My sister visited recently, four wonderful days after several years of not being together. No one else shares our upbringing, relatives, and history. We differ on religion and politics, but she’s my best friend. We understand each other. There’s always love and support between us.
Are we unique? Siblings are as diverse as any other group of people, and surely not all such relationships are wonderful. Jealousy. Spite. Embarrassment. Envy. Competition. Even physical or psychological abuse. But in general?
Having siblings can bring meaningful benefits—shaping relationships, personal growth, and even values. Here are some of the potential benefits, according to research.
Benefits of Siblings
The Marx Brothers
Learning to Share
Having a sibling almost guarantees you will know how to share, whether willingly or by force. My sister and I shared toys, clothes, and bedrooms. As adults, we still offer each other jewelry, clothes, the starts of perennial plants, etc.
Sharing isn’t only toys and food, though we did that; it’s also time and attention. When there are multiple kids in the family, one child doesn’t monopolize the conversation, which teaches a child to listen as well as talk. Partly because I am the oldest, I had a lot more time with Dad early on while my sister spent more time with Mom.
Companionship and Support
Siblings often provide a lifelong bond, offering emotional support, shared memories, and a sense of belonging. They can be your first friends and confidants. My sister and I confided to each other about our love lives and marital issues.
Author Mary Eberstadt wrote, “Diverse findings show that being accompanied through early life by nonparental contemporaneous others (i.e., siblings) gives children and teenagers a leg up on socialization.”
Conflict Resolution Skills
Growing up with siblings teaches you how to navigate disagreements, compromise, and negotiate—skills that are valuable in all relationships.
The Borgia siblings had rather questionable conflict resolution skills.
Empathy and Understanding
Living with siblings helps you develop empathy as you learn to consider others’ perspectives and feelings.
Cover of a Spanish translation of Little Women
Shared Responsibilities
Siblings can divide chores, share resources, and help each other with tasks, making daily life easier. This was especially true for us when our mother was ill for several years and I managed the household.
Cost Savings
From sharing clothes to splitting the cost of gifts or vacations, siblings can help reduce financial burdens. We shared clothes as children, vacationed together as adults—especially beach weeks with children—and frequently share the cost of flowers for funerals, decorating our parents’ graves, etc. Cost sharing isn’t a necessity so much as part of our bonds as sisters.
Lifelong Friendship
Many people describe their siblings as their closest friends, even into adulthood—which is how I started this piece.
Caregiving in Later Life
Siblings often support each other in times of need, whether it’s caring for aging parents or helping during tough times. After living in Florida for seventeen years, when my sister’s older husband started failing, she moved them to the town where I lived in Virginia for the explicit purpose of my support.
Sisters Venus and Serena Williams
Healthy Competition
Siblings can motivate you to excel in academics, sports, or other areas by fostering a spirit of healthy competition. Not part of my experience, but consider the Williams sisters’ tennis achievements.
Diversity of Experiences
Growing up with siblings exposes you to different personalities, interests, and perspectives, broadening your worldview.
Jackson 5
Shared Family History
Siblings help preserve family traditions, stories, and cultural heritage, creating a sense of continuity and identity. Our recent visit was full of talk, supporting all of those.
Celebrations and Milestones
From holidays to birthdays, siblings make special occasions more joyful and memorable. We attended each other when we married, and still mark significant birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with gifts, calls, and—too rarely—visits.
Other Siblings’ Relationships
I’m well aware that not all sibling relationships follow this pattern. I was still in elementary school when, realizing that my mother could have no more children, our parents adopted a brother, one month younger than I and in my sister’s class in school.
He and I never developed the closeness I’ve enjoyed with my sister. It may be that not sharing our earliest years was a big factor. It may have been not sharing many activities: he was deep into team sports and our school had none for girls. We also were not in the same classes. I always felt protective of him, and we always got along, but just not the same closeness.
I could go into my husband’s relationships with his siblings, or my daughters’ relationships with each other. Instead, look to your own family and friends.
The Inca War of the Two Brothers, a civil, dynastic war fought between siblings Huáscar and Atahualpa, 1529-1532
Bottom Line: Although it isn’t guaranteed, having siblings offers many potential benefits. Here’s hoping you have enjoyed many of them.
My much-loved sister flew in to stay with me for a wonderful four days—our first time together in years! We talked and talked and talked some more: spouses, extended family, children and grandchildren, frustrations, gardening, everyone’s health and well-being, books, cars, my writing…
My sister is considerate and eager to be helpful. We celebrated my birthday. In short, it couldn’t have been a better visit.
On the drive home after dropping her off at the airport, I started a mental to-do list. And I realized that there is always a downside to houseguests. The slope and extent of the downside varies with how many people have come and how compatible they are, but there’s always something. In short, every silver lining has a cloud!
At the Minimum
Extra sheets and towels—and maybe napkins—to launder
Remaking the guest bed(s)
Resetting the table(s) for permanent residents only
Depending on the Host’s Circumstances
Returning furniture to its former place/function, for example, having moved chairs so that everyone can see the TV
Putting away cots or sleeping bags
Catching up on work neglected during the visit
Doing laundry for the guest(s) during the visit
Dealing with leftovers or specially-purchased foods after departure
Transportation to/from airport, bus terminal, or train station
Arranging parking for guest vehicle
Compatibility with Houseguests
Sometimes, the houseguests and hosts do not quite match each others’ energy.
Distinctly different political or social viewpoints can affect everything from what topics are discussed to which news programs are watched or even result in more-or-less hostile “discussions.”
If one is religious and the other isn’t, one or the other must compromise on prayer in the home and attendance at services.
Sometimes one is go-go and the other is essentially a slug.
Sometimes one talks while the other is trying to read, listen to the news, or watch a particular TV show.
When one is a night owl and the other is an early bird, it affects everything from scheduling of activities and amusements to the timing of meals.
Food restrictions or preferences can often lead to friction
Firm or soft scrambled eggs, regular or decaf coffee, fruit vs. juice, vegan/vegetarian vs. meat eaters, etc.
Hazards Beyond Anyone’s Control
Planned activities must be cancelled because of rain, heat, or snow
Someone needs medical attention for a fall, allergic reaction, or sudden illness
Automobile accident, even if not catastrophic
Houseguests Who are All Downside
And then there are houseguests who are just “bad.” They…
Without prior discussion, expect the host to supply everything from sun hats to sleepwear to toiletries
Raid refrigerator or cupboard and snack on something needed for a meal
Take over the host’s preferred chair or place at the table
Make unreasonable demands for food, activities, accommodations, etc.
Take possession of the TV remote or the daily newspaper
Ask the host for money or to purchase something rather than wait for an offer
Put their feet on the furniture, shoes on
Take a book from the host’s “to-be-read” stack and ask to take it with them when they leave. Or presume rather than ask.
