaga Team. Find our Patreon page at Patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, on tiktok @babayagaproject
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they)
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective
Welcome to American Girlies! This is the podcast where Canadian Historians read the American Girl books! We’re starting off our season of the original girls with none other than Kirsten. Join our first AG episode as we Meet Kirsten, learn all about child mortality and cholera.
American Girlies is brought to you by Patreon members, supporting the hard working Baba Yaga Team. Find our Patreon page at Patreon.com/babayagaproject. Follow us on Instagram @thebabayagaproject, on tiktok @babayagaproject
The music for American Girlies was composed and performed by Esther-Ruth Teel (she/they)
Esther-Ruth can be found on instagram @estherruthorgan and their feminist music collective can be found at @sapphonix_collective
What were fashion dolls originally used for? What are Tanagra figures? And what does this have to do with American Girl dolls? Find out in this week's breaktime, where we explore the history of dolls from Antiquity to the modern day!
American Girlies drops on the 4th of July, so get ready to talk all about dolls!
It's Pride Month, and this week Sonya and Margot are discussing a trans saint from history! We're talking all about St Marinos, an afab monk from the 6th century. His life had some interesting twists and turns, and we hope you enjoy hearing all about this fascinating story!
TW: discussions of vivisection
When did animal cruelty laws come into effect? How did people use animals in experiments in history? And why did the mistreatment of one particular dog lead to riots in London? Find out on this week's BreakTime!
Is AI sentient? Can it actually be creative? And is it even legal? We're discussing all of this and how it relates to history and the humanities more generally on this week's breaktime!
How is King Charles III involved in a Disney contract? And how did adding royals to contracts get started? Find out in this breaktime, where Sonya and Margot discuss this Disney dispute!
Why do we use money? When did people first make coins? And how did people exchange goods and services before money? Find out in this week's BreakTime!
On this week's BreakTime, Sonya and Margot have the dirt on some myths about bathing in medieval Europe.
Sam and Hannah interrupt your post-spring-forward nightmare (Daylight savings? More like daylight losings amiright?) to remind you that it could always be worse: We could still be stuck with the Romans' weird calendar, and you personally could be a genocidal dictator getting stabbed by his closest friends and colleagues.
the sound on this episode is a little weird as we were working with a less than ideal mic set up. This will not be an issue in the future. Thanks for understanding!
Margot discusses the overturning of Roe v. Wade, how to protect yourself, and how to help others
https://abortionfunds.org/?fbclid=IwAR3E8taVALCk0D9capnugZ9SVAMjyKt8Tvq0l5MvsPdqvuVS_7baiCSKRoI
https://reproductiverights.org/?fbclid=IwAR1_ebXYV2Ldp7RYlskbM8iponowNDhqMADlQB_9TZbH0Tk0prp-IiaM8Yk
https://www.aclu.org/?fbclid=IwAR03CtHLfyhP1WiTHVgklYP83bX_s8KVd6M7hJzFItqI1OZyK8uEK5Dl6U8
What magical creatures are said to live in the swamp? Why are swamps seen as frightening and ugly? And are these environments as bad as they seem? This week we look at the folklore of bogs, fens, and swamps, from murderous creatures to friendly helpers. We also discuss why these environments have been so hated, and how these fragile ecosystems are being preserved.
We've all seen the cabin in the woods horror movies. But where do they come from? Why do these stereotypes and ideas exist around these landscapes? And how is the history of Appalachia, and it's folklore, important in understanding these ideas? This week, we talk about mountains in the Americas, specifically the Appalachian region and its history, folklore, and culture.
What kinds of magical creatures were said to live in the mountains? What legends sprang up around these awe inspiring landscapes? And why did people decide that they wanted to climb and conquer these towering environs? This week, we talk about the ways people have understood and used mountains, from place of the gods to a challenge to overcome. We also talk about responsible mountain climbing and how to take care of these important ecosystems.
North America is home to enormous forests. What kind of lore surrounds these places? How did Indigenous people shape these landscapes? And how can these forests be preserved? Find out in this week's episode!
CW: discussions of underage persons
How did historical communities understand gender and sexuality? How were gay relationships viewed? How did people talk about gender? This week, we are talking about being LGBT in the past. From Sappho to two-spirit, we explore themes over time.
