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Post by pennmom on Jun 19, 2021 18:47:18 GMT
National Watch Day – June 19, 2021
Did you know June 19 is National Watch Day? Why has a day specifically been dedicated to watches, you ask? It’s because, without the invention, there would be no way of telling the time on the go. This portable device has benefited the way humankind functions. It is also an invention that ensures every action is taken at the right time. After all, time is money! Let’s dig into the history of watches and find out how much the device affects our daily routines.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WATCH DAY
Watches have existed in the world for decades and, with each year that passes, the design and use of the innovation evolves. For instance, there are numerous types of watch dials available such as automatic watches, sports watches that can even be used for time races, military watches, space watches, and modern fashion watches. Let’s not forget smartwatches that are all the rage today due to their ability to connect to our mobile devices. Yes, watches have changed over the past hundred years, but their main use remains the same — to tell the time.
Watches are also luxury items that often complement our personalities. This is why a watch has become a popular gift item, as well as a  heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. Due to the importance watches hold in our lives and the rich history that defines their existence, National Watch Day was formed in 2017. The day was created by Nordstrom, an American luxury department store chain that sells clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics, watches, and numerous other items. To promote the watch line available at the Nordstrom store, the idea of National Watch Day was pitched. Some of the famous brands available for sale at the store include Tissot, Ted Baker, Movado, Rado, and several others.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 19, 2021 18:49:44 GMT
World Juggling Day – June 19, 2021
World Juggling Day on June 19 celebrates juggling as an art form. Juggling requires discipline, dedication, and lots of practice. This entertaining act can be done with several items ranging from balls and bowling pins to bottles and knives — the possibilities are endless. People can get into juggling at any age as the only prerequisite for this skill is passion. Juggling is an old form of entertainment. There’s evidence in paintings on ancient Egyptian tombs where ladies can be seen juggling multiple items. Circuses also had special juggling segments in their shows as juggling was considered to be a special skill that only a few could master. However, with the advent of TV and the internet, the art form’s popularity has grown significantly.
HISTORY OF WORLD JUGGLING DAY
World Juggling Day was first honored in 1995 by the International Juggling Association (IJA). The day is celebrated on the Saturday that is the closest to June 17. IJA was officially established in 1947 by a few juggling artists. The nonprofit association aimed to recognize the art worldwide, and allow for mutual friendship to blossom between groups of artists, and by extension, the ones who appreciated the art itself. In the beginning, there were less than 100 members in IJA, but as the years progressed, the number of members increased with the official number being in the thousands today. Since its inception in 1947, the organization holds a week-long convention worldwide for jugglers and other circus art performers.
Initially, World Juggling Day was commemorated as National Juggling Day. However, seeing the worldwide appeal of the art, IJA made it more international by renaming it World Juggling Day. The beginning of juggling is uncertain due to a lack of historical documentation, but many scholars believe that juggling dates back to 2000 B.C. Records depict juggling on paintings in an ancient Egyptian tomb called the Beni Hasan cemetery complex. In China during the time of King Zhuang of Chu, who reigned between 613 — 591 B.C., a warrior by the name Xiong Yiliao lived. Yiliao was a skilled practitioner of ‘nòngwán.’ the art of tossing multiple objects in the air without dropping them. He displayed nòngwán in front of an army of 500 soldiers who had come to wage war against the Chu kingdom. It is believed that after seeing the rare art, all 500 soldiers fled fearing the involvement of magic and myth. There are also mentions of juggling in ancient Greece and Rome where jugglers, poets, and other artists indulged in juggling to entertain the crowd and earn a living. Jugglers of both sexes traveled wide and far to develop their skills and careers in juggling. Evidence for it can also be found on vases, coins, paintings, and buildings.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 19, 2021 18:51:39 GMT
World Sauntering Day – June 19, 2021
World Sauntering Day celebrated on June 19 every year might sound like a special day that serves no purpose. However, it is one of those days that can actually change the way we function and live our lives. The truth is, we live in a fast-paced technologically developed world that has no place for people who refuse to maintain the same pace. Hence, many of us get lost in the hectic world and end up placing our mental peace on the line. On the other hand, World Sauntering Day asks us to pause, take a deep breath, and learn to enjoy life. Let’s take a look at everything the day has to offer!
HISTORY OF WORLD SAUNTERING DAY
Before we go into the history of the special day, let’s take a look at what sauntering actually means. Based on the meaning derived from the Oxford Dictionary, to saunter is to walk at a slow and relaxed pace — as if one has all the time in the world. The word ‘saunter’ itself has been derived from ‘Saint Terre’ and was coined by the French.
To celebrate this idea, World Sauntering Day became a holiday in the 1970s. The occasion was the brainchild of a publicist called W.T Rabe, who came up with the idea while working for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Why, you ask? To counter the jogging fad that had taken the U.S. by storm.
While jogging has several health benefits, Rabe’s mission was to promote the idea of slowing down and looking at the world around us. Yes, jogging may give us a running high but it is a fast-paced exercise, while, on the other hand, just relaxing and taking in the world has several benefits of its own. According to Rabe’s son, the main idea behind sauntering is to wander from point A to point B without worrying about the logistics. It means, “You don’t care about where you are going, how you are going, and how you will get there.” The key to achieving the perfect sauntering journey is to drift aimlessly and pay attention to the world. The question now is, are you ready to give sauntering a go?
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Post by pennmom on Jun 19, 2021 18:55:10 GMT
Juneteenth – June 19, 2021
The freedom of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. in 1865 is celebrated on the holiday Juneteenth on June 19. Juneteenth is made up of the words ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth,’ and it is on this day that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas more than 155 years ago to inform slaves that slavery had been abolished.
WHEN IS JUNETEENTH 2021?
Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. and commemorates African-American freedom, is observed on June 19.
HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
According to the official website of the historical event, Juneteenth is ‘the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.’ Other than marking a pivotal date of significance in American history, Juneteenth also serves as an opportunity for African Americans to cherish their culture and heritage.
More than 155 years old, Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. The reason for it being celebrated on June 19 is because, on this day in 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army landed in Texas, he brought the news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free.
The proclamation declaring the abolishment of slavery was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, in the nation’s third year of an ongoing civil war. Known as the Emancipation Proclamation, it declared that ‘all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State […] shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.’ Granger’s arrival at Texas was to enforce this decree, which had originally gone into effect two years earlier.
The news had come as a shock to more than 250,000 slaves in Texas who were unaware of it.
On June 19, in the city of Galveston, Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which stated: ‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.’
As to why the news of the abolition of slavery reached Texas so late, there are varying accounts. One story states that the messenger bearing the news was assassinated on his journey. Some historians believe that the report on the Emancipation Proclamation was withheld by slave owners in Texas on purpose so that they can go about their business as usual and keep the labor force working. Historians also note that, until 1865, Texas remained a Confederate State, so Lincoln’s proclamation could not have been enforced until Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army and they took over.
Either way, Granger’s arrival with the grand news stirred the air with jubilance and massive celebrations across the state. A former slave named Felix Haywood gave his recount of the first celebration in 1865 in the book “Lone Star Pasts: Memory and History in Texas” — ‘We was all walkin’ on golden clouds […] Everybody went wild […] We was free. Just like that, we was free.’
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:09:26 GMT
Father's Day – June 20, 2021
Where would we be without dads? Honestly, who would show off ‘dad jeans,’ tell the same somewhat amusing jokes at Thanksgiving, or spin those charming childhood stories? But of course, there’s far more to dads than their wardrobe choices and endless nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ (Elton John, David Bowie, and Queen — we get it). Still, dads are heroes. On June 20 be sure to let your dad know how much he means to you.
HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY
Far from a “Hallmark holiday,” Father’s Day has its origins in medieval Europe, when Catholics dedicated a day to honoring fathers, fatherhood, and all paternal relationships. Fast forward a couple hundred years, and it’s now a holiday held all over the world — a testament to how important fathers and father figures are in societies everywhere. However, be careful. The date fluctuates around the world. In Spain, for example, it’s held on March 19, while in New Zealand, it’s the first Sunday in September. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling, or have living overseas. There are few things more upsetting than a disappointed dad.
Father’s Day in America has a rich history dating back to the turn of the 20thcentury. But to really understand Father’s Day we must go back to the post-civil war reconstruction era of the 1860s and a day that celebrates the other half of the parenting duo, mothers.
The idea of celebrating parents has its roots in one woman: Ann Reeves Jarvis. Shortly after the Civil War, Jarvis sought to soothe the wounds created over four years of bitter conflict in one divided West Virginia town by choosing a day to celebrate mothers of both confederate and Union soldiers. Known as “Mother’s Work Days” Jarvis hoped that during the newly installed era of peace and reconciliation that previous enemies could begin to sow unity again by celebrating one thing they all had in common.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:11:42 GMT
International Nystagmus Day – June 20, 2021
International Nystagmus Day is celebrated every year on June 20. This is a time to discuss the issue of nystagmus, which affects millions of people worldwide and has no known permanent cure. However, with early diagnosis, some useful interventions can be applied to control it in the early stages. Therefore, it is important to use this day as an opportunity to spread awareness about this condition, especially among would-be parents.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL NYSTAGMUS DAY
International Nystagmus Day is the initiative of the U.K.-based Nystagmus Network, which operates as a charity. The organization mainly funds research on nystagmus and the commemoration of an international day helps to bring the world’s attention to this condition.
The main purpose of holding this day is to conduct various talks and seminars to increase people, professionals, and doctors’ awareness so that they can identify nystagmus in the early stages. Several other events are also held to raise funds for various research activities and support programs for children and other people affected by this condition.
The first experience was highly successful, which motivated the Nystagmus Network to make it a regular feature on their annual calendar and follow it up with more educational material, newsletters, and videos.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:13:37 GMT
National American Eagle Day – June 20, 2021
Celebrate the United States’ national symbol on National American Eagle Day! On June 20, we set aside time to raise awareness about the bald eagle and to preserve the bird’s natural habitat. The holiday is meant to educate others about the birds’ importance, and to explore ways we can ensure that the eagles continue to thrive for decades to come. In the 1950s, the bald eagle was at serious risk of becoming extinct. Loss of their natural habitat, hunting, and the use of pesticides that damaged their eggs made caused the population to massively decline. The bird was classified as endangered in the U.S. in 1967. The bird went on to become a prime success story of the Endangered Species Act. The bald eagle began to repopulate and thrive, and in 1995, it was moved from the national endangered species list to the national list of threatened species—a major improvement! As of 2007, the bald eagle is no longer considered threatened and has a healthy population level. National American Eagle Day was launched by the American Eagle Foundation, a Tennessee organization focused on protecting bald eagles and their fellow birds of prey. Bald eagles like to live near large bodies of water, as they mostly eat fish, and are known for their beauty and grace when they soar through the air. They have been known as treasured symbols of the United States since the 1700s.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:16:09 GMT
National Hike with a Geek Day – June 20, 2021
National Hike with a Geek Day is celebrated every year on June 20. The purpose of this day is to promote healthy activity in people who otherwise work in sedentary jobs throughout the year, such as I.T. professionals, accountants, and so forth. Even going on a hiking trip once a year can encourage people to make physical activity and exercise a part of their daily routine.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HIKE WITH A GEEK DAY
The first National Hike with a Geek Day was commemorated as a result of the efforts of Mendel Kurland and his organization, Hiking with Geeks, which he founded in 2016. Today, Hiking with Geeks has been rebranded to Geek Adventures and it mainly offers new ways to provide adventures as a means of digital detoxification.
The basic philosophy behind celebrating this day is that people who work in solitary roles, spending long hours working on a computer rather than interacting with people need some kind of opportunity to meet other people and connect with them emotionally and psychologically. Hence the need for marking a special day when ‘geeks’ could spend time outdoors with others of the same tribe. The day is widely celebrated across the United States with a growing membership.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:18:25 GMT
National Ice Cream Soda Day – June 20, 2021
National Ice Cream Soda Day is celebrated every year on June 20. Americans all over the country enjoy their favorite dessert by trying out various flavors and making it in different styles. With more than a century of history, there is so much to learn about ice cream sodas, right from how they were invented to the different methods of preparing and consuming them in different states and cities of the U.S.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY
As with most inventions, ice cream soda was created unintentionally by the coming together of ice cream and soda. It is believed that Robert Green was trying to prepare chilled soda at a Philadelphia fair but had run out of ice shavings. He came up with the idea of adding ice cream to the soda to cool it. Thus, the ice cream soda was born.
Now, there are many different stories about the invention of ice cream soda. Even though Robert Green loudly claimed to be the inventor of the ice cream soda — and even had it inscribed on his tombstone — another legend goes that it was Fred Sanders who invented the delicious summer drink. Sanders ran a confection shop and added ice cream to soda when he could not find sweet cream.
More people continued to claim credit for the invention of the ice cream soda, especially because it was marketed so well and hugely popular. George Guy and Philip Mohr are two well-known claimants to the title of inventor of ice cream soda.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:20:23 GMT
National Kouign Amann Day – June 20, 2021
National Kouign Amann Day falls on June 20 each year. Made with a simple recipe of flour, butter, and sugar, kouign amann is made in different varieties and flavors. Since it originates in the region of Brittany, the kouign amann combines the simplicity of Welsh foods with the elegance of French taste.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL KOUIGN AMANN DAY
Americans love to celebrate National Kouign Amann Day because it reminds them of the history of their food and how cuisines from different parts of the world have been Americanized over the centuries. The tradition of celebrating this day is, however, relatively new.