With this last category, you might well ask yourself, “Can I avoid ever having this person in my home again?”
Bottom Line: When it comes to houseguests, consider whether the upside is worth the downside!
A friend recently mentioned that her niece is obsessed with space and has been excitedly following everything Artemis II she can find. Maybe she’ll become part of the space program someday. Many astronauts have shown a lifelong passion for space, often showing interest in astronomy, space exploration, or science from a young age.
Neil Armstrong: The first person to walk on the Moon, Armstrong was fascinated by flight and space from childhood, inspired by the early days of aviation and space exploration.
Sally Ride: The first American woman in space, she developed an interest in physics and space science early on, inspired by the possibilities of space travel.
Mae Jemison: The first African American woman in space, Jemison was passionate about science and space from an early age, motivated by her love for learning and exploration.
Chris Hadfield: Known for his social media presence from the International Space Station (ISS), Hadfield was inspired by space exploration throughout his life and pursued a career as an astronaut with great enthusiasm.
Yuri Gagarin: The first human in space, Gagarin was drawn to aviation and space as a young man, inspired by the possibilities of human flight.
Common Children’s Passions
It isn’t just space, of course. Children often become passionate about activities that stem from their inherent talents and strengths.
Running, swimming, biking, team sports, or just playing outside can be a source of excitement and energy for many kids. The Williams sisters began playing tennis at very young ages, with Serena starting around three years old, Venus around age four, coached by their father Richard Williams.
Pretending to be superheroes, explorers, or characters from stories fuels creativity and social skills.
Music and Poetry
Drawing, painting, crafting, music, dance, and storytelling often capture children’s imaginations, allowing them to express themselves and experiment with ideas. Mozart began playing the keyboard and violin and composing music at the age of five.
Cellist Yo Yo Ma began violin lessons at age four and performed Bach Concertos in his first concert at age five at the University of Paris.
British singer Adele developed a passion for voices when she was four years old and published her first track when she was just 17.
Reading and Writing
Books and stories open new worlds and ideas, often igniting a love for reading and learning. Research indicates that reading fiction enhances empathy in children.
The poet Alexander Pope was a child genius, known for translating major works and writing epics in his early teenage years. He was 12 years old when he wrote his first major piece entitled Ode on Solitude. When he was 21 years old, he published Pastorals.
Terry Pratchett started writing as a child and published his first short story in his school magazine at age 13. He was only 15 at the time of his first commercial publication, “Business Rivals.”
Constructing with blocks, LEGO, or other materials sparks passion in kids who enjoy problem-solving and hands-on creation. The LEGO company partners with schools to encourage children’s building passions and STEAM programs.
Kautilya Pandit, an Indian prodigy who demonstrated remarkable engineering skills at a young age, including building models of bridges and other structures. His achievements in engineering concepts at a young age are remarkable.
Science and Biology
Many children are fascinated by animals, plants, and the outdoors. This can include pets, wildlife, insects, and exploring natural environments like parks or gardens.
Charles Darwin showed an early interest in natural history, collecting beetles and other specimens as a child. His curiosity about the natural world grew during his youth, eventually leading to his groundbreaking work on evolution.
From a young age, Jane Goodall was fascinated by animals and Africa. She began observing and studying chimpanzees as a teenager, which developed into her lifelong career in primatology and conservation.
Rachel Carson’s early fascination with marine life led to her influential environmental writings.
Some children develop an early passion for science, asking questions about how things work, conducting simple experiments, or exploring technology. One of my granddaughters put herself to sleep by mentally solving math problems to the base six instead of base ten. Will she become a famous mathematician? It doesn’t matter!
Supporting Children’s Passions
Supporting children’s passions matters—even when it has nothing to do with career achievements.
Encouraging children’s passions nurtures confidence, curiosity, and resilience. It also helps children develop skills aligned with their interests, which can grow into lifelong hobbies or activities.
Nurturing children’s passionate interests is like watering a young seedling, helping it grow into a strong, vibrant tree. And like any tree, it takes time!
Here are some ways to encourage and support children’s enthusiasms.
Create a Supportive Environment
Provide resources: Books, tools, materials, or access to classes related to their interests.
Designate a dedicated space: A cozy corner or area where they can explore freely.
Celebrate curiosity: Show genuine interest and ask questions about what excites them.
Encourage Exploration and Experimentation
Allow freedom: Let children try different activities without pressure to excel immediately.
Value the process over results: Focus on learning and joy rather than just outcomes.
Support mistakes as learning: Help them see failures as stepping stones, not setbacks.
Be an Active Participant
Engage together: Join in their activities occasionally to deepen connection and show support.
Find role models: Introduce them to people or stories that inspire their passion.
Encourage sharing: Help them express their interests through presentations, art, or storytelling.
Balance Passion with Well-being
Respect their pace: Avoid pushing too hard; let their interest evolve naturally.
Encourage social connections: Foster friendships with peers who share similar passions.
Promote diverse experiences: While focusing on passion, encourage trying other activities to develop well-roundedness.
Long-Term Support
Set realistic goals: Help children set achievable steps to deepen their skills.
Provide opportunities: Enroll them in clubs, camps, or competitions aligned with their interests.
Recognize growth: Celebrate milestones and progress to build confidence. By nurturing children’s passions with patience and encouragement, you help cultivate not only skills but also confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Remember that such passions emerge spontaneously, and can be anything. For example
Taekwando
Ballet
Dragons
Dinosaurs
Construction equipment
Etc., etc., etc.
Bottom Line: Children’s passions reflect their natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore the world around them. Encouraging them promotes lifelong learning.
The minimum age to vote in federal, state, and local elections is 18 years old. The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, standardized the voting age for federal and state elections.
In 2019, a federal law raised the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and vaping products to 21.
Driving Age Limit
The minimum age limit for driving varies by state, by vehicle use, and by level of supervision.
A driver must be 16 years old in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana for a full driver’s license. South Dakota and North Dakota drivers can get a learner’s permit at 14 and drive their parents’ car at 15. The age limit is 16.5, 17, or 18 in other states, though most states allow a learner’s permit at 15-16.
Some states offer “hardship licenses” for teens who can prove they need the ability to drive independently earlier than their peers. The family may rely on the teen to drive siblings, to go to school, to work in a family business (such as a farm), or for long-term medical reasons.
Driving Farm Vehicles
There is no specific federal age limit for driving farm vehicles on private farmland.
Many states allow youth as young as 14 or 16 to operate farm machinery on private property or on public roads under certain conditions (e.g., with supervision or during harvest season). South Dakota and Kansas permit 14-year-olds to drive farm vehicles with parental permission.
Generally, children under 12 are prohibited from driving farm tractors on public roads, but they may be allowed on private property under supervision. Some states have specific child labor laws for agriculture that allow minors aged 10 or 11 to work and operate certain farm equipment outside school hours under prescribed conditions, reflecting a recognition of agricultural work as a special case.
On public roads, the minimum age to drive farm equipment is often 16, aligning more closely with standard driving laws. However, many states have exemptions for farm use that allow younger drivers to have very limited public road use.
Age of Consent for Sex
Thirty states legally allow individuals aged 16 and older to consent to sexual activity, though some may have close-in-age exemptions or additional conditions that vary by state.
Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Texas, and Wyoming require teens to be 17 years old.
Age 18 is the law in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Marriage Age Limit
The minimum legal age for marriage is a bit complicated in the US, depending on the state and certain special circumstances. The trend has been to adjust the general marriage age downward and to raise the age for women to that of men. Until 1971, approximately 80% of states had a general marriage age of 18 for women, while for men the general marriage age was 21 in approximately 85% of states. In the U.S., 315,000 girls under the age of 18 were married between 2000 and 2021.
The minimum age at which a person can marry, with or without parental consent or other authorization, is set by each state and territory, either by statute or where the common law applies.
General Marriage Age
The general marriage age (lacking authorization for an exception) is the age of majority, 18 years of age in all states except two. In Nebraska, the general marriage age is 19. In Mississippi, the general marriage age is 21.
Alabama has them switched: the general marriage age is 18 while the age of majority is 19.
Underage Exceptions
When at least one of the marriage partners is under the general marriage age, the marriage is typically allowed with parental or judicial consent or both. The minimum underage marriage age, when all mitigating circumstances are taken into account, commonly ranges from 15 to 17.
As of April 2026, four states do not set any minimum age for marriage: California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.
Hawaii and Kansas allow teens to marry at age 15 with parental and judicial approval.
Sixteen states completely ban underage marriage: Connecticut, Delaware , Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Michigan, Rhode Island, Washington, Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, Oregon, and Missouri.
Many states include age gap specifications in their laws around marriage age. People over a certain age (20, 21, or 22) cannot marry a person under the age of majority.
Gambling
The age limit varies by state and type of gambling, generally 18 or 21 years old.
The states that allow legal gambling at the age of 18 are Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, and Washington.
In the U.S., lotteries, bingos, some tribal casinos, horse-racing, and sports betting are often allowed at 18. Casino table games and slot machines typically require players to be 21 or older.
Employment Age Limit
The minimum age for most non-agricultural work under federal child labor laws is 14, with restrictions on hours and types of work. Much like driving farm vehicles, the age limits for working on a farm come with many nuances and exceptions. The youngest workers—typically those aged 14 and 15—have the most restrictions.
Jobs with the Lowest Age Limit (14 or 15)
Office and Clerical Work
Cashiering and Sales (not operating heavy machinery)
Bagging and Carrying Out Customers’ Orders
Clean-up Work (floors, tables, and equipment, with restrictions on hazardous chemicals)
Kitchen Work in Restaurants (minors are still not allowed to cook with dangerous equipment like fryers or ovens)
Library and Museum Work (shelving books or guiding visitors)
Delivering Newspapers (with some state-specific rules)
Key Restrictions for Young Workers
Cannot operate heavy machinery or power-driven equipment (with some exceptions like cash registers)
Limited to working outside school hours
Limited work hours on school days and during the school year (e.g., max 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days)
Work permitted only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day)
Jobs Not Allowed for the Youngest Workers
Manufacturing or mining
Construction or excavation
Operating motor vehicles or power-driven machinery (See farm children for exception)
Cooking with open flames or fryers
Working in warehouses or loading/unloading trucks
For 16- and 17-year-olds, more jobs open up, including some with power-driven machinery, but hazardous jobs remain prohibited.
Entertainment
Macaulay Culkin
The rules around children employed in entertainment are again full of exceptions and nuance. The US has come quite a long way since Judy Garland was given amphetamines and forced to work 72 hour shifts while filming The Wizard of Oz. Laws in different states mandate things like rest breaks, having an educator and guardian on site, trust funds, on-set conditions, and total hours worked for young performers.
In recent years, legislators have been grappling with the thorny issue of how to classify children who earn money for parents filming them in the home and posting online. If a parent’s primary income derives from documenting a child’s activities, tantrums, and play, which laws should protect the welfare of that child?
Purchasing Firearms
Age limits around purchasing firearms varies by type of gun and from state to state. The minimum age to purchase handguns from licensed dealers is 21 years old. However, many states allow people to purchase rifles and shotguns is 18 years old.
Despite this, based on reports from more than 297,000 adolescents in the U.S. ages 12 to 17, about 4.6 percent of teens carried handguns in 2019. Carrying a handgun is become significantly more common.
Boys reported carrying at a rate four times higher than girls — 6 percent versus 1.5 percent. Still, gun-carrying became twice as common among girls by the end of the study.
Watching R-Rated Movies
There is no federal law, but theaters typically require R-rated moviegoers to be 17 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Not in theaters? Nearly three-quarters of teens aged 13 to 17 have seen pornographic content online, with many exposed before their teen years.
Upper Age Limit
But minors aren’t the only ones affected by age limits. Several areas of life become illegal — or bureaucratically more difficult — for people above a certain age.
Some careers, including airline pilots, air traffic controllers, and some state judges have mandatory retirement ages. These tend to be careers that require fast reflexes or high mental engagement.
Other careers bar participants from joining past a certain age. Many law enforcement agencies will not accept new recruits if they are 30 or 40 years old. The various branches of the military have different limits on the age of new recruits. New Marines must be 28 or younger, but new members of the Army National Guard can be 42.
Most states will not allow a person to attend public schools past age 19, 20, or 21.
Driving is not illegal past a certain age, but states may require more regular and rigorous testing. Texas requires drivers over age 79 to renew their license in person and drivers over age 85 to renew their license every two years. Drivers in Maine over age 65 must renew their license every four years, complete with a vision test.
While there is no age cap on jury service, it is significantly easier for people above age 65 to request an age exemption.
Unofficial Upper Age Limits
Oscar Swahn
There are many areas of life that, though not barred to people above a certain age, become more difficult.
In the workplace, older employees may face age-based discrimination, particularly when trying to find a new job. This is especially prevalent in the tech sector, though it is very difficult to prove.
The individual bodies governing each sport in the Olympics determine qualifications, including age limits, if any. Many sports require participants to be above a certain age. At the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, age limits ranged from 13 for skeleton sledding to 21 for biathlon. There is no official upper age limit, but the physical demands of most sports practically restrict competition at the highest level to young adults. Oscar Swahn , a Swedish shooter, holds the record for being the oldest Olympic participant (age 72 in the 1920 Olympics) as well as the oldest medalist (he was 64 when he won gold in the 1912 Olympics).
Youth hostels may restrict residents above age 35 or 40, but this is often waived if an applicant appears laid-back and capable of clambering into an upper bunk.
Lego packages include a suggested age range to indicate the difficulty of building. Classic sets of non-specific bricks are marked as suitable for ages 4-99. Perhaps people lose the ability to enjoy Lego when they turn 100!
Bottom Line: Even within the United States, if you want to be legal, check relevant laws by state and activity.
My Ph.D. is in Experimental Social Psychology. Though I was not a clinician, an article in the print edition of a recent Wall Street Journal grabbed my attention: Where Have All the Male Therapists Gone? (Published online as What Will Happen When All the Male Therapists are Gone? [March 12, 2026]) “… in the mid-1960s, the ratio of men to women in the field was 80 to 20. Today, that ratio has flipped.” (Going forward, any citation from that article will be marked **.) This is a great article, and I suggest you read it if you can.
“The main consequence of the feminization of psychology is the topics that are worked on,” says [Martin] Seligman. “From the 1960s through the 1980s, it was aggression, conflict and trauma, but not love, meaning, friendship or cooperation.” **
The psychology of women emerged as a distinct field and gained momentum during the rise of the feminist movement. Feminists challenged these biases, leading to research focused on women’s experiences, gender roles, identity, and the social and cultural factors affecting women’s mental health.
Though this change to less violent and more humane research has much to recommend it, Seligman sees less research on therapy and issues for boys and men as a downside. ** While I applaud psychology for—finally—recognizing the distinct experiences and needs of women, the current imbalance is equally regrettable. The male psyche is becoming less the norm than an aberration. According to Mark Kiselica, “They are greatly influenced by models that look at how boys and men are flawed rather than about boys and men are different.” ** It truly is a a reversal of psychology researchers’ bias.
Issues of bias aside, there is strong evidence that men are struggling today. In 2023, suicide rates for men were approximately four times higher than for women. Overall, men account for about 77% of suicides, while women make up about 23%, showing a stark gender difference in suicide mortality.
Roughly 15% of U.S. men aged 21-25 reported a major depressive episode in 2024. “It’s estimated that roughly 1 in 5 men suffer from some form of mental illness—a share that has increased from 13.6% in 2008.” **
Men are significantly less likely than women to seek therapy due to societal expectations, stigma, and perceptions that mental health issues are not “manly.” This may be changing—albeit slowly. “In 2024, 17.3% of men sought some form of counseling up from 8.7% in 2002.” **
But, truly, how important is the dearth of male therapists?
True, men who work in male-dominated fields are more likely to prefer a male therapist who “speaks the same language.” Nevertheless, only 40% of men expressed a gender preference for their therapist, and of those half preferred a woman. **
Clinicians agree that a well-trained therapist can work effectively with both male and female clients. Furthermore, research has found no differences between male and female therapists in their effectiveness or client outcomes.**
The United States currently faces a significant shortage of therapists and mental health professionals relative to the demand for mental health services. Several factors may be contributing to this need.
Growing Mental Health Awareness Increasing awareness and reduced stigma around mental health have led more people to seek therapy and counseling.
High Demand vs. Supply Gap Many regions, especially rural and underserved urban areas, have insufficient numbers of therapists, leading to long wait times and limited access.
Rising Mental Health Challenges The prevalence of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other disorders has increased, partly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and social stressors.
Workforce Shortages The mental health workforce is aging, with many professionals nearing retirement and fewer new therapists entering the field than needed.
Insurance and Cost Barriers Even where therapists exist, cost and insurance coverage can limit access, making the demand for affordable, accessible therapy even more pressing.
Bottom Line: Expanding the mental health workforce with more therapists can improve access, reduce wait times, and support better mental health outcomes.
It’s everywhere! What was once outdated, a thing of the past, is experiencing a resurgence of popularity. Younger generations are exploring things familiar to their grandparents. The trend seems to be driven by nostalgia and/or a desire to “unplug.”
Food Goes Around and Comes Around
Why the comeback? This trend is rooted in a desire for comfort, authenticity, and sustainability. Many of these dishes are inherently plant-forward, use whole ingredients, and minimize food waste—aligning with modern values of mindful eating.
Nostalgic recipes draw chefs and home cooks with their versatility and affordability, making them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The America We Remember channel on YouTube has many videos explaining nostalgic recipes.
The revival of old-fashioned foods often blends nostalgia with modern twists. Beloved classics are making a comeback, inspired by grandma’s kitchen and retro kitchens alike.
Comforting Casseroles & One-Pot Meals
Many people are reimagining these low-mess meals with healthier ingredients or gourmet touches. Once staples of mid-century dinner tables, these dishes are now celebrated for their simplicity and heartwarming appeal. Home cooks and chefs alike seek to recreate the cozy, soul-satisfying meals of yesteryear.
Wedge salad: iceberg lettuce gets respectable again (here because I didn’t want it to stand alone!)
Salisbury steak
Cream-based soups (like Cream of Mushroom or Chicken) are also reappearing on menus
Chili dogs, often elevated with artisanal buns, house-made chili, or organic dairy
Fondue
Retro Desserts with a Modern Twist
Wacky Cake (a Depression-era wonder made without eggs or milk)
Jell-O molds are becoming popular again for their playful, creative potential, which people often feature in themed dinner parties
Chocolate-chip cookies baked from scratch, with bakers experimenting with heirloom recipes and high-quality ingredients
Classic Drinks & Snacks
Orange Julius, a mall staple from the ’80s and ’90s, with modern versions blending retro flavors and fresh ingredients
Jolt Cola, with “all the sugar and twice the caffeine!”
Old Fashioned
Negroni
Cosmopolitan
Bars are reporting increased demand from both older fans reliving their youth and younger generations eager to experience the retro drink.
Vodka-based drinks such as Appletinis and French Martinis are also making a comeback, embraced for their simplicity and versatility.
Food and Wine has named the “Guilty Pleasure” cocktail trend featuring drinks like Cosmos, Lemon Drops, and Lychee Martinis as the 2025 Drink Trend of the Year, reflecting a broader appetite for fun, indulgent, and nostalgic flavors.
Games Go Around and Come Around
Younger generations are re-discovering the excitement of playing games with someone IRL (in real life). A mix of nostalgia, accessibility, and innovation is driving the retro game revival.
Monopoly is the most popular board game, with over 275 million copies sold since 1935. Worldwide, there are over 500 million players. It also holds the Guinness World Record for having the most people playing at once (over 900!). Monopoly’s lowest popularity occurred during World War II when the war effort eliminated metal tokens and disrupted the game’s production in many countries. In 2025, 37% of U.S. consumers reporting playing it. The Pop Culture Hall of Fame inducted Monopoly as a Brand for 2025.
