Earth events in the month of January
Happy New Year's Day ...Earth Event ... January 1st
Wake up and drink that coffee ...January 1 represents the fresh start of a new year after a period of remembrance of the passing year, including on radio, television and in newspapers, which starts in early December in countries around the world. This day is traditionally a religious feast, but since the 1900s has also become an occasion to celebrate the night of December 31, called New Year's Eve. There are fireworks at midnight at the moment the new year arrives. ...This day is also designated as "National Hang-Overs Day" ...Hangovers are expected !
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/new-years
New Years Celebration ...Day in Japan ...January 1st
New Year's Day, Shōgatsu 正月. January 1. National Holiday. Established in 1948, but prior to then it was an important ceremonial day of imperial worship known as Shihō-hai 四方拝. Today most Japanese businesses are closed from Dec. 29 through Jan. 3. At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells a total of 108 times ( 除夜の鐘 joyanokane ) to symbolize the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief, and to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Japanese citizen. A major attraction is The Watched Night bell, in Tokyo. Japanese believe that the ringing of bells can rid their sins during the previous year. The bell is rung 107 times on 31st and once past midnight. It is also very common to eat buckwheat noodles called toshikoshi soba on the New Year's Eve. https://www.audleytravel.com/us/japan
National Ellis Island Day ...U.S.A. ...January 1st
The Congress, by Public Law 102 - 177, has designated January 1, 1992, as "National Ellis Island Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim January 1, 1992, as National Ellis Island Day. I invite all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth.
Hogmanay Festival ...Scotland ... Dec31-Jan 2nd
There’s no correct way to celebrate Hogmanay, Originally a Viking Solstice celebration, then included Gaelic-pagan Yule traditions and continuing onto the New Year. Many Scots will have a meal with family and/or friends, drink plenty of whiskey to toast the new year, then have a steak pie for dinner the following day. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the one to be at, a massive torch lit parade on 30 December kicks off the celebration, which includes a fireworks display, music performances and a crowd from over 60 different countries. The celebration begins on New Year’s Eve but carries on until 2 January, which is a public holiday in Scotland. Frolicking in the cold river waters has become a more recent tradition.
International Rice Day ...Earth Event ...January 1st
Rice is a major food crop for the people living on planet Earth in general and Asians in particular; nearly 90% of the world's rice is produced and consumed in that region. Rice is a staple food for nearly 2.4 billion people in Asia, and except for Pakistan and some parts of India and China, rice provides 2/3rds of the calories for humans with a rice-based diet. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the World Rice Production 2016/2017 will be 481.5 million metric tons. Rice Production last year was 472.27 million tons. This year's 481.5 estimated million tons could represent an increase of 9.24 million tons or a 1.96% in rice production around the globe. As a major food, we honor RICE this day for feeding our world population.
Science Fiction Day ...Earth Event .... January 2nd
January 2, was the date that was chosen to correspond with the official birth date of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. who is thought to have been born January 2nd, 1920, was is responsible for some incredible works of science fiction literature such as “Nightfall” and the “Foundation Trilogy”. Isaac Asinow, originally a biochemist, was one of the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500 books. Asimov is widely considered a master of hard science fiction, and was a long-time member and vice president of Mensa International.
http://www.upcomingcons.com/science-fiction-conventions
National Buffet Day ...USA ...January 2nd
National Buffet Day is being observed today! It has always been observed annually on January 2nd. There are many wonderful restaurants that offer a food buffet along with their regular advertised menu. More recently, Large grocery stores like Tops Super Markets, Wegman's, and Whole Foods offer a place to sit and stop in for a lunch or dinner. These buffets often become quite large and include hot meals and salad bars with Local, Mediterranean and Asian themes. I t just might be a good day to meet up with a shopping friend and slow down that shopping frenzy with a nice Buffet meal!
Reconquest Day ...SPAIN ...January 2nd
The kingdom of Granada falls to the Christian forces of King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella I, and the Moors lose their last foothold in Spain. Located at the confluence of the Darro and Genil rivers in southern Spain, the city of Granada was a Moorish fortress that rose to prominence during the reign of Sultan Almoravid in the 11th century. In 1238, the Christian Reconquest forced Spanish Muslims south, and the kingdom of Granada was established as the last refuge of the Moorish civilization. Granada flourished culturally and economically for the next 200 years, but in the late 15th century internal feuds and a strengthened Spanish monarchy under Ferdinand and Isabella signaled the end of Moorish civilization in Spain. On January 2, 1492, King Boabdil surrendered Granada to the Spanish forces, and in 1502 the Spanish crown ordered all Muslims forcibly converted to Christianity. The next century saw a number of persecutions, and in 1609 the last Moors still adhering to Islam were expelled from Spain.
Gobind Singh Festivals ...India ...Jan-3 - Jan 5th
Gobind Singh was the tenth of the Sikh Gurus. Following the death of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Gobind Singh became the leader of the Sikhs when he was only nine years old. Famed as a warrior, poet and philosopher. His contributions to Sikhism were many including the tradition of covering one's hair with a turban. He initiated the Khalsa order, the highest order that can reached by Sikhs. Khalsa must abide by four restrictions; Not to disturb the natural growth of the hairs, not to eating meat slaughtered in halal manner, not cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse and not using tobacco or a hookah. Guru Gobind Singh died on 7 October 1708 from wounds inflicted by an assassin. Guru Gobind Singh was the last of the living Sikh Gurus, as while he was on his death bed, he passed the Guruship of the Sikhs to the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred Book of the Sikhs. The Granth Sahib then became the Eleventh and Eternal Sikh Guru.
