If you believe that people were less eccentric in the past than they are today, think of their fashions and traditions. Maybe you’ll change your opinion. We’ve gathered twelve really strange things that our ancestors thought normal.

What are the scariest books ever written? Stephen King, Scott Smith, Shirley Jackson: these are the writers who can scare the hell out of you! You'll probably agree that the scariest types of books are psychological horrors. The ones where fear is evoked from inexplicable mysteries and paranoia. You can't sleep with the lights off days after reading such a book! If you’ve never enjoyed the thrill of this sort of reading, Bright Side has got some recommendations for you! And don’t worry, no spoilers ahead!

A lot of works of art and architecture are famous all around the world, but we often don’t know a lot about them. Here's a list of 11 of the most intriguing ones. We were amazed at what we found out, and we are sure that so will you!

How to keep an exotic pet. It can be a skunk, a fennec, or even a capybara. Above all, it’ll cost you quite a lot of money and effort to take care of one of those creatures. But if you’re ready to accept the challenges and responsibilities, pay attention to these important tips any exotic pet owner must follow.

Some things you use every day without even thinking have their secrets. Remember those mysterious stripes on bathroom towels? It's not just a decoration — it's a stabilizer strip to help the towel last longer. The circle on the plastic milk jug can tell you if the milk is good or bad. There's a big chance that your oven door is removable: it means you can clean it between the glass, as well.

The next time a friendly stranger asks to take a photo of your cute puppy, think twice. They could be after your personal data written on the collar. If you ever come across a dog wearing a vest saying 'service dog,' you should take a moment to examine if its owner is nearby. If you find that the dog is by itself, you should stay with it. It may just lead you back to someone in desperate need of help. There are some other simple life-saving tips that can help you a lot one day.

The Moon seems to be really close to Earth, but did you know that every planet in the Solar System, including Jupiter and Saturn, would fit between the Moon and us? "Black Moon" is a rare astronomical event that happens once every 2.5 years. It's an unofficial term that may mean the second new Moon in a month. Another meaning for this term is an event that happens about once every 19 years, when, unlike during a regular new moon, you'll be able to see its dark silhouette. Let's find out more about the "Black Moon," "Blue Moon," and "supermoon."

Fresh water is one of the most valuable resources we have. There are many countries that have massive shortages of drinking water, and people have been in constant search for new sources. But recently, a solution just might have been discovered — and it lies deep under the ocean. Reservoirs of fresh water under the seabed were discovered back in the 1970s. It was not exactly drinking quality, but the level of salt in it was at least half that of the sea above the pockets. At the time, though, the researchers thought about this water as no more than a curiosity. Interest in the subject flared anew in 2015. And what scientists found was simply astounding!

Hey there! Wanna know how dangerous are you according to your sign? Yup, zodiac signs are fun and interesting, but they aren't all about our best qualities. For example, Sagittarians are exceptional manipulators, and they use this skill to shove all their problems onto someone else. If you're a Gemini, your danger factor comes from your duality. Aries can be scarily power-hungry, controlling, and reckless.

In the summer of 2014, Viktor Kazachenko was riding his motorcycle across the steppe of Northern Kazakhstan. He was headed to a nearby town to run some errands, but he never arrived. Kazachenko was hit by a mysterious illness that made him black-out and fall asleep while riding. He woke up 4 days later in the hospital, with no memory of what happened. And, he wasn’t the only one. The village of Kalachi, in Kazakhstan, has been struck by a true medical enigma that’s causing people to fall asleep for days at a time. Interestingly, when they come out of it, they have no recollection of what happened. Forty-six-year-old Taisiya, from Kalachi, experienced this sleepy hollow 3 times in just a few years.

Where is the biggest building? Who was the tallest person? What does the biggest pizza look like? Don’t let anybody fool you — size certainly matters! Human beings tend to associate size with authority and power, which is probably why we use phrases like “the bigger, the better” and put so much emphasis on “making it big.” When it comes to these things in this video, it’s been confirmed time and time again that bigger is better.

Some of these islands are so mystifying that most people don’t even know they exist. Some have such a gruesome history that many don’t want to talk about them. Did you know there’s an island that seems to have disappeared from the face of Earth? And another that is said to be home to thousands of wandering ghosts? Get ready because these 8 islands are bound to give you goosebumps.

