Lesley Kennedy

Denver

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Reporting on fashion, beauty, family, trends and more!

Articles

Why Was Alcatraz Closed?

2 days ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, is best known as the site of the notorious former federal prison, but its history extends far beyond that. Here are six common questions about the national landmark. What was on the island before it was a prison? Named “Isla de los Alcatraces” by Spanish explorer Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, the 22-acre Alcatraz Island was originally a natural habitat for seabirds.
Who are the Vatican's Swiss Guards?

6 days ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Five facts about the world's smallest army and their time-honored traditions. Getty ImagesPublished: May 08, 2025Last Updated: May 08, 2025The Swiss Guard, also known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is an elite military unit that has guarded the Vatican since the 16th century. According to the Vatican, Pope Julius II founded the Swiss Guard in 1506 to protect the pope and his residence, as many valued the Swiss military and mercenary forces for their loyalty, discipline and combat skills.
Why Do Popes Change Their Names?

1 week ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

What is the historical origin of popes changing their names? The tradition of popes changing their names dates back to the first pope, St. Peter—originally Simon—whom Jesus renamed in The Bible. However, it wasn’t until 533 that Mercurius became Pope John II, likely to distance himself from his pagan-associated name and align with the values of John I, his martyred predecessor.
Who Invented Velcro?

1 week ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

VELCRO®, that ubiquitous fastening system found in everything from sneakers to spacecraft, not only revolutionized how we connect materials, but is also prime example of biomimicry–the art of imitating nature to solve human problems. And it all started with a dog. The Spark of an IdeaSwiss engineer Georges de Mestral had a penchant for invention early on.
The Surprising History of May

2 weeks ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Maypole dances, celestial wonders and military campaigns. Costumed children dance around a Maypole during May Day festivities. Gideon Mendel, Getty ImagesPublished: April 30, 2025Last Updated: April 30, 2025May isn’t just about blooming flowers and warming weather–it’s a month steeped in traditions like offerings to a Roman goddess, Maypole dances and celestial wonders.
What Is Victory Day in Russia?

2 weeks ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Victory Day, observed each May 9 in Russia, celebrates the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany. The national holiday honors the sacrifices of Soviet troops and civilians during what Joseph Stalin renamed the “Great Patriotic War.” Here’s a look at the history behind Victory Day and how it has evolved. Why is Victory Day so significant in Russia? Victory Day is Russia's most significant non-religious holiday, according to The New York Times.
Why Is a Pope’s Signet Ring Smashed After His Death?

2 weeks ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

What’s the history of the ring? The tradition of a papal fisherman’s ring dates back to at least the 13th century and was first mentioned by Pope Clement IV in a 1265 letter as a seal for private papal documents. By the 15th century, it had become the official seal for papal briefs, a practice that continued until 1842, when stamps replaced sealing wax.
Why Are Popes Traditionally Buried in Three Coffins?

2 weeks ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Centuries of history and symbolism inform the tradition.
How the Sunrise Service Became an Easter Tradition

3 weeks ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Pre-Dawn Prayers and Biblical SymbolismThe early morning service has roots in the Bible and ancient customs. “Dawn, even pre-dawn, was the common time to wake in the ancient world,” Wilhite says. “Ancient Judaism had three times of prayer a day, including a dawn/early morning prayer.”From Christianity’s earliest days, he adds, pre-dawn prayers were a daily practice, and every Sunday was celebrated with a pre-dawn service.
The Surprising History of April

1 month ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

The month of April, synonymous with the earth reawakening after winter, often brings the spring storms that inspired the famous proverb, “April showers bring May flowers.” The saying highlights nature's cycles of renewal that have been observed for centuries. It was most likely modernized from the line “Swéete April showers, Doo spring Maie flowers” from a poem by Thomas Tusser in his 16th-century collection A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry.