Things You'll Only See In Russia

Beard Tax

In 1689, Emperor Pete I implemented a beard tax on Russian men who wore long beards. The tax varied on social status. Men who paid the tax carried around a "beard token" to prove to authorities that they had paid the tax. If you couldn't afford the tax, you'd have to shave. 

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The More You Know

  • The glow around the moon is called a "broch."
  • Saint Patrick's Day began as a "feast day". To honor him, Christians could put aside their Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol consumption, which is why excessive drinking has become linked to the celebration.
  • A chameleon's tongue is twice as long as its body.
  • The world's oldest operating library is in Morocco.
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