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Post by pennmom on Feb 24, 2022 17:35:34 GMT
![]() Dragobete – February 24, 2022~Romania
Dragobete, a traditional Romanian observance, is celebrated on 24 February each year, 10 days after Valentine’s Day, and is a day dedicated to love and nature. With the month of February marking the onset of spring, all of nature itself seems to be in celebration, as birds begin to mate and build their nests during this time. For that reason, this day is also known as the day when ‘birds are betrothed’, and, in turn, this promising sign inspires Romanian youth to pursue their own future ‘mates’. Why the name Dragobete though? Legend has it that he was the son of Baba Dochia, the goddess who ushered in spring, and because of his unending kindness, he was blessed by the Virgin Mary, to be the guardian of love.
HISTORY OF DRAGOBETE
Dragobete Day has probable roots in Dacian and Roman traditions. In ancient Rome, the Lupercalia festival was held on February 15 each year, with recorded evidence tracing back as early as 600 B.C. This was a celebration of the Roman god of fertility, Lupercus. It was a rather violent and chaotic festival, where tradition required young unmarried girls to write love notes and put them in a giant urn. Each girl would then be wooed by the man who randomly picked her note.
During 201 A.D. to 300 A.D., it is also believed that a man named Valentine was executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II, for secretly marrying Christian couples. This is the origin of Valentine’s Day, when the Catholic Church declared him a saint and commemorated his death on February 14. Therefore, Dragobete is often seen as a counterpart of the more modern celebration of Valentine’s. However, the Dragobete of legend was the patron saint of love, birds, and spring, unlike the Greek and Roman gods Eros and Cupid. He did not directly intervene in human affairs either, choosing instead to just remind people to keep celebrating love.
In Romanian custom, observing Dragobete is essential to protect one from illness the rest of the year as well. Traditionally, it is celebrated by the youth of the villages going into the woods and picking flowers like snowdrops and strawberry flowers. At lunchtime, girls would return to the village running, a custom named ‘zburătorit’, while being ‘chased’ by a boy. If the boy was fast enough to reach the girl and if she liked him, she would kiss him in plain sight. Hence the expression “Dragobetele saruta fetele” (Dragobete kisses the girls). This kiss signifies a potential engagement of the couple for a year. In a way, it’s also a public declaration of affection, wherein the whole community gets to know who is special to who. |
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:45:58 GMT
Carnival of Brazil – February 25, 2022~Brazil
Brazilian Carnival is celebrated on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and the upcoming date falls on February 25. The carnival is marked by colorful costumes, samba music and dance, grand parades, and food festivals. It is the perfect opportunity to engage in overindulgence before starting the period of Lent. The Carnival depicts different cultures, primarily Portuguese and African. A lot of tourists from all around the globe are eager to experience the world’s biggest carnival. Brazilian Carnival fills the atmosphere of Brazil with joy, enthusiasm, and amusement.
HISTORY OF CARNIVAL OF BRAZIL
Brazilian Carnival is a perfect blend of various cultures. The word ‘carnival’ comes from the Latin words ‘carn’ for ‘flesh’ and ‘levare’ for ‘put away.’ The first-ever pre-Lent carnival was held in Italy. Carnival signals the start of the Christian 40 day period of abstinence, commonly called Lent. The observance of these carnivals spread to France, Spain, and other European countries. It further spread to America from where it reached Brazil. Brazilians added the parade and samba music to it and turned it into a wild party with lots of extravagant floats.
The first-ever Brazilian Carnival dates back to 1641 when Portuguese immigrants threw water at each other to celebrate Dom João IV’s coronation as the king of Portugal. The influence of African culture can be seen greatly in the Brazilian Carnival. During Portuguese rule, African slavery affected the celebrations of the Carnival. In fact, all the traditional costumes that can be seen during the Carnival are inspired by African slaves.