Harbin, Northern China Ice/Snow festival Jan-March
The Festival, established in 1985, is held annually from around January 5 and lasts for over one month. Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang Province and this is China's original and greatest ice artwork festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of local people and visitors from all over the world. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival provides the visitors each year a whole new world of ice and snow. The 33rd session will be held from January 4, 2017 to March 2017. The best collections of ice artworks were mainly exhibited in the following venues:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/heilongjiang/harbin/ice_snow.htm
Tamaseseri Festival ...Japan ...January 3rd
At exactly 1:00 pm in the afternoon, two blessed balls representing the “yang” and “yin” or masculinity and femininity respectively, are brought to the Tamatori Ebisu Shrine. Young children carry the “yang” ball in the direction of Hakozaki Shrine hand it over to the men waiting halfway. The men then scramble for the ball until they pass under the " Torii Gate ". As they reach for the ball, the participants are splashed with cold water. January is often cold weather making this a somewhat sport of endurance. The Japanese believe that whoever touches the ball will have good luck, spectators struggle to reach the ball also, creating excitement in the crowd.
International Cherry Chocolate Day ...Earth Event ...January 3rd
OK, so that box of cherry chocolates is still sitting under your dried out Christmas tree! ....Time to bag the tree and start to devour those little chocolate cherry morsels ! Known to many as a mid-winter pick-me-up, chocolate covered cherries, sometimes called chocolate cordials, can be either store-bought or homemade. In the 1700s in England, cherries were enclosed in chocolate with a little kirsch ( cordial ) liqueur. After finding their way to America, they were well accepted with the little bit of alcoholic cordial surrounding the fruit that had been dipped in chocolate. You might find, that consuming the entire box at one time to be a horrible sugar over dose .... SO SHARE THEM !
World Hypnotism Day ...Earth Event ...January 4th
Dr. Jack Gibson was an Irish hypnotherapist who died in 2005 and he spent much of his career treating psychosomatic disorders using hypnotherapy. The first World Hypnotism Day happened in 2006 and was dedicated in his honor, and established with the purpose of dispelling the numerous pernicious myths that have come into existence surrounding hypnotism thanks to Hollywood and popular literature. Hypnotism isn’t about ‘mind control’, and there’s no way to make someone do something they wouldn’t normally do, and those are just a couple of misconceptions that World Hypnotism Day seeks to overturn.
International Spaghetti Day ...Food Event ...January 4th
The word spaghetti is plural for the Italian word spaghetto, which is a diminutive of spago, meaning “thin string” or “twine”. American restaurants offered Spaghetti around the end of the 19th century as Spaghetti Italienne (which is believed to have consisted of noodles cooked past al dente and a mild tomato sauce flavored with easily found spices and vegetables such as cloves, bay leaves and garlic). Decades later, oregano and basil were added to many recipes. There are a variety of different pasta dishes that are based on spaghetti from spaghetti ala Carbonara or garlic and oil to spaghetti with tomato sauce, meat sauce, bolognese, Alfredo sauce, clam sauce or other sauces. Spaghetti dishes are traditionally served topped with grated hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, Parmesan and Grana Padano.
National Bird Day ...U.S.A. January 5th
National Bird Day is on January 5 each year, as it's scheduled to coincide with the end of the annual Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count has been going on for more than a decade. It lasts three weeks and is the longest running citizen science survey in the world that helps to monitor the health of our nation’s birds. Birders and the public go out and count as many birds as they can see during the count. The reason National Bird Day falls on January 5 is that, for three weeks, the country is focused on native birds and wild populations. Once that period ends, we begin to focus on captive birds ( who mainly consist of bird species that are native to other countries, but who are kept in captivity in the U.S. ). January 5 is the new beginning for captive birds!
BEAN DAY ...Earth Event ...January 6th
The day commemorates the death of the geneticist Gregor Mendel, whose experiments with breeding pea plants formed the basis of modern plant genetics. it also appears, that Paula Bowen is the creator of Bean Day. Her main reason for promoting " BEAN DAY " was that her father, and other bean farmers, are not often celebrated for their hard work. Beans come in a variety of forms, large white beans, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, Soy beans, chick peas, lentils and so many more. People often use beans in soups ans serve them baked, boiled and fried. More and more people are celebrating this holiday each year because so many people love beans. As the popularity of this holiday gains strength, we find that bean lovers turn this day into a party day by gathering together; sharing party food and drinks- and enjoying in the fun of beans.