What did being disabled mean in history? How did people cope with being disabled before modern technology? And how did their communities care for them? This week, Margot explores the history of disabled people.
How has age and ageing been seen over time? And how did society treat older people? This week, we do a deep dive into the experience of elderly people in history. In some cases, they were venerated elders and grandparents. In others, they were marginalised and treated poorly. How has this changed over time, and how did people react to their own ageing? We explore all this and more this week!
Pirates, smugglers, and outlaws - all sorts of criminal activity has existed in history for people to make a living. What did being an outlaw mean? Why did people become pirates? And why was wool such a popular item to smuggle in the Middle Ages? We discuss all this and more on this week's episode!
CW: discussions of rape, assault, pedophilia, violence
There have been many names for exchanging physical intimacy for money or goods; it's been called the world's oldest profession, s*x work, and other less savoury names. What did the lives of these workers look like in history? Who engaged in this work, what did their lives look like, and how were they viewed by society? From antiquity to the Victorian era, we trace the history of these practices.
Historically, there have been many people who followed a religious vocation. Whether monks, nuns, priests, or other religious positions, these people chose to dedicate themselves to their religion and forego much of secular, "worldly" life. Why did people choose this? What did their lives look like? How did they spend their time, and what impact did they leave on the world? From cloistered nuns to missionary Jesuits, we trace the history of religious orders and vocations.
What is a professional? What is a profession? And how is it different from other jobs and careers? This week we talk about working in the professions! Sonya discusses how professions in started out in universities in the Middle Ages, and Margot traces the growth of the professional class.
People have always worked, whether they were hunting animals, tilling fields, or plying their trade. However, the creation of the working class really came to a head during the industrial revolution, where for the first time a large portion of the population owned nothing and had to sell their labour for wages to survive. How did this transition happen, what were the conditions like, and how did people start to organise for better treatment? This week, we interview Jean Phillipe Mathieu, a labour historian, who guides us through the history of the working class!
What kind of jobs did people have in the past? What work did they do and how did they do it? Come along as we explore the working lives of people in the past! This week, we are focusing on rural living. How did people make a living in the countryside? What kind of work did they do to bring in a good harvest and care for their animals? And how did they meet their basic needs? This week, it's all about how people lived and worked in the countryside!
What is the best thing to feed a baby? What kinds of foods are safe for them? And how does this reflect adult attitudes towards food? This week we're tracing the history of feeding children, from breastfeeding and wetnurses, to canned preserved foods, we look at what people have fed their babies and themselves. We discuss how industrialization pushed people away from breastfeeding and towards commercially available food for both babies and adults, and why it's still with us today!
How did medieval people soothe their babies? What did new parents get for their babies in the 17th century? And what ideas around parenting have changed, and what has stayed the same? This week we look into all things parenting in the past! From how to get the baby to sleep, to how to properly bond with baby, we explore how people's shifting perspectives on themselves and their children have informed parenting decisions.
How did people end pregnancies in the past? What options were available? And how did people think about abortion? There is a long history of people choosing to end pregnancies, dating to antiquity and leading up to today. Attitudes about abortion and when it is acceptable have changed over the centuries, and so have the methods employed. Join us this week and as explore the history of abortion.
TW: Discussions of abortion, death. The information in this episode is for educational purposes only, and none of the techniques discussed in the video should be attempted.
Before IUDs and the pill, people still wanted ways to space out pregnancies or avoid having a child. How did they go about this? From animal-gut condoms to goat uteruses to diy-diaphragms, the methods were as varied as they were strange. We also talk about how people have viewed, understood, and politicised birth control and family planning. How did this topic go from something discussed in private between couples, to something that made the news and was debated about in the halls of government? Find out this week as we talk all about family planning!
TW: discussions of sexual assault, infanticide.
We tend to imagine that everyone got married in the past, and that it was practically mandatory, but that is not the case. There have been lifelong single men and women at every stage of history, and they have had variety of reasons for not getting married, as well as many different ways to support themselves, engage with their communities, and make a difference in their world. This week, we discuss the "unmarried life" of the past!