The Carnival is characterized by a special dance and music known as samba. The Angolan slaves shared their love for samba and from then on it became an integral part of the Carnival. The popularity of samba reached its peak in the 1920s when samba schools were established in Brazil and, in 1932, the first-ever samba school parade took place. Now, the Sambadrome is the main attraction of the Carnival, where 13 top samba schools perform. It is a large avenue that can host almost 90,000 people. Brazilian Carnival is the largest carnival in the world with jaw-dropping performances.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:47:55 GMT
National Day Kuwait – February 25, 2022~Kuwait
The National Day in Kuwait is celebrated on February 25 every year. The first celebrations were held in 1963. People in Kuwait celebrate this day by going to different places, watching fireworks at night, hanging out with friends, and more. People decorate their houses with colorful lights, flags, and even candles are lit at dinner time. The historical places like Kuwait National Museum, Al Bahhar Entertainment Historical Village, Mirror House, and Kuwait Towers are decorated with light. Flags are hoisted in buildings and displayed in public spaces. The streets are alive to the early hours of the next morning each year. National Day is a public holiday in Kuwait.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DAY KUWAIT
In the early 17th century, Kuwait was established as a small fishing village with a tiny population. By the end of the 18th century, Kuwait began to flourish, and it became a major trading and boat building site. In 1756, the Al-Sabah  assumed power to rule Kuwait. Kuwait became independent in 1961 and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah from the Al-Sabah became emperor — this event is celebrated as National Day in Kuwait. The British protected the country against the invasion by the Turks in the same year.
The Emir of Kuwait is working very hard to make the country a major economic port and a thriving democracy. He has approved the development plans that will be built to promote Kuwait as a global financial and commercial center. These projects are supposed to bring investment and income resources for the citizens. Along with this, the Emir is working tirelessly to build the nation’s unity and solidarity among the people. Thus far, Kuwait has emerged as a fair, just, and tolerant nation. From the day of its independence, Kuwait has made great progress and achieved prosperity.
Normally, most countries celebrate their national day on the same date they gained independence. For Kuwait, it would mean that National Day is celebrated on June 19, marking the date of independence in 1961. However, the first National Day holiday actually took place on this date in 1962. The holiday was moved to February due to the extreme heat in June, and since 1963, the National Day has been celebrated on February 25 to mark the date that sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah came to power in 1950.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:49:53 GMT
Yukon Heritage Day – February 25, 2022~Canada
Yukon Heritage Day brings the history and culture of the smallest of Canada’s three territories to the forefront of public attention, on the Friday before the last Sunday in February. Schools and Yukon government offices close, while business owners have the option of giving employees time off.
The day is designed to coincide with The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, a festival in Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse. The event specifically revolves around the Yukon Gold Rush period of the 1890’s, featuring a “Queen” contest, sled dog races, air shows, and snow sculpture contests. Sounds like a chilly but fun time!
HISTORY OF YUKON HERITAGE DAY
Back in 1975, the Canadian government enacted one of their Collective Agreements — complicated government edicts around union behaviors and other labor rules — which included making Yukon Heritage Day a territorial holiday during which public institutions would close. So of course, in February 1976, the holiday saw its first celebration. Other than time off work and school, the biggest deal about Yukon Heritage Day is that it most often coincides with the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous.
The Sourdough Rendezvous is held in the capital, Whitehorse. Since the holiday falls in February and Yukon is just east of Alaska, it’s quite cold! But Yukon residents tough it out for the chance to be a part of the giant festival. In 2020, the Rendezvous saw its 55th convening. It’s sponsored by many major Canadian businesses, and grows in scope and attendance every year.
Even Yukoners that can’t make it to Whitehorse still get to enjoy a day off to think about their culture and history, one highlight of which is the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century that saw approximately 100,000 gold prospectors descend on that region of Yukon. We don’t know if there’s still “gold in them thar hills,” but we can tell you that this is really a precious day.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:52:05 GMT
Pistol Patent Day – February 25, 2022~U.S.
Pistol Patent Day is on February 25 every year, and we are here to help you celebrate the day. Do you know that it has been almost 500 years since the very first pistols emerged? Pistols, revolvers, and other sidearms have played a significant part in shaping how civilizations evolved. New patents were submitted as centuries passed by giving birth to modern sidearms. Pistol Patent Day is observed to commemorate the day Samuel Colt received the patent for the revolver in 1835. On this day, we look at the life and times of the farsighted genius, Samuel Colt.