National Tempura Day ...JAPAN ... January 7th
Tempura is a tasty deep fried Japanese dish made with lightly battered vegetables and seafood. The original cooking technique is attributed to the Portuguese, who discovered Japan in the 16th century establishing new trade routes. The word “tempura” is also related to the European roots of the dish. It comes from the Latin phrase “quattuor tempora” which means “Ember Days.” This term refers to Holy days when Catholics eat fish or vegetables instead of red meat. Tempura batter is made with cold water and wheat flour. Some recipes also call for eggs, baking soda, oil, or spices for extra flavoring. A traditional tempura will usually include shrimp, scallops, eggplant, green beans, sweet potato, mushrooms, or bamboo.
International Elvis Presley Day ...January 8th
Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love and Vernon Elvis Presley. Presley never received any formal music training or learned to read music, he studied and played by ear. He also frequented record stores with jukeboxes and listening booths. He knew all of Hank Snow's songs and he loved records by other country singers such as Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, Ted Daffan, Jimmie Rodgers, Jimmie Davis, and Bob Wills. On January 10, 1956, Presley made his first recordings for RCA in Nashville. Of Presley's films in the 1960s, 15 were accompanied by soundtrack albums and another 5 by soundtrack EPs. The films' rapid production and release schedules that he frequently starred in, affected most of his music. President Jimmy Carter issued a statement that credited Presley with having "permanently changed the face of American popular culture". Thousands of people gathered outside Graceland to view the open casket in that August of 1977.
National Bubble Bath Day ...U.S.A. ...January 8th
YES, nothing better than a nice hot bubble bath ! especially when the weather outside is not so great. Bubble bath soaps designed for adults often contain a tantalizing blend of herbal essences, oils and natural fragrances. Combined with the stress-reducing heat of the bath water, these bubble bath soaps can reinvigorate the skin and provide a form of aromatherapy. Your favorite herbs might include ...eucalyptus, linden flowers, marjoram, peppermint, thyme. Cleansing: lavender, lemon balm, lovage, mint, rose. Fragrance: acacia, bay, cinnamon, cloves, geranium leaves, jasmine, lavender, lemon balm, lemon peel, myrtle, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, verbena.
http://mamarosemary.com/blog/2013/12/4/bath-magic-an-instructive-for-5-diy-herbal-baths
International Cassoulet DAy Earth Food .... January 9th
While January 9th officially marks International Cassoulet Day ( created by Benoit bistro in NYC ), we have great news for those who can't get enough of this meal worth celebrating. This year, over 30 of the top restaurants around the country will be honoring the dish. All. Week. That's right, from January 9-15 you'll find unique takes on Cassoulet from Miami to San Francisco, Denver to Manhattan, and in a range of eateries, from steakhouses to farm-to-table setups to vegan restaurants and more. Ingredients might include Pork, Duck, Sausage, White Italian beans, tomato, Onion, Garlic, Various herbs to taste, beef stock, and Salt & Pepper.
NATIONAL APRICOT DAY ...U.S.A. January 9th
Apricots are found the world over but originated in northeastern China near the Russian border in ancient times. Later, the fruit was introduced to Europe and Armenia. The apricot found its way to North America when English colonists settled in Virginia. Apricots traveled further west when Spanish explorers and missionaries brought them on expeditions. This migration caused apricots to be grown commercially today.
National Cluttered desk day ...U.S.A. ...January 9th
So you still have Halloween candy in the drawers, and a few Christmas bows and that interesting card from someone down the Hallway. Maybe it's time to clear that desk, time to rid that space of those things not needed, to old to use or just decaying from ancient office party! This day is an opportunity to begin your new year with a clean and organized work-space. Whether your desk is in a private or shared office, cubicle, home or a make-shift desk on the counter, having your work-space uncluttered, organized, refreshed and clean will help you work more efficiently and give you a sense of serenity. .... Maybe a nice house plant near that busy telephone.
Holy Ship Festival ...U.S.A. Cruise ...January 10th-14th
Holy Ship! had its maiden voyage in 2012. That year, and in 2013, the party raged aboard the 2,800-passenger MSC Poesia. In 2014, the fest got a bigger vessel: the 4,000-passenger MSC Divina. In 2015, Holy Ship! doubled the fun by adding a second cruise, so now the music plays in both January and February. Parties within a party! Holy Ship! works with labels and other taste-makers to curate some of the finest gatherings on international waters. Finally hitting OG status? ...On your fourth sailing, you'll be able to attend the OG party and receive the highly coveted Holy Ship! robe. Complete on-board party information for both 8.0 and 9.0 will be coming soon, including hosts, venues, and other details. ... http://www.holyship.com/
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE PLANT DAY ( World-wide ) Jan 10th
Today is the day to get back to tending to, and loving your houseplants. And, it's also a day to appreciate just how special and important they are. They are therapeutic, lifting your mood and outlook. They add warmth and a calming effect. If you are a gardener , they give you an opportunity to play in the dirt, until spring arrives in the far, distant future. Growing houseplants is pretty easy. They need a little sunlight, water, occasional nutrients, and a little love .... Growing a Tea Plant next to a well lit window will give you great cup of tea, but also the gratification of HOME PLANT CARE.http://www.gardenersnet.com/hplants/
Peculiar Peoples DAY ( All Earthlings ) January 10th
Peculiar Peoples Day is in honor of uniquely different people. Un-ordinary, extraordinary, unusual, strange, odd, uncommon, intriguing, different, abnormal, and quirky.... These are all things that we think of to describe the word "peculiar". Most of these characteristics can be viewed as good, or not so good. Today is a day to look for the good in your peculiar acquaintances. Celebrate this day by eating something different, some new restaurant in some weird place on this planet. Earthfolk come in all sizes, colors, shapes, and other configurations, WE are the future of Planet Earth .....everyone of us !