Mahjong is gaining popularity among young people, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, becoming a trendy social activity and a way to build community. Over the past year, interest has surged, partly driven by social media content and a desire to connect in person rather than online. Events like mahjong nights in cities such as San Francisco are drawing young crowds, blending tradition with modern socializing. Even interior designers are noticing the trend, with more requests for mahjong tables in home projects. The game’s nostalgic appeal, especially for young Asian Americans, has also contributed to its rising popularity.
Classic Games Reimagined
Many older games have been re-released with updated components, streamlined rules, or digital integrations, making them more appealing to today’s audiences. Additionally, the rise of board game cafes, streaming platforms, and social media has reintroduced these titles to new generations.
Chess, both as a game and a digital experience, is experiencing a renaissance in 2026, driven by the fusion of AI, esports, and the timeless appeal of strategy. The integration of AI into chess has not only enhanced how players learn and improve but also reignited global interest in the game as a digital sport. Magnus Carlsen, the world-renowned chess champion, has publicly stated that chess is “made for the digital age,” emphasizing its adaptability and relevance in today’s tech-driven world.
Catan (Settlers of Catan), Codenames, Dungeons and Dragons, Ticket to Ride, War of the Ring, Root, Dixit, and Azul are all seeing similar adaptations.
Card Games Going Digital
Card games are experiencing a resurgence, both in digital and physical formats.
Classic card games are benefiting from streamlined interfaces and the ability to play online, making them more appealing to both nostalgic players and younger audiences. Even retro and party-style card games are seeing a revival, blending nostalgia with modern accessibility.
The rise of digital card games is being driven by their convenience and accessibility, allowing players to enjoy quick matches that fit into busy schedules. This trend is reflected in the growing popularity of titles like Pokémon TCG and Hearthstone, which continue to attract new and returning players.
The physical trading card game (TCG) market is thriving, with a projected value of $11.8 billion by 2030, up from $7.8 billion in 2025, signaling robust growth and renewed interest.
This comeback isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about adaptability. Digital card games, in particular, align with the way people play today, offering bite-sized experiences that fit into modern lifestyles.
Puzzles
Puzzles of all sorts are attracting new fans as a preferred way to unwind and reconnect with tactile, screen-free activities.
Vintage and wooden jigsaw puzzles are making a comeback, especially among seniors, due to their emotional and mental benefits.
Round wooden puzzle designs and 3D puzzles are also gaining popularity in 2025.
Hobbies Go Around and Come Around
This retro movement is often referred to as Granny hobbies. According to an NBC video, as social media fatigue grows among Gen Z, many are turning to “old fashioned” hobbies as a way to disconnect from screens and spend more time offline doing traditional crafts. “Grandma hobby” lovers embrace the homemade: décor, meals, and vintage household items.
The appeal lies not just in nostalgia but in the tangible joy of creating something with your hands and the mental health benefits of slowing down. Young people are turning to old-school hobbies to get off their phones.
Fashion Goes Around and Comes Around
Processed with VSCO with aga1 preset
According to my reading, fashion is embracing nostalgia in 2026, with vintage styles from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s leading the trends, but occasionally going back even farther.
Some of the most likely vintage trends include pillbox hats, shell jewelry, tassels, bold animal prints like leopard and tiger, plus vibrant colors such as cobalt blue.
The 1970s are particularly popular, with flared skirts and boho chic.
Trends from the 1980s are reappearing: bold patterns, layered accessories, and statement outerwear. Chocolate brown is a key color, reflecting a broader movement toward rich, earthy tones and expressive designs.
Fashion houses predict that corset tops, especially those from designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, are predicted to be big in 2026. Tassel necklaces and vintage-inspired handbags, such as those from Louis Vuitton, are also expected to be everywhere, offering a touch of retro glamour.
Vivian means “likes bright and vivid colors.” And I do, including red, which was my mother’s favorite color. I doubt she was alone here, but in the United States, the top six colors nationally are blue, black, gray, pink, white and green. Why didn’t red make the list?
Perhaps it’s because, in the U.S., the color has so many negative associations. Red is used almost universally in stop signs, alarms, and warnings. It signals alertness and caution, often linked to fire, blood, and emergency.
Stop signs
Traffic lights
Fire Trucks
No entry
Flammable liquid
Biohazard
Warning signs are commonly red because it is associated with danger, is highly visible, and stands out against most backgrounds, ensuring it can be seen from a distance even in poor conditions like fog or smoke. Many poisonous animals have red markings. In humans, exposure to red increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, and heightens alertness.
Symbolism One Step Removed
Seeing red. It means being very angry, mad, furious, irate, or enraged. Some synonyms for this phrase include losing your temper, exploding, erupting, losing patience, becoming enraged, or flying into a rage.
What about the bullfighter’s red cape, encouraging the bull to attack? Bulls are actually color-blind, but I’d be pretty mad too if someone was shaking a cape in my face and trying to stab me!
Then there is red faced. Depending on context, it could mean embarrassment or anger, but neither is pleasant.
Red lined: deleted.
Being in the red = financial deficit.
But this color is rich with symbolism across cultures, emotions, and contexts. It symbolizes a range of powerful concepts including love, passion, energy, vitality.
Seeing Red Emotions
Energy and Vitality
It symbolizes life force, strength, and physical energy. Its vibrancy grabs attention and can stimulate excitement or action.
Passion and Love
Red is associated with love, desire, and romance. It’s the color of hearts, roses, and Valentine’s Day.
Power and Courage
Mounties on Parade
Think red-blooded. Also, historically, red has symbolized power, leadership, and bravery. Warriors and royalty often wore red to signify status and valor.
The color can also evoke feelings of anger, aggression, or intensity, reflecting the heat of strong emotions.
Seeing Red Around the World
In Hinduism, red is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and embodiment of beauty.
Indian Culture
In Indian culture, red symbolizes love, passion, power, fertility, prosperity, and marital bliss, often used in weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Brides often wear red saris, representing love, prosperity, and new beginnings. Red is also used in religious ceremonies and festivals like Holi.
Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, red is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and celebration, especially during festivals like Lunar New Year. It’s therefore prominent in weddings, festivals, and decorations, believed to ward off evil spirits.
American Traditions
Red is associated with Christmas (red berries, Santa’s suit) symbolizing warmth and festivity. Many opera houses have red seats to convey a sense of opulence. A red carpet also signifies especially formal occasions.
Red Square
Russian Beauty
The ancient Russian word for red and beauty are the same. Even today, Moscow’s Red Square (Красная площадь) would be more accurately translated as Beautiful Square.
African Traditions
In many African cultures, red beads or cloths symbolize life, health, and vitality, but can also represent danger or mourning depending on the context. The Ndembu in Central Africa associate red with life and health, so warriors and sick people wear red paint.
Seeing Red In Art
Red’s symbolism is woven through art, literature, and cultural traditions, carrying meanings that evoke deep emotions and ideas in viewers, readers, and participants—often reflecting the above.
