I'll Tell You Why

Groundhog's Day is a staple of the American winter, but it's a tradition that started 5,000 miles away and didn't start with a groundhog.

Saying "bless you" after someone sneezes is almost a reflex. And most people think it's because of how deadly illnesses spread. But, this is actually a story that starts with evil spirits and positive signs from God.

Donald Trump is being inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20. But, inaugurations weren't always in January and they weren't always big events. This is the story of a congressional mandate, raucous parties and a powerful oath.

The Hermes Birkin bag costs over $15,000 dollars and is one of the hardest bags to buy. But, it wasn’t always popular and the creation of it is thanks to a chance encounter and a succession change.

Times Square's ball drop on New Year's Eve is absolutely iconic. But, dropping a large ball at a certain time didn't start off as a New Year's Eve tradition. This is the story of a creative time-telling system, a broken up New Year’s party and a publisher’s brain child. 

Playing dreidel is a staple of Hanukkah, but one origin story has a major plot hole in it. And it’s possible the game wasn’t even invented by the Maccabees. This is the story of how Hanukkah’s favorite game became so popular.

I know we all think farmers are to blame for why we have Daylight Saving Time but they actually HATE it. And one of America's Founding Fathers who gets credit for with coming up with the idea actively is trying to convince people he isn't to blame. So, why do we have it? This is the story of energy conservation, world wars and a years-long fight.

Americans love the lottery, but one man's greed almost ended it forever. This is the story of building empires, corruption and government's being unable to manage their money.

Christmas cards are a staple of the holiday season, but believe it or not, Hallmark didn’t invent the tradition. It all started with a man in England who was so popular, he didn’t have time to write out over 1,000 holiday notes. So, he changed the way we sent season’s greetings.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic American tradition. But, why did Macy’s decide to start the annual tradition? And how did the balloons get added? This is the story of a business’s gamble, an elaborate prank, and a well thought out marketing plan.  Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/...

Have you ever wondered why we drive on the right side of the road when other parts of the world drive on the left? Well, I have. This is a story of changing military strategy, robberies and a car that changed the world.

Everyone knows how Christian Louboutin came up with his iconic red bottom heels. But, before there were Louboutins there were two fashion icons who were doing red bottoms first – King Louis XIV and his brother, Philippe. This is the story of power, prestige and the kind of flair only an absolute monarch could muster.

Let's travel back to the 19th century and a very different -- and public -- form of voting for a story of election parties, an unmotivated society and illegal bribes.  Learn how the iconic "I Voted" stickers got their start in this Election Day special episode of "I'll Tell You Why."

Let's travel over 3000 miles across the Atlantic ocean to Ireland for an old Celtic legend about the devil, a candle and a heavenly rejection. The story behind our favorite Halloween tradition.