Lists for people who grumble, "I hate the holidays."

Bah, Humbug

Conspiracies

It&#39;s no secret our that our Christmas traditions are <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/christmas-myths/mike-rothschild" target="_blank">steeped in folklore</a> and religious and spiritual ritual. But is something else - something far more fun and interesting - responsible for the Christmas customs we enjoy? There is a theory about psychedelics and Christmas, specifically that magic mushrooms are behind Christmas and the traditions established long ago. Scholars and academics were the first ones to note the similarities between magic mushrooms and Christmas traditions, illustrating a link that is perhaps not coincidental at all, but proof that some of our most beloved holiday conventions are directly tied to psychedelics. To some, this idea might be <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-of-christmas-krampus/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">scarier than Krampus</a>, but to others, it may just bring a little Christmas joy.

Below is a sampling of the many ways our modern Christmases look eerily like the world of magic &#39;shrooms. Are we living in a festive bliss imagined centuries ago during a magic mushroom trip?

This Psychedelic Theory Claims Magic Mushrooms Are Responsible For All Our Christmas Traditions

General

Donn Saylor

Lists about the alleged secret society that allegedly control allegedly pretty much everything in the known alleged world.

The Illuminati

Insider facts, bizarre rules, and historical theories about the exclusive clubs and secret societies that run everything in the whole wide world.

Society Secrets

Whoa Facts

The Illuminati are thought to be a cabal of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-kerala-politicians/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most powerful politicians</a>, bankers, entertainers, and businesspeople in the world. They have their hand in virtually every event that's happened in human history over the past two hundred years, from the French Revolution to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. And despite their secrecy, they flaunt their power and wealth in public using Occult imagery and hand signals.&nbsp;But what do we really know about the Illuminati? What is the Illuminati? Who are Illuminati members, and what are the Illuminati's secrets?&nbsp;Is it a real organization, or a complicated conspiracy theory that changes depending on who is espousing it? And what is its real history?It can be hard to define Illuminati, but here are 20 facts about the Illuminati, both the historical Illuminati secret society and the pop culture Illuminati conspiracy, that you might not know about. But be careful what you do with this knowledge. Illuminati trivia is not for the faint of heart. Those who cross the cabal have been known to have bad things mysteriously happen to them...

Things You Should Know About The Illuminati

Mike Rothschild

The podcasts you absolutely must download and/or stream and listen to during your commute, workouts, study breaks, and whenever.

Must-Hear Podcasts

Podcasts

One of the biggest parts of conspiracy theories is discussing all the aspects of the theory and learning a new angle or fact you hadn&#39;t heard before. Conspiracy podcasts offer that from dozens of perspectives. We&#39;ve put together a list of the top conspiracy podcasts streaming new episodes. From <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-alien-ufo-documentary-series/ranker-tv" target="_blank">aliens</a> and outer space to conspiracies <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-conspiracy-theories-you-believe-are-true/desertrat89" target="_blank">much closer to home</a>, these are the best conspiracy podcasts on now.

A few conspiracy podcasts focus on topic or area-specific conspiracies. Other conspiracy podcasts, such as Beyond Reality Radio and Stuff They Don&#39;t Want You To Know cast a wider net and examine theories from political to the paranormal. There are also conspiracy shows that bring in guests who are experts in the particular paranormal or conspiracy theme of the episode.

Vote up the current conspiracy podcasts you haven&#39;t skipped an episode of! And add any other great conspiracy theory podcasts to the list!

The Best Conspiracy Podcasts

The 25+ Best Conspiracy Podcasts, Ranked

Ranker Podcast

Lists about the year-end holiday that lifts spirits and brings good tidings.