What, exactly, does it mean to be married? How are you supposed to treat your spouse? What are your expectations? And how do gender roles come into it? This week, we look at all this and more as we discuss historical married life. We are taking a deep dive into how spouses related to each other privately and publicly, how they divided labour, and how they fit into their wider community. We look at everything from medieval peasants to aristocrats to the enslaved peoples of the Americas, and what marriage meant to all these different groups.
TW: Discussions of historical domestic violence
How do you get a house when there is no housing market? Where do you get furniture before IKEA? And how do you keep everything clean before modern inventions like the washing machine? This week, we talk about all this and more! We are doing a deep dive into how newlywed couples would set up their first home together in the past.
Does dressing identically to the bride, getting married at the side of the road, or ending the wedding with the groom kidnapping the bride sound strange? It would have been very normal in ages past! Wedding rituals and traditions change over time, and this week we talk about everything from the mundane to the truly bizarre. Come along as we explore the wild world of weddings!
Societies have had many practices, taboos, and rules around sex. This week, we are exploring these many faceted ideas and beliefs. We start with Sonya discussing how young people in the past found a marriage partner. For centuries, the only socially sanctioned place for sex was within a marriage, so you had to choose a partner carefully. We go through how you could meet potential matches, woo your beloved, and ultimately tie the knot. Then we turn it over to Margot, who discusses the rape and assault, which while taboo, were very common in the past. She discusses how these crimes were tried, but also how they were covered up and ignored.
TW: Discussions of ape, sexual assault
This discussion begins at 00:23:00
Young adulthood can be confusing as you try to find a career path to follow. How did people in the past embark on their own early careers? This week, we discuss the options available to young people in the past. For the poor, this often looked like being a domestic or farm worker for others until you saved up enough to start your own home and farm. For others, there were apprenticeships or even university education. How did these systems work, and how did people figure out what to do with their life? We discuss all this an more on this week's episode!
Adults complaining about "kids these days" is hardly new. For centuries, adults have been wringing their hands and clutching their pearls over the behaviour of the young - from sex, drugs, and rock and roll, to fears about novels corrupting the youth. This week, we explore the ways young people have rebelled against expectations, engaged in risky behaviours, and generally pushed back against the rules.
TW: discussions of sexual assault, child abuse, gang violence
When and how to children come of age? Whether through trials, rituals, or sacred offerings, children would perform the proper rites and from then on be viewed as adults in the community. However, the stage of youth or adolescence increased over time, and coming of age rites became more scarce. Young people began to have a distinct stage of life, where they were neither children nor full adults. And this culminated in the coining of the term "teenager" in the 20th century and the youth culture that came with it. So how did this transition happen, and why is this "in between" stage so important? Find out this week as Sonya and Margot discuss coming of age, youth, and teenagehood.
How did Western education systems impact the lives of Indigenous children, and how did Indigenous people use these systems to advocate for national sovereignty? And how did Louis Riel, specifically, use educational institutions to his advantage? Today, Margot interviews Max Hamon, a historian at Queen's University, to answer these questions.
*Note: this episode focuses on day schools, rather than residential schools, which will be covered later in the season.
What did it mean to be a boy in the past? What kind of education, play, and social roles would you receive? And how and why have these ideas and roles changed over time? This week, Sonya and Margot discuss all this and more as we look into the lives of boys, from Spartan warriors-in-training to Victorian factory workers, boys have done many jobs and filled many roles in the past.
TW: Discussions of pederasty and child abuse
What did it mean to be a girl in the past? What roles, expectations, and education would you receive? It all really depends on when and where you lived, as well as your parents' status. You might work in a 19th century textile mill, help in the farm in Ancient Greece, or maybe learn how to be a future lady of a manor in the Middle Ages. Girls in the past often faced more rules, restrictions, and limitations than their male counterparts, but that doesn't mean that was always the case, or that people did not find ways to subvert expectations. This week, we talk about everything from Spartan girls learning to wield weapons, to Victorian girls attending public schools for the first time. Let's see where our ideas of girls and girlhood come from, and how this has built the world we know today.