Emotion and Drama
Artists use red to convey intense feelings—love, anger, passion, or violence. For example, in Renaissance paintings, red robes often signify power or sanctity (like in depictions of Christ or saints). Medieval painters often depicted martyrs in red clothing.
Focus and Contrast
Red draws the viewer’s eye, creating focal points or dramatic contrasts. Think of Henri Matisse’s bold use of red to energize his compositions.
The Lute, Henri Matisse (1943)
Symbol of Life and Death
Red can represent blood, vitality, or sacrifice. In Mexican Día de los Muertos art, red flowers symbolize the life force amid remembrance of death.
In Literature
Love and Desire
Red often symbolizes passionate love or temptation. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet uses red imagery to underscore the intensity and tragedy of young love.
The Scarlet Letter, Hugues Merle (1681)
Violence and Danger
Red can signal bloodshed or conflict. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the scarlet “A” is a mark of sin and shame but also of identity and resilience.
Rebellion and Revolution
Red is also linked to upheaval and change, as seen in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where the red flag symbolizes revolution and political power.
Red’s symbolism is a powerful reminder of life’s intensity—from love and celebration to warning and sacrifice. It’s a color that speaks to human experience across time and place.
Sustainable Perspective on Red Symbolism
A more recent interpretation is that red’s connection to blood and fire reminds us of life’s fragility and the importance of protecting natural resources. It can inspire urgent action toward climate and social justice, symbolizing both warning and passionate commitment.
Bottom Line: The effect of red is—totally?—dependent on context and culture.
They say that waking up Is hard to do. And I know, I know that it’s true!
I love being in bed—even if all I’m doing there is sleeping! I love snuggling down, feeling comfy. I can sleep soundly for ten hours or more, given the opportunity. I get up when I have to.
In high school, that meant 5:30 a.m., to be picked up at 6:00 by the parents of three elementary school children, to get them up, dressed and fed, walk them to and from school, and babysit them till the parents got home from work about 5:00 p.m.
And so it went from then through every subsequent job: roll out in time to get to work. During my seven years in college (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.), replace “work” with “class.”
Today, I sleep later, and stay up later. I still get up when I have a specific time-critical commitment. And I still struggle with waking up.
Waking Up with Help
Apparently, I’m not alone here. Sleep specialists say that some level of sleep inertia is normal. It’s just that for some of us, that level is very high! And for them, there are options—some of them pretty harsh. A March 6 article in The Wall Street Journal described several that I (for one) consider extreme.
Modern Assistance
Pavlok Shock Clock is a wrist-watch-like device that delivers an electric shock to the wearer. The wearer sets the intensity to hurt but not cause damage: for example, a setting of 75% is 300 volts. It sells for about $160.
Clocky, created about twenty years ago, is a wheeled alarm that hops off a table and beeps as it zooms around the room.
Nuj, an app on which the user sets a task to prove s/he is up. If the task isn’t performed within minutes, a financial penalty, also set by the user, is levied. All the money collected goes to charity.
Alarmy, another app for which the user chooses a “mission” that must be accomplished before the alarm will shut off. At this writing, it costs $7.49 per month.
Sonic Bomb, sounds off at 113 decibels (think rock concert loud) and flashes red lights. It comes with a vibrating puck for under the pillow or mattress to shake the sleeper awake.
A gentler alternative might be an alarm clock that slowly turns up bedroom lights, mimicking a sunrise. Or one that brews a cup of coffee at your bedside!
Historical Help
Once upon a time, people lived without mechanical alarm clocks or phone apps. To wake up earlier than circadian rhythms dictated, people relied on the noise of animals, deliberately drinking lots of water before bed, or time-keeping bells at nearby religious buildings.
A “knocker-upper” shooting pellets at second story windows to wake people
People used a variety of mechanical methods to try waking up on time when their bodies just wanted to sleep. Some lit a candle that dropped metal pieces with a clatter when they’d been burning for a certain amount of time. Others set a slow trickle of water to trip a pressure alarm and ring a gong. A stick of slowly burning incense, held between the toes, would wake even the soundest sleeper when the burning embers hit skin.
But according to the Wall Street Journal article, the demand for alarm clocks took off in the late 1800s, with names like “the Rattler, the Slumber Stopper, and the Tornado.” With the shift to urban settings and factory work, more people needed to be up earlier and at more precise times. Many factories hired a “knocker-upper” to walk through the streets and rouse employees for their shifts.
In the 1930s, the Westclox Factory introduced the Siesta, with an early version of a snooze option: it alarmed and ten minutes later alarmed again louder. My cellphone alarm offers a snooze option that, when chosen, will sound again eight and a half minutes later—which is soooo easy to repeat, making it increasingly difficult to meet whatever commitment made me set an alarm in the first place!
Waking Up Without Help
According to sleep experts, we really shouldn’t need to resort to extreme measures. Mariana Figueiro, PhD, at Mount Sinai, offers advice beginning with why you should consider avoiding the snooze button on your alarm and why raising the shades is critical.
According to Figueiro, the key is to keep a regular schedule. Getting up and going to bed at the same time every day, including weekends, trains your body to know when it’s time to wake up. (This makes the shifts to and from Daylight Savings Time particularly difficult!) And get up right away—without hitting the snooze button. You never sleep as well after your alarm goes off. It’s better to set the alarm for the time you really need to get up.
Habits for Waking Up Easily
Experts seem to agree on the importance of regular sleep habits. The quality of sleep is also important. Activities I’ve come across for getting good sleep include the following:
Meditate
Eat lots of protein
Take breaks from screen time
Exercise
Let natural light in
Get lots of natural light first thing in the morning (or bright, indoor lights)
Relax before going to bed with music or a physical book (not an e-book)
Avoid caffeine (coffee, chocolate) later in the day
Late night alcohol does not contribute to good sleep
Sleeping as Long as Possible
As a sleep lover who gets up at the last possible minute when I absolutely have to, here are some things that help me sleep as long as possible before I have to meet some commitment:
Organize what I’m going to wear the next day the night before, including jewelry. (I’m a jewelry junkie!)
Learn to enjoy cold coffee.
Have power bars on hand so breakfast prep is optional—or marry a spouse who will make breakfast for you on your schedule!
Minimize grooming time by omitting whatever won’t be noticed and schedule more time-consuming bits (like shampooing) for days without scheduled commitments.
So, what might people be doing for—or to—their children inadvertently?
Names at School
For good or ill, it starts young. Consider educational institutions.
Race
Economist David N. Figlio, found that children with names associated with Black communities—like Da’Quan—receive different treatment in school than siblings with stereotypically Caucasian monikers. Furthermore, analyses suggest that the sound and spelling combinations trigger educators’ impressions.
A child with a name like Damarcus was 2% less likely than his brother David to be referred to a program for the gifted—even when both boys had identical test scores. All else being equal, the students with unusual names were also less likely than their conventionally named siblings to be promoted to the next grade. Figlio suggests both tendencies reflect teachers’ lower expectations for those children.