National Take the Stairs Day ...U.S.A. ...2nd Wed. January
The primary goal of this special day, is to encourage you and me to improve our health, by leaving the elevator behind, and walking up the stairs.Walking up and down stairs, instead of using of the elevator or escalator, is a non-impact activity that most of us can do. It helps us tone our muscles, maintain or even lose weight, and contribute to cardio-vascular health. Climbing just eight flights of stairs a day lowers average early mortality risk by 33%. Seven minutes stair climbing a day can halve the risk of heart attack over 10 years. Just two minutes extra stair climbing a day is enough to stop average middle age weight gain
The Full Moon Party Thailand ...Every full Moon
Haad Rin is home to the Full Moon Party and also houses about 3-5000 rather mad people; it is the island’s nightlife capital and has Koh Phangan’s biggest concentration of beach clubs that collectively put on the ultimate travelers get together. Within this ( very transient crowd ) of party animals some highly talented DJ’s pass through, banging out their wares to the raging lunar explorers that have landed on planet party.... ITS A PARTY GONE WILD! ( EVERY FULL MOON ) So if you're a party animal ...this is your place to be. This year in 2017, the January full moon appears on the 12th !
National Chicken Curry Day U.S.A. ...January 12th
Curried chicken typically consists of chicken stewed in an onion and tomato based sauce which is then flavored with ginger, garlic, chilies and a variety of spices, often including turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and more. Somtimes Okra, sweet peppers or potatoes might be added to the sauce. In some areas, the spices are omitted and replaced with a pre-made mixture known as curry powder. Curry powder often comes as Mild, Medium of hot, depending on the content of the chilies and pepper. Chicken Curry is often laid atop a bed of Basmati Rice. A bread ( Naan ) is served with most curry dishes.
Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day ...Earth Event
...January 12th
Just what some ladies might need on a cold winters January eve. Maybe a guy from the local jungle or from outer-space or maybe that local health spa your good girl-friends were talking about ...." Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day " is when anyone can feast their gaze upon the fabulous wild men sauntering around their place of work ( or play ). So, what makes a Fabulous Wild Man? I hear you ask, ...well I guess its subjective, but loincloths and a bare chest and a few muscles are usually a good indicator. Enjoy that man, that guy of your most adventurous dreams.
Public Broadcasting Day ...U.S.A. January 13th
The first public radio broadcast in history took place on January 13, 1910, when a live opera featuring some of the most renowned opera singers of the day was broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House. This first-ever broadcast was several hours long and consisted of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, two very popular opera at the time, performed by such opera stars as Emmy Destin, Riccardo Martin and Enrico Caruso. Spend some time learning about your local station history. Though NPR and PBS started in the 1970s, it’s likely your local station’s history stretch even further back. Oregon Public Broadcasting’s roots go back to 1922.
Organize your Home Day U.S.A. ...January 14th
Sometimes the furniture placement has just hit its limit, and of course, you already cleaned up that desk on January 9th ...remember !!!! However, puting those files in order—from “automobile” to “health” to “taxes,” etc.—and label them is a never ending story. IT'S ALMOST TAX TIME ...If those files are not from the past year and immediately needed, you can box them up ( neatly! ) and store them . This creates more space and will allow you to use a small file folder or file box rather than an entire cabinet, if you like. If you have a lot of art supplies all over the place, buy a few cheap pencil boxes and label them all as well—crayons, markers, glue sticks, etc. Then stack them neatly in a hall closet or cubby-area where they are easily accessible.
HOT-PASTRAMI SANDWICH DAY U.S.A. January 14th
New York kosher butcher, Sussman Volk is generally credited with producing the first pastrami sandwich in 1887, claiming to have gotten the recipe from a Romanian friend in exchange for storage of his luggage. Due to the popularity of his sandwich, Volk converted his butcher shop into a restaurant to sell pastrami sandwiches. Rye bread is very often used, a pickle on the side is required !
http://www.food.com/recipe/hot-pastrami-sandwich-286157
World Religions Day Earth Event ...3rd Sunday in January
The third Sunday in January is annually celebrated as World Religion Day. It was established by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States in 1950 as a way to encourage interfaith understanding. Religions around the world, including Christianity, are celebrated on the third Sunday in January including faiths such as Christianity ( 31.5% ), Islam ( 22.3% ) Non-secular ( 15.3% ) and Hinduism (13.9%) Buddhism ( 5.2 % ), they are most commonly practiced religions in the world. Attend an interfaith conference near you. Many places of worship and government authorities host conferences about interfaith dialogue and understanding. See what your local area has planned for the day and go interact with other open-minded individuals.