A Wonderful Christmas Time

Holidays

It's time to find the real stories behind Christmas legends and holiday myths. With over 2,000 years of history, the Christmas holiday comes with a host of myths, legends, lies, misconceptions, and commonly believed things that are just completely wrong. From the origin of the holiday itself, to the historical date and year of Christ's birth, to the modern marketing of iconic Christmas figures like Santa Claus, much of what is commonly believed about Christmas simply isn't true. How accurate is the Bible Christmas story? What's the real history of Christmas trees? And are we really losing Christ in Christmas?It's easy to put aside historical falsehoods and simply enjoy the festivities of the holiday season. But what Christmas stories are not real? Is the date of Christmas really Jesus' birthday? Are there any true Christmas myths? If you really want to know where Santa comes from, when Jesus might have been born, and what U.S. state banned Christmas for a while, check out these widely believed Christmas myths below and get the real story of Christmas.These Christmas myths and legends are probably stories you've never even questioned, but will completely change how you see this Christian holiday. Before you hang the lights, trim the tree, and put out Santa's milk and cookies, be sure to read up on the Christmas facts you didn't know weren't even true.

The Biggest Christmas Myths and Legends, Debunked

The Biggest Christmas Myths & Legends, Debunked

Entertainment

When it comes to conspiracy theories, it&rsquo;s the characters that make&nbsp;these movies and shows so great. No matter how many twists, cliffhangers, or double-agents, these characters constantly brave the odds to expose the truth - even if it means putting their own lives at risk.

Whether you like a complex, series-long conspiracy in the vein of Homeland or something more episodic along the lines of Law &amp; Order and&nbsp;the X-Files, there&#39;s no denying that the characters on this list will guide you through all the wild twists and turns of any good conspiracy with charm and style to spare.&nbsp;FBI agents Mulder and Scully are out to expose the truth, but&nbsp;Eleven packs some serious superpowers.&nbsp;Which character is your favorite?

Check your hotel room for listening devices, dust for fingerprints, and vote up the best conspiracy characters in film and TV. And if you notice your favorite character&nbsp;isn&#39;t listed, add them!

The Best Conspiracy Characters In Movies & TV

Fictional Character

The Best Fictional Conspiracy Characters, Ranked

Ranker Entertainment

Using sound to inflict damage&nbsp;dates back to biblical times, where it&#39;s said the Israelites tore down the walls of Jericho by blowing powerful ram&nbsp;horns. Audio armaments&nbsp;were extensively researched and prototyped during WWII and the Cold War, with devices such as the Sonic Cannon and the subtly devastating Infrasonic Whistle.&nbsp;In the late &#39;80s and early &#39;90s, audio was used to apprehend Panamanian dictator&nbsp;Manuel Noriega and disrupt the Branch Davidian cult&nbsp;in Waco.&nbsp;

Then there is <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/conspiracies-and-legends-about-the-hum/mike-rothschild" target="_blank">the Hum</a>,&nbsp;an ultra-low frequency that occurs all over the world. Only 2% of the world&#39;s populace can hear it, and it is said to drive those who hear it insane.&nbsp;Imagine a device able to drive people to their mental brink, tear them apart, or control their minds&nbsp;without even using drugs, as <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/mk-ultra-victims/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">MK-Ultra</a> does. The idea of aural warfare has long captured the imagination of armament developers,&nbsp;sci-fi nerds, and scientists alike.

There are many reasons to fear the ways sound can be used to control people, and weaponized sound can be&nbsp;used to devastating effect - quelling rebellions, fending off pirates, and controlling nations.&nbsp;North Korea even&nbsp;forces its populace to listen to propaganda wrapped&nbsp;in the guise of music, ensuring&nbsp;total control.&nbsp;Here&#39;s what we know about the development of audio as a weapon.