Superpowers like living forever, surviving without oxygen and imitating any sound. Bright Side found some creatures with abilities that are even more surprising, funny, weird, and sometimes disgusting than any superhero. Make sure to watch this video till the end – you don’t want to miss the proof zombie apocalypse could be something very real, do you?

Everyone is always talking about technological advancements and science constantly speeding up with each year. But why don’t we know how dinosaurs went extinct or if there was ever life on Mars? And what about space travel, hoverboards, and flying cars?! Ok, we’re not there yet, but here are some other recent discoveries that bring us closer to a bright future!

There are amazing discoveries that made the smartest scientists scratch their heads for years. These experts spend their whole lives searching for answers to some of the world’s biggest mysteries. Yet some of their findings defy logic and are still waiting to be solved.

Are you ready for a new easy DIY project? This video will teach you how to make cute & jumpy little paper octopuses in under 10 minutes. All you'll need is two squared sheets of paper, a marker, and some patience. The octopus will come in two pieces. So let's get down to it right now!

Do you still believe the blue side of the eraser can erase the pen? False - its purpose is to erase a pencil, but in case you're writing something on heavier paper. The blue side can remove the smudges you see after using the pink eraser, too. It's just one of many examples of everyday things hiding unexpected secrets. From red mesh bags to ridges in toothpick tops - they all have a tale to tell!

We all know it's not okay to lie, but in some situations, it can be a lifesaver. If someone in the hotel lobby asks you if you're traveling alone, always tell them: "No, I'm with my friends." The same rule works for planes, trains, and any other transportation. If you ever need directions, and someone offers to walk you to the place, politely reject that offer: "I know how to get there." If you notice a flat tire after a visit to your favorite store or restaurant, go back in and ask someone to help you.

Ah, India... It's a country of great wisdom, incredible history, ruins of ancient cities, eastern spices, delicious tea, and beautiful nature. India gave the world a great civilization. You will never want to leave it. However, when you have to do that, don't forget to exchange your rupees. No one is allowed to take them out of the country!

Why is your cat sad or mad at you? If your cat isn’t happy, no one in the house is allowed to be either. Sometimes we cat owners, with all our affection and loyalty, actually do more harm than good. At least that’s what we recently learned, and we’re here to spread the message! Did you know, for example, that most cats just hate strangers? They see any other creatures of their kind as competition for food, toys, and love. Or have you ever noticed they don’t like belly rubs? A cat’s stomach is its most vulnerable area, and protecting it is a basic instinct. So be gentle and respectful!

How to protect your house when you're away? Suppose you're heading out of town. Whether it’s a well-deserved vacation or a business trip, you should secure your home from burglars. First and foremost, cover your peephole! This is an easy way to beef up your security. But there're some other home safety tips you’ll definitely wanna remember.

How can a human being carry 50,000 lb? What happened to Amelia Earhart? These are some of the questions that remain unanswered to this day. We are fascinated by mysteries. Check out these 4 unsolved mysteries that have been baffling people for years.

There are countless doors all over the world that haven't been opened for decades and even centuries. The question is why? The truth is that some doors were sealed for a grave reason. And so far, nobody has found out what treasures and mysteries they hide. Here are 4 doors that keep their secrets all too well.

Why do mammals have four limbs? Imagine this. You're speaking on the phone holding it in your left hand, looking at the watch on your right one, sipping from a cup of coffee in your third hand, and opening your laptop to turn on a new Bright Side video with your fourth hand. How’s that for convenience? You see, fish began to crawl out onto land about 500 million years ago. It had four fins that started to turn into limbs during evolution. This way, amphibians could move through the mud. The further these amphibians went, the more their fins looked like legs. But what if evolution had changed its course a little?

What are the most unusual modes of transportation? Maglevs, space shuttles, funiculars —seems like we’ve seen it all. But few people know there were — and still are! — types of transport that you could only imagine in your wildest dreams. How about jet-powered trains? Or bicycles with sewing machines installed in them? Ever heard of dog sleds? In 1939, a certain Z. Wiggs, 80-year-old dog trainer, thought it was time for the dog sled to evolve and created his muttmobile. It looked like a love child of a car and a hamster wheel: the driver controlled the car, while a dog sitting in a huge wheel behind him walked or ran, generating energy. Cool idea, isn't it?