HISTORY OF PISTOL PATENT DAY
The word pistol is said to have first emerged in sixteenth-century Europe when the first-ever handheld firearms were manufactured and designed to be shot from horsebacks. The word is said to have derived from the French word ‘pistolet.’ Another story suggests that it may come from the Czech word, ‘píšťala,’ which translates to whistle or pipe. Some also say that pistols came from the word, ‘pistolese,’ which in turn comes from the name of the city well-known during the Renaissance Era gunsmithing, Pistoia.
In the nineteenth century, revolvers emerged. Samuel Colt in 1835, received his patent for the first-ever revolver. A year later he received his patent for the American model. The firearm included basic principles of revolving breech-loading. In his patent, he included the folding trigger firearm which was named Colt Paterson. It is said that Colt never took credit for inventing the revolver. He believed that he simply designed a more practical version of Collier’s revolving Flintlock. Colt’s new design had interchangeable parts, and the percussion cap made ignition more reliable, faster, and safer compared to the Flintlock.
In 1916, the Steyr M1912 was born in the Austro-Hungarian empire. The Steyr M1912 was capable of firing fully automatic rounds. This was a revolutionary invention that changed the way firearms were perceived and paved the way for modern weapons. Since then, many ultra-modern, sophisticated fully-automatic handguns have come up that have made people who enjoy practicing shooting extremely happy.
Pistol Patent Day was created to mark the anniversary of the day Samuel Colt received his first pistol patent. On this day, people look back at the life and times of Samuel Colt and take inspiration to come out with remarkable new patents.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:53:58 GMT
National Skip the Straw Day – February 25, 2022~U.S.
We owe our strawless celebrations on National Skip the Straw Day, the fourth Friday in February, falling on February 25 this year, to a group of young activists in Whitehall, Michigan. In light of the ongoing battle against global warming and plastic pollution, we’ll take the time this holiday to consider whether we really need that whimsical plastic tube in order to enjoy our favorite beverages. We can slurp more down by just going straight for the glass’s edge anyway!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SKIP THE STRAW DAY
In 2017, a group of teenage activists called the Coral Keepers established National Skip the Straw Day to recur every fourth Friday in February. Amid frequent and intense conversations about the state of the planet and the potentially fatal effects of plastic waste for creatures in the world’s largest oceans, these high school students from Whitehall, Michigan decided to establish the day in order to educate others about the many biodegradable alternatives to these small but potent cylindrical sippers.
The straw as we know it today was patented by Marvin Stone in Washington D.C. in 1888. While sipping his afternoon mint julep through a grass straw, Stone became dissatisfied with the flavors of vegetation and whiskey mixing, so he decided to wrap a piece of manila paper into a tube for sipping his drink instead.
With the rise of plastic goods (and all other things quick, microwaveable, and processed) in the 1960s, straws graduated from the earth-friendly substance of paper to its far less amicable cousin, plastic. It takes one plastic straw approximately 200 years to decompose back into the earth, which means that every single straw since its invention is still floating around somewhere on the planet to this day.
The Coral Keepers have asked us all to ‘Tip the Glass’ rather than sip through a straw on this holiday, at the very least, and to consider doing away with the beverage accessories altogether, if possible. Not only do these straws give off toxic byproducts when exposed to heat, but they also pose a physical risk to marine life that might try to eat them or they might get stuck in the blowholes or air passages of fish.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 16:59:19 GMT
National New England Clam Chowder Day – February 25, 2022~U.S.
National New England Clam Chowder Day is celebrated on February 25 every year, and we are getting ready to lose ourselves in the savory aroma of a warm bowl of clam chowder. Clam chowder is undoubtedly one of the most famous shellfish stews that’s loved by millions all across the planet. Originating in New England, it has a variety of popular variations including the New England clam chowder, Manhattan chowder, and Rhode Island clam chowder.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER DAY
Clam chowder has been around for almost 200 years. This delicious creamy soup acts as great comfort food to serve during the harsh winter months. So if you’re looking for a filling dish that enriches the soul, then a clam chowder is the way to go!
The history of National Clam Chowder Day remains a mystery, though the origins of the dish have been well known. Believed to have originated in the coastal fishing villages of the French, Nova Scotian, and Southwestern England in the 1700s, this commoner’s stew was made as a water-based fish soup thickened with crackers and croutons.