11 Times Audio Was Used As A Weapon Of Control

Inigo Gonzalez

Photography

Bigfoot, otherwise known as Sasquatch, is a large, human-like creature whose existence has never been verified. The creature is typically spotted in forests in the Northwest region of the United States, but it has also been sighted in the Northeast. Bigfoots have an ape-like appearance and appear mostly at night. Has anyone ever captured a real photo of Bigfoot? Is there proof that Bigfoot exists? Take a look at the photos on this list and decide for yourself.What is the most famous Bigfoot photo? A still shot from Roger Patterson's 1967 film (known simply as the Patterson-Gimlin film) has become an iconic Bigfoot visual. The film has been studied by Bigfoot believers, who think the film is the real deal, and Bigfoot skeptics who believe that the film only captures the image of a man in an ape suit.Bigfoot is frequently spotted in Washington State as well as in Pennsylvania. It was even spotted as far north as Canada. Some people take photos when they accidentally stumble upon Bigfoot, while others set up cameras to try to get photo evidence of the elusive creature.Why do you think it is so difficult to get a photo of Bigfoot? Do you think Bigfoot is really in the pictures below? Vote up the best, most realistic Bigfoot pictures.Want more Bigfoot? Check out this list of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-bigfoot-movies/ranker-film">best Bigfoot movies</a>.

The Best (Alleged) Pictures Of Bigfoot

Best Pictures of Bigfoot | Real Photos of Sasquatch

Roger Nackerman

Are you the "Sports Guy" on your trivia team? Welcome to your new secret weapons: lists of fascinating facts and obscure info you need to know yesterday.

You Think You Know Athletes?

Politicians and entertainers aren't the only ones with membership in the Illuminati.&nbsp;Who else is in the Illuminati? In the world of sports, these guys are all likely candidates.&nbsp;As major sports and business intersect more and more, it only makes sense that the most wealthy and powerful star athletes would become linked <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-with-dark-in-the-title/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">with the Dark</a> Cabal that controls every aspect of our existence.Not only that, but many athletes from the 20th century have ties to Freemasonry, the shadowy and powerful organization that helped to found America. Despite the secrecy that surrounds these groups, these athletes are publicly, almost brazenly, showcasing their involvement.Here are 13 athletes from nearly every major sport who all have possible connections to secret societies.

Athletes Who Are (Allegedly) In The Illuminati

Person In Sports

Athletes Who Are in the Illuminati

Lists that rank great bands and artists based on their unique quirks. 

What Are You Listening To?

While numerous rappers and pop stars &mdash; people like Katy Perry, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga&mdash;&nbsp;are alleged to be members of the Illuminati, there is a whole host of other artists with possible links to the Cabal, according to conspiracy theorists and Illuminati watchers. Some of the most important rock bands, country singers, songwriters, and artists of all time have perceived ties to Satan worship, the Occult, or the Illuminati.

Through their lyrics, artwork, images, personas, and actions, these legacy artists have brainwashed untold millions into doing Satan&#39;s bidding. Their songs are played on the radio, their albums routinely listed as the greatest of all time, and their concerts still sell out. But how do you stay relevant in the notoriously fast moving music industry, decade after decade?

You call on your masters in the Illuminati, of course. Here are 21 classic rockers, country stars, modern rockers, and big name bands who are alleged to be the preferred entertainment of the Judeo-Masonic-Communist conspiracy that runs everything.

21 Musicians Who Are (Supposedly) in the Illuminati

Band/Musician

Illuminati in the Music Industry

Did you read that article that linked so-and-so to that guy from the thing? Or see the video about how this is the same as that? Come on, let's weave some tangled webs!

It's a Conspiracy

Who are the lizard people? Are they real? And are lizard people in charge of the world? Reptilian conspiracy theories&nbsp;are more popular than you might think. One survey&nbsp;reported&nbsp;that <a href="http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/news/12-million-americans-believe-lizard-people-run-our-country/" target="_blank">at least 12 million Americans</a> believe their country is run by extraterrestrial reptilian overlords. The first lizard people theory&nbsp;seems to originate&nbsp;in <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-science-fiction-novels-of-all-time" target="_blank">science-fiction literature</a>&nbsp;and has&nbsp;grown beyond made-up stories into a complex belief system with various explanations.