D0sojin Matsuri January 15th ( Japan )
Dōsojin Matsuri 道祖神祭り Japan's popular Fire Festivals, held around January 15 each year, are known as Dōsojin festivals. Shrine decorations, talismans, and other shrine ornaments used during the local New-Year holiday are gathered together and burned in bonfires. They are typically pilled onto bamboo, tree branches, and straw, and set on fire to wish for good health and a rich harvest in the coming year. The Dosojin Fire Festival is one of the strangest public entertainments ever seen. As with many traditions, it is based in superstition. The ages of 25 and 42 men are considered yakudoshi (unlucky) for men, so of course all the 25 and 42-year-old males in the village construct a huge wooden shrine in the center of the village; resembling an airport control tower made of thousands of sticks. These men also get very drunk on sake, which helps with the sometimes dangerous fire lighting process later in the evening.
http://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-fire-festival/
International ( winter ) Hat Day January 15th
It appears that there are several " HAT DAYS " celebrated through out the year, this one is specific to northern hemisphere countries in Asia, Europe and the America's. Hats come in all sizes and forms, some are utilitarian while others make a statement. Wear your HAT with pride and keep those ears warm!
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nationalhatday
http://www.villagehatshop.com/cold-weather.html
https://www.creationnepal.com/categories.php?cat_id=178
Martin Luther King Jr. Day ...U.S.A. 3rd Monday in January
This is a National Holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, He lived to become one of Americas greatest Social Activists the world has ever known. At age 35, he became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. In 1965, he helped to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches, and the following year he and SCLC took the movement north to Chicago to work on segregated housing. In the final years of his life, King expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty and the Vietnam War, alienating many of his liberal allies with a 1967 speech titled "Beyond Vietnam".Martin was assassinated on April 4, 1968 while making a speech from the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee. His birthday became a National Holiday by an act of Congress in 1983. Many consider it a day to serve your community.
Appreciate A Dragon Day ...Earth Event ...January 16th
All of us, young and not so young, can appreciate a few dragons. There are many good and bad dragons in legends, ancient folk lore, in children's books, in songs, and movies. According to Donita K. Paul, the creator of this special day, you are encouraged to learn and explore the cultural and historic significance of dragons. This day is also intended to celebrate literacy and reading. So, reach for a book about dragons, and read it today! There are many ways to celebrate this day, like drawing pictures of dragons, have a dragon puppet show or visit your local Library where you will most likely find books with dragons.
Hot Heads Chile Day Earth Event January 17th
So you like your spicy, peppery food even more spicier and peppered, you want that hot-tamale chili pepper to be even hotter ! ...Well, today is your day to breath like a fire dragon, today is Internationally recognized as the official " Hot Heads Chile Day " as on every January the 17th. So bring on those little bottles of chili sauce, add as much as you want to those burritos, enchiladas, and of course that big bowl of home made Chile. Today might be a great day to celebrate with friends with a Chile making recipe contest or a Texas-style hot pepper chow-down event. No matter what ends up in your tummy, it just might be the best warming up event for you northerners who are dealing with that cold winter weather.
Ben Franklin Day ...U.S.A. ...January 17th
Benjamin Franklin ( January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790 ) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman and diplomat. As a scientist he was a major figure in the Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and a musical instrument. He formed both the first public lending library in America and first fire department in Pennsylvania.
National Gourmet Coffee Day ...U.S.A. January 18th
WAKE UP .....to the wonderful smell of hot brewed gourmet coffee ! ...YES it is January 19th and Planet Earth has provided us all with those little brown beans grown in the tropical mountain areas. Nothing better than fresh ground Coffee first thing in the morning. The coffee plant, which was discovered in Ethiopia in the 11th Century, has a white blossom that smells like jasmine and a red, cherry-like fruit. Back then, the leaves of the so-called "magical fruit" were boiled in water and the resulting concoction was thought to have medicinal properties. .... https://www.coffeeam.com/
Fiestas de la Calle Sebastian Puerto Rico
January 19th - 22nd
The annual Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a cultural celebration, parade and block party all in one. The four-day extravaganza features a parade that’s been called the Puerto Rican version of Mardi Gras as well as four stages of contemporary and traditional musical performances, over 350 artisans and crafters displaying their unique works, island fare and libations, DJ sets and dancing. Saint Sebastián was a Christian who was martyred for his faith. There is a street on the north side of Old San Juan named in his honor. The original "festival" ( in the 1950′s ) was organized by a priest at the San Jose Church, which is located on San Sebastián Street, to celebrate the feast day of San Sabastián.
National Pop-Corn Day USA January 19th
National Pop-Corn day is a day to celebrate healthy snack food ( until you load it with salt and butter ), and addicting popcorn. National Popcorn Day is in January, yet National Popcorn Month is October. According to tradition, it is celebrated on January 19th each year. There is some suggestion that Popcorn Day may, at one point, have been tied to the American Superbowl.
A LITTLE SECRET ... just use a little brown paper lunch bag, cover the bottom with pop-corn seeds, fold the top loosely, cook for a bit more than 2 minutes in your micro-wave. place in a large bowl and add the butter & salt !
Take a walk outdoors Day ...Earth Event ...January 20th
OK, so it's cold outside, or its raining a little bit, ...Well, put on that snow suit or grab that big-old umbrella. Walking is one of the most gratifying things a human being can do, and walking through a natural landscape is just what the doctor ordered. Let that stress go, sing a song, fall into an old memory from your childhood. Maybe this morning you woke up with stress, a bad headache or your worse, your family claims you to be a regular couch potato. It is a new year and time to refocus. Two of the most common resolutions made at this time of the year are around fitness and spending more time with loved ones. ....SO , GO FOR A HIKE, and bring a friend or two !