It was made in a large cooking pot called ‘Chaudière’, French for cauldron, which later evolved into ‘chowder’. The soup started to gain popularity after it was introduced in America, like a soup of pork, onions, fish, herbs, and biscuits.
By the early 1800s, clam chowder had become a staple diet for sailors. Since then it has taken on a variety of different forms, with several regional variants all across the U.S. Today, clam chowder has become one of the most popular staples in restaurants all over the country. Many companies even introduced clam chowder in a soup can, helping it grow in popularity and become more accessible to the people.
National New England Clam Chowder Day gives us a good opportunity to enjoy a perfectly seasoned creamy bowl of clam stew. Being a fan favorite, it comes as no surprise that this delicious stew has its own holiday.
National Clam Chowder Day – February 25, 2022~U.S.
There are few things as comforting as a bowl of warm clam chowder on a winter’s day, so it’s wonderful we get to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on February 25. Originally considered a poor man’s food, the first chowders were fish stews made from vegetable and fish stewed in a large pot or cauldron. (The word “chowder” possibly finds its roots in the Latin word “calderia,” or cooking pot.) Clams are thought to have been introduced to the mix by the Native Americans and by the mid 1800’s were considered a main ingredient in what came to be known as clam chowder. Today, there are dozens of regional variations, including San Francisco clam chowder which comes in a sourdough bread bowl!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 25, 2022 17:01:40 GMT
National Chocolate Covered Nut Day – February 25, 2022~Bahrain~U.S.
National Chocolate Covered Nut Day is on February 25 every year, and we’re here to help you amazingly celebrate the day. Do you know that it has been almost 100 years since the first chocolate-covered peanuts were sold? Chocolate is something we all love, and one of the ways to make it even better is to add yet another thing that we adore — nuts! National Chocolate Covered Nut Day is dedicated to the pleasing combination of chocolate with nuts like peanuts, almonds, apricots, cashews, and hazelnuts and celebrates these tasteful treats that are enjoyed by people of all ages.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED NUT DAY
Chocolate is said to have originated in Mesoamerica where the Aztecs are said to have grown cacao plants, from which they made chocolate. It is believed that the Aztecs drank chocolate as part of rituals. Some even say that it was an ingredient in medicines. The Mayans even referred to chocolate as the drink of the Gods. In those times, chocolate was not eaten as solid food, nor was it sweet. It was consumed in liquid form and was unsweetened, which gave it a bitter taste.
Later in the early 1500s, Hernán Cortés, an explorer from Spain, introduced chocolate to Spain. It is said that Cortés was on a visit to Mesoamerica when a Mayan emperor gifted Cortés a cup of cocoa. Cortés then sowed cocoa seeds in his hometown, and thus the cocoa plantation rose to prominence in Spain. The Spaniards added sugar and honey to overcome the bitter taste of cocoa. Many years later, chocolate traveled to Europe and was a popular drink amongst the monarchs and the aristocrats.
It is said that the first mixture of chocolate and hazelnut happened during the 1800s in the northwestern Italian region of Piedmont. The paste was called ‘gianduja.’ This was way before even milk chocolate came into existence. Milk chocolate was born in 1876 when Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter added dried milk powder to chocolate. In the 1900s, many companies such as Nestle started mass producing chocolate-covered nuts, and it soon became a favorite snack among people of all ages.
Though the exact origins of National Chocolate Covered Nut Day are not known, the day has been celebrated by millions every year on February 25, giving recognition to the delicious combination of chocolate with nuts.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:21:25 GMT
National Pistachio Day – February 26, 2022~U.S.
Sometimes great things really do come in small packages. Known as the “happy nut” in China and the “smiling nut” in the Middle East, pistachios have a unique, small shape but pack a powerfully nutritious punch. Aside from having a great smile, these vibrant green nuts let you snack your way to good health by containing as much protein as an egg per serving and myriad of other nutrients. They are part of a very nutty, yet irritating family of plants, the evergreen family, which includes mangoes, pistachios, cashews, and yup… poison ivy! Aside from their curious genealogy, pistachio’s incredible health benefits sure give other nuts a run for the money! Stock up on these gloriously green nuts because today on February 26 we celebrate them with National Pistachio Day. Its an excuse for pistachio lovers worldwide to snack on their favorite nut all day long.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:23:52 GMT
Tell a Fairy Tale Day – February 26, 2022~U.S.
TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY IS CELEBRATED ON FEBRUARY 26 EVERY YEAR, AND JUST BY THE SOUND OF IT, IT CONJURES A FEEL-GOOD EFFECT. IT IS A SPECTACULAR OCCASION TO BRING OUT THE CHILD IN US AND HAVE A HAPPY DAY WHILE ESCAPING FROM THE MONSTERS AND EVILS OF THE WORLD. WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, WE WERE INTRODUCED AND EXPOSED TO FAIRY TALES. IT USUALLY IS OUR HAPPY TIME, MOSTLY BEFORE BEDTIME, WHEN WE ARE EXCITED TO HEAR THESE STORIES. THE FAIRY TALES DEPICT ENCHANTING FOLKLORIC CHARACTERS LIKE FAIRIES, GOBLINS, TROLLS, WITCHES, TALKING ANIMALS, AND INANIMATE OBJECTS THAT MOVE, OF HEROES AND VILLAINS ENGAGED IN PLOTS RELATABLE TO REAL LIFE, AND HAPPY ENDINGS. WHO WOULD NOT WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS JOYOUS FESTIVITY?
HISTORY OF TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY
It is indistinct as to when Tell a Fairy Tale Day started. But when we delve into the concept of fairy tales, it brings us to the renowned Westerners, which dates back as far as the 6th century B.C. By this, we give credit to Aesop, the slave storyteller in ancient Greece, who created over 600 short stories, which tell morals, especially for children.
It is interesting to know that even in this present day, the origin of fairy tales is one of the prime anonymities of the world. It is said that fairy tales are even much older than previously perceived. Researchers trace fairy tales as far back as the Bronze Age, way before the advent of the literary record, this is quite amazing to know that something without even being written has been preserved in time immemorial.
This fantasy genre of idealized and extremely happy imaginary beings and lands with plots of battling contrasts between discord and peace, good and evil, moral and immoral has subsisted cultural peculiarities and geographical barriers without even being written, transmitted only through spoken language. These languages may even be extinct by now. Some versions of these fairy tales imply that they are even much older than classical mythology or the contents of Greek and Latin texts. They date back even before the existence of English or French.
Tell a Fairy Tale Day became an unofficial holiday that instigates everyone to commemorate the event by reading, telling, and listening to fairy tales around the world.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:26:26 GMT
Open That Bottle Night – February 26, 2022~Other
Open That Bottle Night is celebrated on the last Saturday of February each year. This day is created to make sure that those fine wine bottles you put away for the special season are used and enjoyed on this day. Did you know that some people have a fear of wine called oenophobia? Well, not you, we hope!
HISTORY OF OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT
Wine is one of the most beloved alcoholic drinks in the world. On Open That Bottle Night, people all over the world release their bottles locked in their home prisons, also known as shelves and cupboards. It need not be old bottles of wine; even that bottle of wine you bought in the morning and put away for the evening is also absolutely fine!
Open That Bottle Night was created by two journalists (‘Tastings’ columnists) at ‘The Wall Street Journal,’ Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, a husband and wife team. This event was created with the main goal of motivating people to reconnect with each other over a bottle and creating good memories with our loved ones.
There is a special way to celebrate Open That Bottle Night in the best way. It all starts by digging out that special wine you saved for a special occasion. Now invite your friends and to your home or an outdoor picnic spot. That’s it, now all you have to do is to open that wine and share it with them. Talk and share the long-lost precious memories of your life and enjoy the evening.
Since its inauguration in 2000, Open That Bottle Night has become a global phenomenon and is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of February, and it’s growing in popularity annually. Good wine is to be consumed, but great wine is made to be shared. So, cherish those bottles with your friends and and create memories that last forever!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:28:49 GMT
Letter to an Elder Day – February 26, 2022~U.S.
February 26 is National Letter to an Elder Day, a holiday celebrated by sending an elder a handwritten letter of love. National Letter to an Elder Day was started by Love For Our Elders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting loneliness with love among senior communities. This day comes once a year to honor the art of letter-writing as a way to send love, one letter at a time!
HISTORY OF LETTER TO AN ELDER DAY
A single handwritten letter has the power to change someone’s day, week, month, or even life. It’s a powerful way to communicate and build relationships. Everyone deserves to feel loved, and Letter to an Elder Day was first celebrated by Love For Our Elders’ volunteers in 2020 to encourage letter writing and intergenerational connections after the holiday season, which can be particularly lonely for elders.
Love For Our Elders began with a young boy and his grandpa. When Jacob Cramer lost his grandfather, he began to volunteer at a local senior living community as a way of honoring his memory. He was lovingly referred to as “Bingo Boy” because of his entertaining and lively way of calling the community’s bingo game (a much heated affair he’s sure to tell you). During his time volunteering, he discovered that many of the residents rarely received messages or visitors from and friends and that loneliness was a chronic and ever-present problem.
So he decided to start writing letters of love to senior communities; quickly, his moniker changed from Bingo Boy to Letter Boy. He found grace and love in his relationships with his friends in the senior community and eventually decided that he could take his letter writing efforts national. Jacob created a nonprofit that urged people to write letters to elders (or anyone else in need who are older than they are) and facilitated delivery to seniors around the world.
Since 2013, Jacob and his team have amassed an army of 50,000+ letter writers around the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they branched out to collect video messages of hope, love, and encouragement, created public awareness campaigns, and engaged individuals, classrooms, and companies.
National Letter to an Elder Day is held on February 26 to coincide with the birthday of Jacob’s grandmother, Doris.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:33:15 GMT
For Pete's Sake Day – February 26, 2022~U.S.
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Pete’s Sake Day is celebrated every year on February 26. It celebrates ‘minced oaths’ — an offensive word or phrase is substituted by a polite phrase. Other examples include ‘For crying out loud!’ and ‘Sugar!’ Such euphemisms have been used for centuries whenever people have done something clumsy or when they simply need to vent. But why has ‘For Pete’s Sake’ been singled out for special attention? It is because Pete here is likely to refer to St. Peter. However, it is a euphemism used in replacement for God.
HISTORY OF FOR PETE'S SAKE DAY
Since its inception, For Pete’s Sake Day has garnered quite some popularity. The creators of For Pete’s Sake Day, Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, only described the day by saying “A world wonders —after all these years, who is Pete and why do we do or not do things for his sake?”. It makes sense if you think about how often we use the phrase and how prevalent it is in our daily vocabulary.
While we don’t know everything about the phrase, we can learn a little bit about it. ‘For Pete’s sake’ is a minced oath, a euphemistic saying where words that are more acceptable to society replace words that are considered rude. Minced oaths have been used for centuries. The phrase being celebrated today perhaps came into being in the 1920s. An older version, ‘for the love of Pete,’ was recorded in print in 1918. It was likely based on the saying ‘for the love of Mike,’ which dates to the 1880s. This phrase was a euphemism for “for the love of God,” a saying that dates to the early 18th century. All of these sayings express frustration, irritation, and annoyance, or sometimes even marvel or wonder. Another similar phrase is ‘For pity’s sake,’ which may help explain why the word ‘Pete’ was chosen, being that they both start with the letter ‘P.’ The most common speculation is that the Pete being referenced in the phrase is none other than Saint Peter himself. Whatever the reason behind the day might be, it’s a fun way to investigate the etymological roots of commonly used phrases.
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Post by pennmom on Feb 26, 2022 19:35:22 GMT
Kuwait Liberation Day – February 26, 2022~Kuwait
Kuwait Liberation Day is observed annually on February 26. This holiday remembers the day Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi occupation in 1991. The Liberation was the U.S. marshaled military operation — Operation Iraqi Freedom, to recoup Kuwait from Iraq after the 1991 bombing of Iraq. U.S. troops arrived to find the Iraqis surrendering as a whole, although pockets of resistance prevailed, especially at Kuwait International Airport where Iraqi troops, supposedly clueless that a retreat order had already been given, proceeded with fighting, which only resulted in an intense battle over the airport itself. Most of the fight happened in Iraq instead of Kuwait. The military operation is also commonly referred to as the Gulf War.