Some speculate that there are reptilians in government, politics, and in high-ranking business positions. Other lizard people conspiracies involve alien beings, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-stories-of-encounters-with-humanoids/amandasedlakhevener" target="_blank">hybrid humans</a>, mysterious planets, and claims that essentially all world leaders and the wealthiest families&nbsp;are part of the reptile tribe.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;what exactly are the intentions of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/signs-someone-is-a-lizard-person/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">the lizard people</a>, if they even exist? According to reptilian theorists, this&nbsp;elite alien species&nbsp;seeks <a href="http://www.orgoneblasters.com/mindcontrol-bartley.htm" target="_blank">world domination and power</a> over every person on the planet. They are all about control, using their influence to&nbsp;vastly lower the quality of life for&nbsp;most people on the planet. This way, people have no energy, time, or motivation to notice or&nbsp;expose even the existence of the reptilians, let alone&nbsp;try to&nbsp;remove them from power. Check out the wild lizard people theories below that may sound ridiculous at first&nbsp;but will keep gnawing at the back of your mind as possibly true.&nbsp;

Who Are The Reptilians, And What Do They Want With The Human Race?

Cheryl Adams Richkoff

Movies&nbsp;about conspiracies and subterfuge always play well with audiences. With heavy plot and intriguing characters that uncover the truth amongst lies, it's no wonder as to why fans fall in love with the genre again and again. From unanswered questions&nbsp;to character quirks,&nbsp;some passionate fans managed to come up with&nbsp;some interesting&nbsp;theories from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/conspiracy-movie-details/loren-o_connell">conspiracy movies</a>.Check out these&nbsp;fan theories in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-conspiracy-characters/ranker-entertainment">conspiracy movies</a>, and don't forget to vote!

Eye-Opening Fan Theories About Conspiracy Movies That We Can't Stop Thinking About

Loren O'Connell

A day of wine, chocolate, and sappy movies—time to celebrate love between couples, crushes, friends, pets, and everyone in between.

Be My Valentine

Like all popular holidays, Valentine's Day has a host of myths, urban legends, and misconceptions, to go with a murky history, unclear origin, and a confusing mythology. Valentine's Day origins aren't well known, and even which &quot;St. Valentine&quot; the romantic holiday is named after isn't quite clear. But it does have roots in literature of the Middle Ages, as well as English courtly traditions going back to the 1800s. But even English lovers in the Victorian era weren't spending the type of money that modern Americans spend on their true loves (or flings) on February 14. Valentine history is full of legends and widely believed theories that aren't actually based in fact. How did romance even get connected with St. Valentine? Again, it's not completely clear. And how much money do people really spend on Valentine's Day gifts anyway?These Valentines myths and legends about the Day for Lovers might surprise you, and you might find that what you thought you knew about the pink and red holiday known for hearts, Cupid, and Teddy bears isn't quite true. Vote up the Valentine's Day &quot;facts&quot; you were most surprised to learn aren't totally true and then order in some food for you and your sweetie - the real V-Day pros know that eating out on February 14 isn't romantic, it's a nightmare.

The Myths Behind Valentine's Day, Revealed

The Most Widely Believed Valentine's Day Myths &amp; Legends

Valentine Day History | Valentines Day Facts and Myths

Zigmund Adamski was a middle-aged Polish miner who built a life for himself in England. On June 6, 1980, he left the home he shared with his wife, Lottie, to go out. Five days later, a local uncovered his body, which was found on top of a pile of coal covered in mysterious marks. He was in the town of Todmorden, miles away from where he said he was going.&nbsp;

He was well dressed in a suit, but his shirt was missing, as were his wallet and watch. It almost looked like someone else had dressed Adamski, and in a hurry at that. He had been missing for five days, yet he&nbsp;appeared&nbsp;clean shaven, with just about one day&#39;s worth of beard growth. There were also <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-unexplained-stories-in-america/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">unexplained</a> burn marks covered in gel all over his body.&nbsp;