TW: discussion of child marriage
Toddlerhood is a dangerous time, when a young child's immune system encounters all sorts of illnesses for the first time. In the past, this resulted in a high child mortality rate, despite the best efforts of parents and doctors to keep children healthy. But, with the creation of vaccines, children were able to be protected from diseases like smallpox and polio. How did people deal with these illnesses, when and how were vaccines developed, and how were they distributed? And, what has that meant for vulnerable young children and their families? Find out this week as we interview Adriana, a specialist in infectious disease!
Babies don't come with instruction manuals, but societies have always developed rituals and traditions for welcoming (or not welcoming) a new baby. This week we discuss the way infants have been viewed in their societies, from disposable to invaluable. How were newborns and babies taken care of, fed, clothed, and named? And how did they interact with their surroundings? Find out this week as Sonya and Margot talk about the history of babies!
TW: discussions of historical infant exposure/infanticide
Childbirth is both physically dangerous and emotionally draining. How do people get through this process as safely and comfortably as possible, and how did people approach this task in the past? In this week's episode, we interview Margaret, a midwife, about all the trials and challenges of childbirth! We discuss the dangers, the safety strategies, and much more as we look into how we come into this world.
In the premodern world, married women could expect to get pregnant every 2-3 years. How did they cope with such frequent pregnancies, and what did they do to keep themselves healthy? What kinds of foods, drinks, and activities were allowed or forbidden? And when did pregnancy go from being a regular part of life to being seen as a special time? We discuss all this and more on this week's episode!
Sometimes getting pregnancy happens unexpectedly, and other times it takes time and fertility treatments. How did people in the past understand pregnancy, fertility, and infertility? What kinds of remedies did they use to aid in conception? And why did people have so many kids anyway? This week, we bust some myths, discuss some rituals, and talk about the ins and outs of getting pregnant in history!
The final episode of season 1! Thank you for coming on this journey through the ritualized year with us. This week, Margot and Sonya discuss the big themes of the podcast: the cycles of the seasons, the passing of time, and how folklore and history factor in. We also talk about how to move forward and take these ideas into the future. We hope you've had a great year with us, and we can't wait to explore more in Season 2!
What is the history of May Day? And how did the labour movement change from the nineteenth century until now? This week, Sonya and Margot interview David Tough, PhD and Godefroy Desrosiers-Lauzon, PhD about the histories of these movements in both the USA and Canada. We talk precarious employment, labour rights, and solidarity!
Margot and Sonya interview Dr. Elsbeth Heaman, professor of Canadian history at McGill University, and discuss her book "Tax, Order, and Good Government: A New Political History of Canada, 1867-1917". We discuss the history of tax season, taxation, and how taxes have been used by both the Canadian and American governments.
Earth Day is coming up, but how did this tradition get started? Join us this week, as Margot and Sonya explore the history of this unique holiday.
We talk climate change, environmental activism, and what Earth Day means in the grand scheme of things.
This week, we are exploring the history of two important springtime holidays: Passover and Easter. We start with Passover and discuss the origins and observance of this holy time, both historically and in the modern age. Then, we switch gears to talk about Easter. In many languages, the word for Easter is Pasque/Pasqa/etc, all of which are derived from the word Passover. We discuss the origins of Easter, bust some myths, and explore the rich histories of these traditions.
With April Fool's Day approaching, what better than to talk about the ultimate players of pranks - the trickster gods? Whether Loki, Lugh, or Anansi, tricksters push the limits of acceptable behaviour, and can reveal the beliefs, traditions, and practices of cultures. Greg Wright from The Godyssey Podcast is this week's special guest, and he guides us through the wild world of tricksters!
Roman fertility rites, Slavic death gods, and Valkyrie worship all have one thing in common: the spring equinox! This week, Sonya and Devin talk about ways people have marked this equinox in history. From drowning effigies of the death goddess to a procession for phallic statues, this holiday is anything but ordinary.
Margot and Sonya discuss The BabaYaga Proeject Season 2: The Ritual Life! In season 1, we looked at the Ritual Year - we've talked holidays, seasonal activities, and how to mark the passage of time. For season 2, we'e making it personal. We're going to look at everything from the folklore and history of pregnancy, coming of age, growing old, and so much more! We're so excited to explore the circle of life together!