National Squirrel Day U.S.A. January 21st
A GREAT DAY TO PHOTOGRAPH A SQUIRREL !
Squirrel Appreciation Day was started back in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitater Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina, who is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Nature Center. She picked mid-winter for the holiday because food is scarce for our furry and fluffy-tailed squirrel. Squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, a family that includes small or medium-size rodents. The squirrel family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots ( including woodchucks ), flying squirrels, and prairie dogs amongst other rodents.
National Hugging Day ...U.S.A. ...January 21st
What a warm hearted day it could be, a real opportunity to give and to receive a big hug, how often do you receive a hug ? ...a just because hug! Hugs are always caring, they are therapeutic. A big hug makes you feel good inside. Giving a hug is a way to say everything is just fine and that things will work out ! Receiving that big hug, just might prove that you're loved and cared about. Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones. You'll love the warm feeling you get. " National Hugging Day " was created in 1986 by the Rev. Kevin Zaborney from Caro, Michigan. ...JUST LOVE THOSE HUGS !
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days U.S.A. January 21st & 22nd
Currently Eagle viewing in areas of North America are dictated by the weather. With heavy snow cover and cold temperatures the birds will move inland to small streams with open water to feed for fish. Or they will watch for a farmer that is spreading agricultural carrion on snow covered fields. A good place to start searching and watching for a Bald Eagle is in your local State Park. Get in touch with your local bird watchers organization, Audubon Society or community Zoo. And yes, your local ZOO might just have a pair of rescued Bald eagles for you to go and see, ...and remember, this wonderful raptor is also our National bird and is often displayed as an emblem for many documents, certificates and currency.
Umbrella Festival Thailand 3rd weekend in January
Only about six kilometers from Mueang Chiang Mai, the Handmade Umbrella & Handicrafts Festival is held on the third weekend of every January. This annual umbrella festival is a celebration of an over 100 year tradition of umbrella making from ( http://bo-sang-village ). Supposedly, a monk who was traveling in Myanmar was taught a unique technique of using ( Saa paper ) for making umbrellas. Saa paper has unique properties that are perfect for making umbrellas. The paper is lightweight, durable and due to its grain structure, it is very water-proof. The legendary monk brought this technique to the crafts-persons in " Bo Sang " who were already known for the quality of their work, so once they got hold of this new technique, they created their Saa paper umbrellas into a uniquely Thai tradition.
Up Helly Aa Day Lerwick Shetland Last Tuesday, January
It takes place ( January 31st, 2017 ) in Lerwick, Shetland, ( Scotland ) on the last Tuesday in January every year. Up Helly Aa day involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley. This is followed by hours of performing acts and dancing in halls throughout Lerwick. There is a main guizer who is dubbed the "Jarl". There is a committee which a person must be part of for 15 years before one can be a jarl, and only one person is elected to this committee each year. The procession culminates in the torches being thrown into a replica Viking long-ship or galley.
http://www.uphellyaa.org/about-up-helly-aa/history
http://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/shetland/see-do/
National Pie Day U.S.A. January 23rd
National Pie Day was created by the American Pie Council. This American Pie Celebration had its birth in 1986 to commemorate ( Crisco’s ) 75th anniversary of “serving foods to families everywhere”. National Pie Day, is not a national holiday but, was created to celebrate the pie. It could be an all-day event for baking your favorite pies. Even more importantly, it is a day to enjoy eating your favorite pie! ...Historically speaking, humans first made pies around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age.
http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pie-day-january-23/
SEOLLAL Lunar Holiday ...North & South Korea ...January-Full Moon
Seollal ( Lunar New Year’s Day; first day of the lunar calendar ) is one of the most celebrated national holidays in Korea. While many observe Sinjeong ( Solar New Year; January 1 of the Gregorian/Western calendar ), Koreans also celebrate Seollal, which usually lasts for three days ( the day of, the day before, and the day after ). More than just a holiday to mark the beginning of a new year, Seollal is truly a special occasion for Korean people. Not only is it a time for paying respect to ancestors, but it is also an opportunity to catch up with family members. During Seollal, Koreans usually perform ancestral rites, play folk games, eat traditional foods, listen to stories and talk well into the night. Read on to discover how Koreans celebrate Seollal.
Unification Day ...Romania ...January 24th
On January 24, 1862, Moldavia and Wallachia formally united to create the United Principalities. Along with Transylvania, these principalities were seen as crucial in the foundation of modern Romania. A new constitution came into effect in 1866, with the country being officially named Romania. After much discussion over the years, the Romanian government announced in 2014 that Unification Day would be a National public holiday from 2015 on-wards, this was voted upon and approved in April of 2016. To celebrate, one might attend a city parade or local ceremony. Celebrating with your family, you might welcome the smell of nice warm pork-stuffed cabbage on the dinner table. .... http://www.food.com/recipe/romanian-sarmale-cabbage-rolls-265777
Brewski in a Can Day ...U.S.A. ...January 24th
Canned beer makes its debut on this day January 24th in 1935. In partnership with the American Can Company, the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company delivered 2,000 cans of Krueger’s Finest Beer and Krueger’s Cream Ale to their thirsty Krueger drinkers in Richmond, Virginia. 91% of the drinkers approved of the canned beer. It was a bright green light to Krueger for further production. Today, canned beer accounts for almost half of the $20 billion U.S. beer industry. Recently, there has also been a renewed interest in canning from micro-brewers and those high-end beer-sellers, They are realizing that the metal can guarantees purity and taste by preventing light damage and oxidation.