It may not be entirely subjective: districtwide, the uncommonly named children had lower mathematics and reading scores than their traditionally named peers. Could this be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy?
Gender
If you are a boy with a girl’s name, you could be more likely to face school suspension. In Figlio’s 2005 study, boys with names most commonly given to girls misbehaved more in middle school and were more likely to disrupt their peers. He also found that their behavioral problems were linked with increased disciplinary problems and lower test scores.
Personal note: I have an uncle from a large family named Pearl for his mother’s father and brother. He became one of the most successful of his siblings. That may just be an older generation. Or maybe it’s because he went by the nickname Butch!
Popularity and Crime
A 2009 study at Shippensburg University reported a strong relationship between the popularity of one’s first name and juvenile criminal. Regardless of race, young people with unpopular names were more likely to engage in criminal activity. “Adolescents with unpopular names may be more prone to crime because they are treated differently by their peers, making it more difficult for them to form relationships.”
Alternatively, “Juveniles with unpopular names may also act out because they … dislike their names.”
Alphabetically
And furthermore, according to a study published in the Economics of Education Review, if your last name is closer to the beginning of the alphabet, you could get into a better school. They found that even though students with low-in-the-alphabet last names tended to get higher test scores overall, among the students who applied to universities and were on the margins of getting admitted or not, those with last names that were close to the top of the alphabet were more likely to be admitted. This study was done with Czech students. There are no data indicating that this doesn’t apply in other countries.
If your name is easy to pronounce, people will favor you more—similar to Figlio’s findings, above. In a Marquette University study, the researchers found evidence that names that were viewed as the least unique were more likable.
In a New York University study , researchers found that people with easier-to-pronounce names often have higher-status positions at work. Adam Alter, psychologist, quoted in Wired : “When we can process a piece of information more easily, when it’s easier to comprehend, we come to like it.”
People with common names were more likely to be hired, and those with rare names were least likely to be hired.
Ethnicity
If you have a white-sounding name, you’re more likely to be successful in your job hunt.
In a study described in The Atlantic, white-sounding names like Emily Walsh and Greg Baker got nearly 50% more callbacks than candidates with black-sounding names like Lakisha Washington and Jamal Jones. Researchers determined that having a white-sounding name is worth as much as eight years of work experience .
Nobility
If your name sounds noble, you are more likely to work in a high-ranking position.
In a European study, researchers studied German names and ranks within companies. Those with last names such as Kaiser (“emperor”) or König (“king”) were in more managerial positions than those with last names that referred to common occupations, such as Koch (“cook”) or Bauer (“farmer”). This could be the result of associative reasoning, a psychological theory that people automatically link emotions and previous knowledge with similar words or phrases.
Gender
If you are a woman with a gender-neutral name, you may be more likely to succeed in certain fields. In a citation of The Atlantic, in male-dominated fields such as engineering and law, women with gender-neutral names may be more successful. One study found that women with “masculine names” like Leslie, Jan, or Cameron tended to be more successful in legal careers.
Men with shorter first names are overrepresented in the c-suite—i.e., among CEOs, CFOs, COOs, etc. In 2011, LinkedIn analyzed more than 100 million user profiles to find out which names are most associated with the CEO position. The most common names for men were short, often one-syllable names like Bob, Jack, and Bruce. A name specialist speculated that men in power may use nicknames to offer a sense of friendliness and openness.
On the other hand, the same study found that women at the top are more likely to use their full names. Perhaps women use their full names in an attempt to project professionalism and gravitas.
Middle Initial
Using your middle initial makes people think you’re smarter and more competent. According to research published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, using a middle initial increases people’s perceptions of your intellectual capacity and performance. In one study, students rated an essay whose authors had varying numbers of initials. The one with the most initials, David F.P.R. Clark, received the best reviews.
Social Psychology
The relationship between names and person perception is a fascinating topic in social psychology and communication studies. Here are some brief observations on the subject.
First Impressions and Stereotypes
Names often trigger automatic associations or stereotypes based on cultural, ethnic, or social cues. For example, people might perceive certain names as more traditional, modern, or linked to specific ethnic backgrounds.
These associations can influence initial judgments about a person’s personality, intelligence, socioeconomic status, or even trustworthiness.
The idea that people often look like their names likely stems from these stereotypes. However, these stereotypes are pervasive enough that tests have shown people are able to match a stranger’s face to the correct name. Researchers theorize that participants are subconsciously responding to social expectations of how a person with a particular name should look.
Name Uniqueness and Individuality
Unique or unusual names can make a person stand out, sometimes positively by signaling creativity or uniqueness, or negatively by causing bias or misunderstanding.
Names often carry gendered and generational signals, influencing expectations about behavior or roles. For instance, people might associate older-sounding names with wisdom or conservatism. On the other hand younger-sounding names might evoke impressions of modernity or innovation.
Why This Matters
Understanding how names influence perception helps us recognize unconscious biases and encourages more equitable and compassionate social interactions. It reminds us that a name, while a simple label, carries complex social meanings that shape human connection.
Overview of Key Findings from Studies on Names and Success in the U.S.
Note: Names correlated with success in the U.S. can vary depending on how “success” is defined—whether by income, education, career achievement, or social status. Research on this topic often relies on data such as income tax records, educational attainment, or professional accomplishments linked to first names.
Studies analyzing tax data and census records have found that certain names correlate with higher average incomes and educational attainment.
A 2011 study by economist Steven Levitt and colleagues analyzed IRS data and found that names like Gregory, Matthew, and Jennifer were among those associated with higher incomes.
Names like Emily, Jacob, Michael, Sarah, and Jessica have historically been linked with higher socioeconomic status.
Conversely, some names statistically correlate with lower income or education levels, often reflecting systemic inequalities.
This is likely because names often reflect cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which influence access to resources and opportunities.
Modern Trends
Popular names change over time, and correlations can shift with demographic changes.
Unique or unusual names sometimes face bias, but this is context-dependent.
As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, the correlations of particular names with status may evolve.
Correlation does not prove causation: the findings presented here—these correlations—mean that names tend to vary together with certain other characteristics, behaviors, or outcomes. It is not the same as causation. The name itself does not cause success; it is a proxy for underlying factors like family background, education, and community.
Bottom Line: Names carry deep cultural, personal, and societal meanings, influencing identity, perception, and (often) success.
Unakite, lovely though it is, is not among the official symbols of Virginia
I’m a jewelry junkie. Some years ago, at a shop in the Blue Ridge, I bought several pieces of a lovely sage green and salmon colored stone. The clerk identified it as unakite, and said it is the state gem for Virginia—which pleased me a great deal. Apparently, it is abundant in the Blue Ridge.