After the long, dark winter, the first green shoots and leaves are beginning to appear. Small flowers begin to bloom, and ivy starts creeping along the ground. Which of these plants are edible for the keen-eyed forager? And what are the myths and legends behind these delicious and nutritious plants? Find out this week, when Sonya and Margot talk all about spring foraging!
Corn, beans, and squash have been planted together since time immemorial, and make up the staple crops of many Native American cultures. Why are these crops called The Three Sisters, and how do they work together to grow better than they would on their own? What is the legend of The Three Sisters? What is the historical significance behind these foods? And how does companion planting and sustainable agriculture play a role in maintaining ecosystems? Find out this week, as Margot and Sonya discuss the Three Sisters!
Lent in the Middle Ages forbade eating animal products, drunkenness, and having sex for the 40 days leading up until Easter. In the 19th and early 20th century, moral reformers pushed for legislature to outlaw alcohol and birth control. What do these practices have in common? The moralisation of food, drink, and sex. This week, Sonya and Margot discuss how these moral frameworks developed, and how people went from a set 40 days of self restraint for spirituality, to thinking those limitations should be in place year-round. This week, we’re looking at all these rules, how people broke them, and how ideas of bodily autonomy are still under threat.
The days leading up to the start of Lent were traditionally days of feasting and plenty, using up the last of the butter, eggs, and milk before they were forbidden (and before they went rancid after a long winter of storage). But does this ritual have pre-Christian roots? And how did this event evolve from a simple pancake feast to the elaborate festivities seen in New Orleans and Venice? Join us this week as Sonya and Margot talk about all things Mardi Gras!
Historical marriages took many forms, from monogamous arranged marriages to marriages involving multiple wives and concubines. But when did romantic love enter the picture? This week, Sonya and Devin discuss how marriage went from a financial and political transaction, to the romantic, love based partnerships of today.
Why do we watch a groundhog on February 2nd to see if he sees his shadow? The answer has to do with ancient divination through animal omens, fortune telling, and solar cycles. This week, Sonya and Devin discuss the ancient art of divination! From good and bad omens to astrology to casting lots, we’re discussing how people have sought to understand the world and see the future.
How did people in the past survive the winter? Was there any fresh food in the cold months? And can you really use juniper berries as contraception? This week, Sonya and Devin discuss all this and more as we talk about the foods that can be foraged in the wintertime. From juniper berry contraception to maple syrup harvesting, we explore the ways people used winter’s plants to their advantage.
What really happened at the Salem witch trials? How far into the 1800s did witch trials continue? And how did European witch beliefs combine with Native American beliefs to create a whole new idea of witches? Join us this week as Devin and Sonya discuss the witch trials of the USA!
Every new year, people resolve to lose weight and get thin - but when, and why, did we become obsessed with being thin? And how is it linked to race and racism? We discuss centuries of changing beauty standards, the invention of race “science”, and how thinness became linked to eugenics.
What did the New Year mean to people in the past? And what, exactly, is the feast of Epiphany all about? Join us this week as Devin and our guest Esther discuss the history and ritual surrounding these two January traditions!
Christmas, a concept, has existed for over a millennia. It's been a solemn day of prayer and a time of drunken feasting, it's been banned and then reinstated, it's been humbly celebrated and treated as the commercial zenith of the year. This week,Devin and Sonya trace the development of this holiday over the centuries, and discuss how we got to where we are today!
As the daylight gets shorter and shorter, and the nights grow longer and darker, we in the modern world have the luxury of well heated homes and electric lights. But how did people historically deal with the growing darkness? And how did they celebrate and mark the longest night of the year? In this week’s episode, Devin discusses the history of the winter solstice!
As the long, dark nights of winter wear on, our ancestors turned to feasting and celebrations to bring some joy to their lives. How did these traditions get started, and what kinds of food would have been served? On this week’s episode, Sonya and Devin discuss the foods and feasts of Hanukkah, Saturnalia, Yule, and Christmas! Find out what people cooked, how they cooked it, and why people used to rent out pineapples!
The holiday season typically involves giving of gifts both big and small, and this week Sonya and Devin discuss the history and culture of gift-giving across cultures. What did giving and receiving gifts mean in Indigenous societies in America? What did people give as gifts in the Middle Ages? And why did the king of England receive an elephant as a present? All this and more as we discuss gifts and giving!