HISTORY OF KUWAIT LIBERATION DAY
Kuwait was initially stabilized as a small fishing village during the 1600s. By the year 1899, the present country became a British Protectorate. In 1961, Kuwait gained independence with the end of the British protectorate, and Sheik Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah assumed the role of the Emir. But before its independence, on the second day of August in 1990, ensuing a feud over revenue from an oil field, Iraqi troops raided Kuwait and Iraq began to bomb Kuwait City. Six days later, on August 8, the Kuwaiti government was replaced by an Iraqi governor.
There was global rage as the invasion was widespread. Bringing in no progress by diplomatic means, the United Nations Security Council gave Iraq a deadline of January 15, 1991, to vacate from Kuwait. But as the story goes, they were stubborn enough to stay put until the deadline passed. So the U.S. directed coalition forces to begin their attack on the Iraqi forces known as Operation Desert Storm, from January 17, 1991. The Iraqi forces demonstrated their incompetence to combat the coalition forces as the ground war only lasted four days before the Iraqi tanks ran away from Kuwait on February 26, 1991.
Today Kuwait is wealthy, safe, and almost entirely crime-free. The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index, 2021, sets Kuwait 36 out of 163 countries worldwide, placing the country as being at a high state of peace. It is a safe place to travel to, as crime rates are low, and the chances of foreigners being harmed or attacked in any way are slim. However, due to past events, some people still doubt its safety, which leaves Kuwait with a reputation of being unsafe. But Kuwait is known as a wonderful entry point to the Muslim world and warm Arabian hospitality.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 0:13:54 GMT
Carpe Diem Day – February 26, 2022~U.S.
Carpe Diem Day is celebrated each year on February 26. Most of us get caught in regretting or reminiscing and worrying or making plans for the future. Between all the worrying and planning, we forget that the only moment we have is the present — this moment, right now, is all there is! The phrase ‘carpe diem’ or ‘seize the day’ reminds us to celebrate every joy and opportunity that life has given us and live life to the best of our ability. It is the day to ponder upon the vulnerability of life while also feeling grateful for it.
HISTORY OF CARPE DIEM DAY
The earliest known uses of the phrase ‘carpe diem’ in the English language dates back to the 19th century. However, the phrase became popular in 1938 when Robert Frost published his poem of the same name. The poem declares his desire for children to be “happy, happy, happy and seize the day of pleasure.” He was writing about how everyone, especially children, can live a happy life by simply seizing the day.
Carpe Diem Day was started by the friends and of Yvette Francino after she lent her support and stood by her dear friend, Craig Dunham, through his diagnosis of ALS and subsequent death. As Francino was inspired by Dunham’s life to live each day to the fullest, even while battling a terminal illness, she began to inspire others to do the same. 2014 was a notable year for Francino when she raised more than $12,000 for twelve different ALS ice bucket challenges. Her enthusiasm drew attention to the cause of ALS research, as well as living life with joyful experiences and deep connections. This led to the creation of Carpe Diem Day.
In preparation for turning 60 years old, Francino spent the 60 weeks leading up to her birthday living out 60 different challenges that would help her to seize the day. Interestingly, the letters ‘C.D.’ do not only stand for carpe diem but also Dunham’s initials. This day honors his legacy and celebrates his life.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 17:18:28 GMT
National Protein day – February 27, 2022~U.S.
Our bodies crave protein. It’s a “macronutrient” after all. National Protein Day, on February 27, focuses on the health benefits of one of the body’s most basic building blocks.
Remember, protein helps develop bones, skin, cartilage, and blood — while promoting weight loss and increased muscle mass. It can also help us stay fit throughout all stages of life. High-protein foods include everything from salmon to  seeds. Are you getting enough? Here’s your fun guide to this crucial nutrition source.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 17:21:32 GMT
World NGO Day – February 27, 2022~International
World NGO Day is observed every year on February 27. N.G.O. is an acronym for non-governmental organization. World NGO Day is a day set aside to recognize, celebrate and honor the fundamental contributions and profound impact that these independent organizations have had on the world. N.G.O.s are nonprofit organizations and although they’re a modern phenomenon, their history spans back hundreds of years. Their influence continues to grow and make positive changes where needed in today’s world.
HISTORY OF WORLD NGO DAY
World NGO Day was originally founded in 2009 by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a social entrepreneur. However, it was observed for the first time on February 27, 2014. It’s a day set aside to honor all non-governmental and nonprofit organizations, recognizing their impact on the world.