Theories about Zigmund&nbsp;Adamski&nbsp;run the gamut. Was Zigmund Adamski taken&nbsp;by aliens? Oddly, this is a theory with a strong following. Is the KGB responsible for the Zigmund Adamski mystery? Many believe this, too. On the&nbsp;certificate,&nbsp;the medical examiner listed &quot;heart attack&quot;&nbsp;as Adamski&#39;s&nbsp;cause of death, but what happened to Zigmund&nbsp;Adamski&nbsp;doesn&#39;t feel like a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-obscure-crimes/philgibbons" target="_blank">closed case</a> to many.&nbsp;

Zigmund Adamski’s Body Ended Up On A Pile Of Coal Covered In Bizarre Burn Marks

The Unsolvable Mystery Of How Zigmund Adamski’s Body Ended Up On A Pile Of Coal In Broad Daylight

Shannon E. Brown

Are we all alone in the universe? Probs not.

Close Encounters

Do you ever look up into the night sky and wonder if humans are alone in the universe? Or do you look around&nbsp;at all of the mysteries that exist right in front of you and wonder how they came to be? If you’re searching for answers, you’ve come to the right place. History is full of scientific mysteries explained by aliens. After all, who else other than extraterrestrials could build the pyramids, hollow out the moon, and maybe squeeze our entire existence into one massive supercomputer? No one knows why the extraterrestrials behind scientific anomalies are building beautiful architecture and depositing elongated skulls below the Peruvian desert, but there are more than a few theories about their intentions.No one knows if the aliens causing science mysteries are doing it to send us a message or if they’re just being jerks, but it’s hard to imagine anyone (especially an entire race of beings) going through so much trouble to tell the world they exist out of malicious intent. It’s likely that all of the scientific mysteries that extraterrestrials have had a hand in serve as small puzzle pieces in a greater problem that can only be solved when the human race is ready to interact with more advanced beings. Whether you’re a skeptic&nbsp;or you’re ready to climb down the rabbit hole, there are many interesting questions raised - and maybe even a few answers - in this collection of scientific anomalies that were probably made by aliens.&nbsp;

8 Scientific Anomalies That Can Be Credibly Explained by Alien Involvement

8 Scientific Anomalies That Can Be Credibly Explained by Aliens

Jacob Shelton

Culture

Conspiracy theories are rampant these days. Everyone seems to have one for everything. But what if&nbsp;every sign on the ancient wheel of the zodiac was linked to a conspiracy theory? Sound nutty?&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s dive down this rabbit hole, and maybe you can help solve a mystery.

What Conspiracy Theory Are You, According To Your Zodiac

Celestial Object

Lauren Poe

Secrets

When reporter and&nbsp;author Annie Jacobsen wrote&nbsp;The Pentagon&#39;s Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America&#39;s Top-Secret Military Research Agency,&nbsp;she did what many conspiracy theorists often urge US citizens&nbsp;to do: She took&nbsp;a closer look at the US government and dived deeply into the activities and research funded by the US armed forces. What Jacobsen&nbsp;found was surprising and often frightening. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;&nbsp;originally ARPA) has a history stretching back to the dawn of the Cold War, is associated with the conflict&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/most-influential-people-of-the-cold-war" target="_blank">most influential figures</a>,&nbsp;and has been on the forefront of arms&nbsp;technology for more than half a century.

The secretive government agency has&nbsp;researched&nbsp;and created&nbsp;technology far beyond anything available to the general public; some of their creations may seem like the stuff of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-conspiracy-theories-you-believe-are-true/desertrat89" target="_blank">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;or science fiction, but they are shockingly real. Along with many new technologies,&nbsp;The Pentagon&#39;s Brain&nbsp;reveals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-pentagon-rules/donn-saylor" target="_blank">a culture of government&nbsp;secrecy</a>, which is&nbsp;both ingenious and dangerous.&nbsp;

All The Secrets Revealed In 'The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA'

'Pentagon's Brain': All The Secrets Revealed

Ryan Sargent

Conspiracies lists at Ranker - The ultimate source for hundreds of conspiracies lists and rankings