Saint Tatiana OR Students Day ...Ukraine & Russia
January 25th
Saint Tatiana Day, is observed across Ukraine on January 25 each year. It is also known as Students’ Day. The Students’ Day concept originated from when Russian empress Elizabeth Petrovna signed a decree establishing Moscow State University on January 25, 1755. This event coincided with St Tatiana’s day. A church dedicated to the saint was later built at the university. The holiday has expanded beyond Moscow State University and is celebrated in many places that were part of the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine. Many people also celebrate Students’ Day on November 17, as it marks the day when the World Congress of Students established International Students’ Day in 1946. Many students and churches in Ukraine celebrate Tatiana Day. Some clubs and groups at universities and other educational institutions hold events such as balls, dinners, and coffee mornings.
Burns Day Scottish Earth Event ...January 25th
The tradition started a few years after the poet's death in 1796, when his friends commemorated his career on the date of his death (July 21) each year. So began the Burns Supper, and more than two centuries later it is has become a nationwide event ( on his birth date, January 25th ) with recitals of the poet's works and a haggis dinner. After his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. In 2009 he was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by Scottish television channel STV, narrowly beating William 'Braveheart' Wallace. ...
Spouses Day ( International ) January 26th
Spouse's Day is a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half. The other person who made a commitment to share your life. Maybe you can use this day as a prelude or warm up to Saint Valentine's Day. But, today is not as much of a gift giving event, rather it is a day to just say I love you or confirm to him or her that a best-friend is also your spouse. Use this day as a time to show your spouse that you care and appreciate all of the things that he/she does for you and for the household that you live in.
Note: Military Spouses Day is on the Friday before " Mother's Day ".
Australia Day ...Australia ...January 26
( Australia Day ) is officially a government Day in Australia's summery month of January. Celebrated annually on the 26th, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip. On Australia Day, over half of the nation’s population of 21 million attend either an organized community event, or get-together with family and friends. Yet ( Australia Day ) is much more than just barbecues and fireworks. It is more than another public holiday and is the pride and excitement of new citizens who call themselves Australian. Australia offers citizenship to a wide variety of immigrants from all over the planet. For many, January 26th becomes the first time to celebrate this National Holiday as a conferred citizen.
http://www.australia.com/en-us
ww.filmsforaction.org/articles/australias-day-for-secrets-flags-and-cowards
Republic Day in INDIA January 26th
India became independent of the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947. India did not have a permanent constitution at this time. The drafting committee presented the constitution's first draft to the national assembly on November 4, 1947. The national assembly signed the final English and Hindi language versions of the constitution on January 24, 1950.
India's constitution came into effect on Republic Day, January 26, 1950. This date was chosen as it was the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day, which was held on January 26, 1930.
International Chocolate Cake Day January 27th
The history of chocolate cake goes back to 1764, when Dr. James Baker discovered how to make chocolate by grinding cocoa beans between two massive circular millstones. A popular Philadelphia cookbook author, Eliza Leslie, published the earliest chocolate cake recipe in 1847 in The Lady’s Receipt Book.
Today is also the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. If you want to celebrate both occasions at once, perhaps you could find time turn on the radio and listen to some of his music probably being played somewhere today, and have a slice of German (okay, so he was Austrian: Germanic) Chocolate Cake while listening to it.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/chocolate-cake-recipes.html
National Kazoo Day U.S.A. January 28th
Commercial production of the Kazoo didn't occur until many years later in 1912. Manufacturing was first started by Emil Sorg in Western New York. Sorg joined up with Michael McIntyre, a Buffalo tool and die maker. Production moved to Eden, NY where the factory museum remains today.Kazoos are easy to play. Simply hum a tune into the kazoo, and you're an expert.Kazoos can be played solo, or in groups. It plays a great tune both ways.
http://www.kazoos.com/historye.htm
Jose Marti Memorial Day ...CUBA ...January 28th
Thousands of Cubans will celebrate this memorial day for one of Cuba's most famous revolutionary. José Martí was a Cuban poet and an intellectual during the late 19th century, and is considered the father of Cuban revolution. He was an outspoken advocate for Cuban independence from Spain. The celebration of Martí’s birthday dates back to 1909, when Cuba’s old Liberal Party established the holiday. He is Cuba’s unofficial national poet. This is a military holiday in Cuba. The Cuban Communist Youth Organization helps orchestrate the celebrations. You can read poems from Martí’s work Versos Sencillos, or “Simple Verses,” to prepare for the holiday. https://allpoetry.com/Jose-Marti
The TET Festival ..... Vietnam & U.S.A. ...January 27th-29th
Tet is the most observed holiday within Vietnamese culture both in Vietnam, America and elswhere. It celebrates the Lunar New Year, the beginning of Spring, and a way to start fresh. The Tet Festival of Southern California ( Hoi Tet Sinh Vien ) is recognized as the world's largest Vietnamese New Year Festival. The festival attracts of over 100,000 guests annually and caters hundreds of booths in a span of a three-day weekend event. Visitors are immersed in a vibrant array of traditional foods, live entertainment, cultural displays, festive games, and spectacular firecrackers show celebrating the new year. Located in the heart of Orange County and a short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, the Tet Festival is the best way to spend the Vietnamese New Year holiday weekend in Southern California.