How and why did the first Thanksgiving really happen? When did it find its way to Canada? And why do we eat turkey anyway? Find out on this week’s episode as Devin and Sonya dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly about this holiday.
Indigenous people, European colonisers, and enslaved West Africans all had unique beliefs surrounding witchcraft. What happened when these disparate and often contradictory belief systems collided in the “New World” colonies? Devin and Sonya discuss the ways witch beliefs across cultures came together to form a uniquely North American idea of witches, and how this shaped the way we think about witchcraft today.
How do you process the death of a loved one? And how do you come to terms with your own mortality? This week, Devin, Sonya, and heir guest Taylor (a death studies scholar) will dive into the history of death rituals, dead bodies, and how people throughout history have dealt with death.
For centuries, October 31st has been believed to be a night of great supernatural power, when the spirits of the dead returned and witches were at the height of their power. Where did these ideas come from, and how did it turn into a children’s holiday? Sonya and Devin discuss all this and more in this Halloween episode!
Witches had a place in Europe for centuries, so why did they suddenly come under attack between 1450-1750? And what, exactly, is a witch anyway? Sonya and Devin, two historians, discuss witchcraft, magic, and why these women were hunted and killed.
What kind of food and medicinal plants can be found in fields and forests? How have people used these plants and fungi through history? And what kinds of supernatural beings are associated with the mushrooms, nuts, and berries of the woods? Two historians weigh in to discuss everything you need to know about foraging in the Fall, from how to stay safe from toxins, to how to avoid angering the fairies!
Birthdays are milestones for us, and we celebrate with candles on a cake, the birthday song, presents, and cards. But how did these traditions start? And why do we celebrate the day we’re born anyway? This week, Sonya and Devin take a look at a ubiquitous, but relatively new, tradition.
Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Or is that just a marketing ploy? This week Sonya and Devin dive into the history and folklore surrounding common fall foods, like apples and squash. How were these foods eaten and harvested, what kinds of rituals surrounded them, and what did they mean to people of the past?
How do people celebrate the autumn equinox? What rituals did they perform at this time? And does pumpkin spice latte actually contain pumpkin? All this and more on this week’s episode about the Autumn Equinox!
Why do we have a summer break? When did a time to go “back to school” become standardised? And why do we all have to go to school anyway? All this and more on this weeks’ episode, where Devin and Sonya talk about the history and cultural impact of public education.
Where did labour day come from? How was it historically celebrated? And are there really ghosts of mine bosses terrorising current miners? All this and more on this week’s episode of The BabaYaga Project!
Wheat and bread have long held social and spiritual significance. In this week’s episode, Sonya and Devin discuss Lammas, a celebration of wheat and bread dating back to the early Middle Ages. We’ll also discuss the place of wheat socially and culturally, and how it reshaped the physical and mental landscape.
The Green Corn Ceremony is an important religious ritual for many indigenous people in what is now the United States. What is this ceremony and what meaning does it hold for participants? And how has it been impacted by the American state and colonisation? Find out this week as Devin and Sonya discuss the history of this important ceremony,
What was it like to live through the Black Death? How did people cope in the midst of this mysterious disease? And did people really eat spoilt meat in the Middle Ages? Devin and Sonya discuss all this and more on this week’s episode of The BabaYaga Project where we’ll see what we can learn from the past while living through a modern global pandemic.
This week, Devin and Sonya discuss the way private property ownership developed from the Middle Ages to the present day, and how this has been used to oppress marginalised people in North America. In particular, Devin discusses the ways private property ownership has affected the Cherokee Nation.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, the day the sun "stands still" in the sky. How have people in the past celebrated the return of warmth and light, crop fertility, and renewal? In this week's episode, Sonya and Devin discuss the festivals, fertility rites, and traditions of Midsummer!
Welcome to The BabaYaga Project! In our introductory episode, we introduce ourselves and BabaYaga, a unique witch in Slavic folklore. We also discuss the concept of ritual, why it's important, and how historical rituals can (or cannot) be replicated and continued in the modern world.