top of page


From the Hollow
Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities—a collection of gothic history, strange traditions, haunted places, forgotten folklore, dark symbolism, and the stories hidden behind art and books.
Here you’ll find ancient festivals, eerie legends, Victorian oddities, supernatural inspiration, book reviews, collector features, and the beautifully strange details that shape my worlds. From haunted Pittsburgh to poisonous gardens, from ravens and roses to old rituals and whispered ghost stories, this is where mystery, history, and art meet.
If you love gothic atmosphere, dark fiction, and the allure of the unusual, you’re in the right place.
Search


Star Trek Day
September 8th is officially Star Trek Day , a celebration of one of the most iconic science fiction franchises of all time. The date...
Sep 8, 20251 min read


Basile: An Ancient Attic Festival with Mycenaean Roots
If you’re diving into the ancient Attic calendar, you might stumble across a curious festival called Basile, celebrated on the 4th of...
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Niketeria: Ancient Greece’s Little-Known Festival of Victory
When most people think of ancient Greek festivals, images of the grand Olympic Games, Dionysian theater, or the pan-Hellenic celebrations...
Aug 26, 20252 min read


Zeus Epoptes and the Chthonic Side of Athenian Calendars
When most people picture Zeus, they think of the thunderbolt-wielding sky-god of Olympus. But in the sacrificial calendars of ancient...
Aug 19, 20255 min read


Eleusinia: The Mysteries of Demeter and Persephone
The term Eleusinia refers to the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most secretive and sacred religious rites of ancient Greece. Centered...
Aug 9, 20253 min read


Lughnasadh: The First Harvest Festival Through History and Modern Times
As summer stretches toward its golden finale and the first hints of autumn stir in the breeze, many modern pagans, witches, and...
Aug 1, 20253 min read


Midsummer Day: Celebrating the Height of Summer and Ancient Traditions
Midsummer Day, celebrated annually on June 24th, marks a period steeped in history and folklore. While it may not be as widely recognized...
Jun 24, 20253 min read


Lemuria: The Ancient Roman Festival of the Restless Dead
Among the many fascinating traditions of ancient Rome, few are as eerie and captivating as Lemuria—an ancient festival dedicated to...
May 9, 20252 min read


Cinco de Mayo: More Than Just Tacos and Tequila – The History Behind the Holiday
Each year on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo brings vibrant parades, mariachi music, colorful decorations, and plenty of tacos and tequila. For...
May 5, 20253 min read


Mounykhia: The Ancient Athenian Festival of Artemis
In the golden age of Athens, when gods walked alongside mortals in myth and ritual, festivals played a vital role in both civic and...
Apr 15, 20253 min read


National Zoo Lover's Day
National Zoo Lovers Day is a holiday that is celebrated on April 8th every year in the United States. This holiday is dedicated to...
Apr 8, 20253 min read


Delphinia: The Ancient Greek Festival of Apollo Delphinios
The Delphinia was an ancient Greek festival celebrated in honor of Apollo Delphinios, a lesser-known epithet of the god Apollo. This...
Apr 5, 20258 min read


Sneak Peek! April Edition of Incredibly Strange & Completely Random Holidays
Hey, holiday enthusiasts! 🌸 April is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for another wild and whimsical edition of...
Mar 25, 20252 min read


The Weirdest March Holidays You Didn’t Know Existed
March isn’t just about St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring—there’s a whole world of bizarre, wacky, and downright strange...
Mar 10, 20252 min read


Sneak Peek! What's Next for Incredibly Strange & Completely Random Holidays
February is no stranger to some of the most unique and sometimes bizarre holidays. For those that may not have read any of my previous...
Jan 30, 20253 min read


The Feast of the Ass
The Feast of the Ass, or Festum Asinorum, was an unusual and lively celebration rooted in medieval Europe rather than ancient Rome....
Jan 14, 20253 min read


Twelfth Night: A Celebration of Tradition and Transition
Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany Eve, is a festival steeped in history and tradition, marking the end of the Twelve Days of...
Jan 5, 20253 min read


The Dies Natalis Solis Invicti: A Celebration of the Unconquered Sun in Ancient Rome
The Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun," was an important Roman festival celebrated on December 25th,...
Dec 25, 20244 min read


Yuletide: Celebrating the Winter Solstice and Ancient Traditions
Yuletide, often synonymous with the holiday season, is much more than the modern festivities we associate with Christmas. Rooted in...
Dec 21, 20244 min read


The Winter Solstice: A Celebration Across Civilizations and Time
The Winter Solstice, which occurs around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of...
Dec 21, 20245 min read
bottom of page