National Blueberry Pancake Day ...U.S.A. January 28th
Today, on January 28th, we celebrate ( National Blueberry Pancake Day ) Whether your pancake batter is a home made recipe or something premixed from the supermarket, adding those delicious little blueberries will create a scrumptous breakfast delight. You may decide to come back for seconds. One day of every year ( TODAY ) you can celebrate the sacred " blueberry pancake " and give it the love and respect it deserves. Many of your local diners and restaurants may participate in this food holiday, serving up a special, and of course, extra big stacks of pancakes oozing with delicious blueberries all day long. Side that stack ofcakes with bacon and sausages and maybe some spicy hash-browns.
Chinese New Year ( CHINA ) January-February
Chinese New Year is an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the luni-solar Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival, the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally run from the eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month, making it one of the longest celebrated festivals. The first day of the New Year falls on some day between 21 January and 20 February.
New Year/chinese-zodiac-years-of-2016-to-2027 http://circle-of-light.com/lunar.html http://foreverconscious.com/chinese-astrology-2016-year-of-the-fire-monkey
Martyr's Day Nepal /Kathmandu India January 29th
Martyr's Day in Nepal is the day Sukra Raj Shatri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dhasrath Chand are honored for sacrificing their lives for the rights of Nepali people. It seems people may have forgotten the great price these men paid for the freedoms they now enjoy. Martyr’s Day has become " political holiday", honored as a token gesture. This holiday, being so political in nature is celebrated quietly, visitors barely stay long enough to salute the statue in Shaheed Memorial Park.
World Leprosy Day ...Earth Event ...Last Sunday in January
World Leprosy Day is annually observed around the world on the last Sunday of January. The day was initiated in 1954 by French philanthropist and writer, Raoul Follereau, as a way to raise global awareness of this deadly ancient disease and call attention to the fact that it can be prevented, treated and cured. The date for World Leprosy Day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Indian freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948. During his lifetime, Mahatma Gandhi worked tirelessly towards the betterment of people afflicted with leprosy. The aim of World Leprosy Day is to change this attitude and increase public awareness of the fact that leprosy can now be easily prevented and cured.
International Curmudgeons Day ...Earth Event
...January 29th
International Curmudgeons Day is held on January 29 in honor of legendary comedian W. C. Fields. " Celebrate Curmudgeons Day" by being or acting like a curmudgeon or maybe watching a few good curmudgeons – Oscar the Grouch, Grumpy the Dwarf, John and Max from Grumpy Old Men. Curmudgeon Day is a good day to allow that very cranky person in ourselves, to have a better day out in the sunshine. Today is also a day to celebrate those cranky folks in our lives and just appreciate that their crankyness is just a mild condition of something worse. Here are a few words describing a " CURMUDGEON " ... grouchy, cranky, whiny, crusty, ornery, crabby, cross, fractious, irritable, vinegary, testy, peevish, surly. It could be a good day to offer a curmudgeon something that he or she has wanting for a long time.
International Croissant Day January 30th
In the United States, National Croissant Day is observed each year on January 30th. Croissants are a buttery, crescent-shaped rolls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The key to a perfect croissant is laminating the dough. Laminating the dough is a process by which butter is folded into the dough creating multiple thin layers of butter and dough. The result is a mouth-watering flaky crust and airy body.
https://www.google.com/search?q=croissant+day&biw
Inspire your heart with art day ( International )
January 31st
Always observed on January 31st, " Inspire Your Heart With Art Day " is a day to ponder how art effects your heart. Art is valued and appreciated for all sorts of reasons. Of the broad spectrum of art created in the world, the pieces that move us to tears or cause us to burst out in joyous laughter remain with us for a life time. Whether we are touched through music or see into an artist soul through their work, art has the power to change us, to inspire our hearts. Art comes in several forms, Visual, Theatrical, Musical, Craft, Film, Dance, Etc Etc. Appreciating the Arts through a history books can open your eyes to cultural events everywhere.
Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day ...USA
...January 31st
Today is " Appreciate Your SS Check Day " Finally that day comes when you have your retirement party and look forward those to healthy years as a senior citizen. Thanks to your career contributions to the National Social Security program, paying the bills in your golden years will be a little bit easier. But, don't get mad when you turn 65 and you receive that notice in the mail, that reminds you that a sizable Medicare deduction will come out of your SS check and another notice that the Federal government has decided to give you a " coffee allowance " rather than a " living allowance " adjustment.
http://khqa.com/news/nation-world/reality-check-did-social-security-really-increase-benefits