Alas, when I started looking for official Virginia symbols, unakite is NOT among them. Virginia Opal is an unofficial State Gem. The official Virginia Rock or Stone is Nelsonite (2016), not nearly as attractive (IMHO).
Earliest Virginia Symbols
Virginia has a rich collection of official state symbols that reflect its history, culture, and natural heritage.
Most of Virginia’s official symbols were designated in the late 20th century, with the significant exceptions of the state motto and seal. Virginia officially declared its Great Seal—designed by George Wythe—on July 5, 1776 (standardized in 1950). It is one of Virginia’s earliest and most significant symbols, adopted during the American Revolution. The State Motto was proposed by George Mason to be included in the State Seal in 1776. Translated from Latin as “Thus Always to Tyrants”, it means that tyrants will eventually be overthrown.
The Virginia state flag prominently features the seal. Although the seal appeared on military flags before April 30, 1861, that is the year that the state legislature placed it on a blue field as the official state flag during the Civil War era (see the banner picture for this blog entry). The flag was last updated in 1950.
Virginia Animal Symbols
State Amphibian:Red Salamander (2018). This amphibian, unique among its kind, can breathe through its skin.
State Bird:Northern Cardinal. Actually, the cardinal is the most popular state bird, also symbolizing Kentucky (1926), West Virginia (1927), Illinois (1929), Indiana (1933), Ohio (1933), North Carolina (1943), and—bringing up the rear—Virginia (1950). If you cross-reference, you will note that five of these states were, originally, part of Virginia! (See below.)
State Dog:American Foxhound (1966). Fox hunting started in Virginia around 1700 as a popular sport among the gentry, and was a traditional activity ever since.
State Freshwater Fish: Brook Trout (1993). Brook trout are actually not technically a “trout”. They are in the Char family, although they are the most “Trout Like” in their family.
State Saltwater Fish:Striped Bass (2011). This fish has distinctive horizontal stripes running along silvery bodies—which help camouflage the fish by breaking up its outline in the water, making it harder for predators to spot.
State Insect:Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (1991) The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) is a common but beautiful butterfly that regularly comes to my yard, especially to my butterfly bush for nectar. Keen observers can find them anywhere east of the Mississippi river and a bit farther west into the Great Plains states. There are also populations in several Mexican states.
State Pollinator:European Honeybee (2024) These bees use a “waggle dance” to communicate the location of food sources to other foragers, indicating both direction and distance. So, when you see one, you are likely to see many. They seem to especially enjoy my hyssop, a perennial plant that smells like licorice.
State Pony:Chincoteague Pony (2023). These ponies weren’t an official breed until 1985! Their historical home of Assateague Island straddles Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland herd is controlled with the use of contraceptive vaccines. The Virginia side uses an annual Pony Swim and auction to control the island population.
State Reptile: Eastern Garter Snake (2016) In 2016, Aiden Coleman, then 11 years old, successfully petitioned the Virginia Senate to name the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) an official symbol of Virginia. Though only mildly venomous, these snakes can emit a foul odor when threatened, which some have described as “something like a cross between a soiled diaper and a skunk.” Garter snakes, unlike most reptiles, give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
State Shell:Eastern Oyster (1974). The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is the only species of oyster native to this region. It is a valued food source for humans and other species. As filter feeders, they help clean the water. Centuries ago, in some places, oyster shell reefs were so big that ships had to navigate around them. Since then, in many areas, the populations have dwindled to just a few percent of what they once were due to disease, over-harvesting, habitat loss, and poor water quality.
Other Virginia Symbols
State Beverage:Milk (1982). Milk is the state drink of twenty U.S. states, from New York to North Dakota. This is largely due to lobbying efforts from the dairy industry in the 1980s.
State Boat:Chesapeake Bay deadrise (1988). Very few other states have a state boat, but a couple of exceptions are Maryland (skipjack) and North Carolina (shad boat).
State Dance:Square Dance (1991). Among the 29 states having official state dances, square dancing is the most popular—24!
NB: some states have more than one official dance.
State Fossil:Chesapecten jeffersonius (1993). This is a fossilized form of an extinct scallop, which lived between four and five million years ago on Virginia’s coastal plain. Colonists first described this distinct fossil in 1687.
State Slogan:VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS (1969). The slogan earned a mention in the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009, and Forbes declared this one of the top ten advertising campaigns of all time. When the Central Virginia Chapter of Sisters in Crime wanted to use “Virginia is for _“ in a book title, permission was denied for “Murders” but approved for “Mysteries.”
State Spirit:George Washington’s Rye Whiskey (2017) Mount Vernon staff reconstructed George Washington’s original recipe and distilled this whiskey using 18th century methods.
In addition to unakite, Virginia has several distinct resources that many people assume must be official symbols.
State Animal:Virginia Deer (White-tailed Deer). As far as I could determine, despite showing up on various lists, the white-tailed deer has not been officially designated as the state animal of Virginia. However, its scientific name, Odocoileus virginianus, reflects its historical significance and abundance in the state. Ever popular, it’s the official animal of 10 states other than Virginia.
State Fruit: Tomato. Although one list of state symbols included this, as far as I can find, Virginia does not have an official state fruit, tomato or otherwise. It’s just as well! Although botanically a fruit, the tomato is legally a vegetable for import/export purposes, and is certainly used as such!
State Turtle: Lawmakers considered naming the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) an official state symbol in 1999 and 2009, but they ultimately rejected it. I’m including it here because (in my opinion), it should be a Virginia symbol; it’s both adorable and interesting! I’ve loved these turtles since graduate school when I did research with them. They tend to be solitary, so a female can fertilize eggs up to 4 years after mating. Signs of sex include eye color, shell pattern, and shell shape. Females have red eyes, a simpler shell pattern, and straight-sided shells. Males have brown eyes and shells with a more vivid pattern, slightly flared at the bottom edge.
Unofficial Virginia Nicknames
Besides official symbols, several more designations for Virginia are traditionally acknowledged.
Map of Virginia and Florida, made by William Blaeu between 1609 and 1623
Mother of States: Since its settlement in 1606, Virginia has been carved into eight more states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Mother of Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson all were born in Virginia.
NB:Seven U.S. presidents were born in Ohio, too: Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Old Dominion: A popular legend states that Charles II referred to Virginia as the Old Dominion. Virginia has a public university by that name.
And for a mostly unrelated fact and opinion, included because I was born and reared in Ohio and happen to know it: the official State Beverage for Ohio is tomato juice. The Ohio General Assembly made tomato juice Ohio’s official beverage in 1965. So far, it is the only state to appreciate tomatoes in that way. At that time, Ohio was a leading producer of tomatoes in the United States, second only to California. And in my opinion, Ohio tomatoes have it all over Hanover tomatoes, much lauded here in Virginia.
Bottom Line: Official state symbols celebrate natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, a mosaic of identity for a state, and Virginia is no exception.