The holiday was officially declared back in 2010 by the 12 member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum, recognized as a partner of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. However, it only received international recognition in 2014 by the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations.
An N.G.O. has been defined by the United Nations Department of Global Communications as an organization that is a “not-for-profit, voluntary citizen’s group that is set up at a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.”
Though N.G.O.s date back to the 18th century, the name ‘non-governmental organization’ was created by the 1945 Charter of the United Nations, Article 71. Non-governmental organizations are also referred to as civil society organizations (C.S.O.), non-profit organizations (N.P.O.s), membership organizations, and charitable organizations.
The distinguishing factor of N.G.O.s is their independence from the government. N.G.O.s are privately funded through grants, private donations, membership dues, product sales, and sometimes, government donations. Surveys indicate that there is a high level of public trust for N.G.O.s, which makes them a useful proxy for the concerns of society.
According to the World Bank, there are two types of N.G.O.s. These are operational N.G.O.s and advocacy N.G.O.s. The former focuses on designing and implementing development-related projects while advocacy N.G.O.s promote specific causes that impact public policy.
In the United States, there are now approximately 1.5 million N.G.O.s in existence.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 17:38:35 GMT
National Strawberry Day – February 27, 2022~U.K.~U.S.
National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year, adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Devilishly sweet, and also delightfully low in calories, they’re the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Grown both around the U.S. and around the world almost year-round, you’re never far from a supplier of this tasty tongue-tickler to help you celebrate National Strawberry Day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 17:41:15 GMT
No Brainer Day – February 27, 2022~World
No Brainer Day is celebrated annually on February 27. Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith is believed to have founded the holiday in the U.S. to encourage people to keep things simple and resolve situations calmly without stress. The holiday, also known as International No Brainer Day, is the day for you to do all those “no brainer” tasks and activities. If a project requires thinking, study, or analysis of any kind, then it is not a chore to do today. Leave that for another day. It’s a no-brainer!
HISTORY OF NO BRAINER DAY
The unanimous champion of holiday creation is Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, a Chicago woman who rules herself as America’s Premier Eventologist. She has created over a thousand holidays and No Brainer Day is one. This day encourages people to stop overthinking things, criticizing themselves, and loosen up and unwind. Things are simple, and the multiple problems we face daily may have easy solutions if we stop stressing and take things easy. As it implies, ‘no-brainer’ means making choices that require very little thinking or work.
The celebration of this day began in 1995, and by the 2000s, it had become popular and more observed. The opinion that a complication or problem is a ‘no-brainer’ may be a means to shut down a feud. And because some of our daily tasks might need an unavoidable whole lot of thinking, at least on this day give some rest to your brain. Excessive brain activity is linked to a shorter life span. According to a recent study on the postmortem brain tissue of people who lived long, the key to a long life could be a brain with less neural activity.
More use of the brain has dominated our thinking on how to protect, and enhance the aging brain, and extensive studies have also proved the many benefits of remaining physically and mentally active as people get older. However, more recent research has shown that more isn’t the best option as excessive activity without enough breaks could cause more harm than good.
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pennmom
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[TI0] ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, UNLESS YOU CAN BE A UNICORN. THEN ALWAYS BE A UNICORN!
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Post by pennmom on Feb 27, 2022 17:43:47 GMT
National Pokemon Day – February 27, 2022~U.S.
The Pokemon phenomenon never dies — and it doesn’t fade away, either. Just a few years after the Pokemon craze came and supposedly went, it’s still going strong. National Today has the info you need for National Pokemon Day this February 27. What info do you need? Well, let’s see … You probably need to know the origins of the pocket monsters’ fame, which started way back in 1996. You might also want to know how to celebrate this fun and entertaining observance. Let’s take a deep dive into National Pokemon Day. Are you ready? Let’s do this little thing!
WHEN IS NATIONAL POKEMON DAY 2022?
‘Gotta Catch Em’ All’ on National Pokemon Day, celebrated annually on February 27. This is the day when Pokemon was introduced in 1996, taking the world by storm!
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assumed power to rule Kuwait. Kuwait became independent in 1961 and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah from the Al-Sabah 
seeds. Are you getting enough? Here’s your fun guide to this crucial nutrition source.