The initiative was taken up by b. patisserie, a French-style bakery based in San Francisco, California. The owners, Belinda Leong and Michel Suas, were well-established in the community with their vibrant patisserie and baking school along with enviable credentials, to say the least.
They began with a mission to create awareness about kouign amann and to make it a highly popular product across the country. At the same time, they were driven by the desire to contribute to the community as they committed to donate 10% of all their proceeds on this day to House, which is a charity for children with cancer.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:23:28 GMT
National Vanilla Milkshake Day – June 20, 2021
National Vanilla Milkshake Day is on June 20 and it’s all about celebrating the original vanilla milkshake. It’s made by blending milk, ice cream, and the vanilla flavoring for a classic style beverage. Vanilla is actually native to central Mexico and it’s the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid . The first people that used the fruit of the Tlilxochitl vine were the ancient Totonac Indians of Mexico, but after the Aztecs defeated them, they no longer had sole ownership of the fruit.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY
In the beginning, the milkshake was considered an adult drink. The beverage had first appeared in print in 1885 and contained eggs and whiskey. It was described as a sturdy and healthy egg nog drink, that was served as a tonic and a drink. For as harmless as they seem now, the original milkshake wasn’t so kid-friendly. All of the fun flavorings wouldn’t come until later.
In the early 1900s, different flavors of ice cream were used in milkshakes. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry syrups were the first ones and they were an immediate hit. At that time, the electric blender hadn’t been invented yet, and milkshakes were shaken by hand. The drink mixer wasn’t created until 1911 and when it was, milkshakes started appearing at soda fountains which increased its accessibility.
The electric blender was created in 1922 by Stephen Poplawski, the owner of Stevens Electric company for the purpose of mixing beverages like malts and milkshakes. This handy invention took the milkshake from the soda fountain to the home and more restaurants would add milkshakes to their menus. In 1949, Dairy Queen added milkshakes to their menu and many other restaurants followed their lead.
Today, the milkshake is still going strong. While the local soda/malt shop has become a vintage novelty, people can still order this classic treat at many restaurants and ice cream parlors. While many flavors have been created since the early days of the milkshake, the vanilla milkshake still holds strong as a classic reminder of days’ past.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:26:55 GMT
Turkey Lovers’ Day – June 20, 2021
Turkey Lovers’ Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June — on June 20 this year. It is dedicated to turkey lovers across America. For those who believe that Turkey is something they can only have on Thanksgiving, this day is quite an eye-opener. There are plenty of exciting and mouthwatering recipes you can make with turkey throughout the year. The fact that it is rich in protein and low in fat also makes it a healthy option.
HISTORY OF TURKEY LOVERS’ DAY
Compared to other national days, Turkey Lovers’ Day is relatively new. It was founded by the National Turkey Federation, an organization that has been promoting the use of turkey as part of America’s cuisine for the past eight decades, and Turkey Lovers’ Day was an important step in that direction.
There are many reasons why the National Turkey Federation decided to commemorate this day. Firstly, more turkey is consumed outside of Thanksgiving Day than during this festival. Secondly, more people are opening up to having turkey because of its nutritional value and rich taste. The NTF also feels that it has a responsibility towards turkey farmers and the industry in general since turkey is an important part of the American food industry.
Even though the commemoration of this day is not recognized by any law, the event has become quite popular simply because people love to have turkey and want to try out different recipes that they can prepare with turkey in the summer.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:30:22 GMT
West Virginia Day – June 20, 2021
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia officially became a state — therefore we celebrate West Virginia Day on June 20 every year. The day marks the birth of a region that is home to some of the largest forests in the country, an industry of coal mining, and a rich cultural history. Yes, there is so much that West Virginia has that its residents can be proud of. This West Virginia Day, step out and explore the beauty and history of the state. Most importantly, let your infectious energy inspire others to celebrate, too!
HISTORY OF WEST VIRGINIA DAY
The formation of West Virginia as a state in the U.S. was a tumultuous one due to the sectional differences that existed within it. In fact, around 2,000 residents had even petitioned for the creation of a 14th colony that would be named ‘Westsylvania.’ This colony would have included Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania if the petition had been approved by the Continental Congress.
When the American Civil War occurred, Virginia almost left the United States and was all set to join the Confederate States. However, on April 20, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made a decision that changed history as we know it — he declared that West Virginia would be a part of the U.S. as a separate state. Virginia became a member of the Union in 1863. By 1864, the informal celebration of West Virginia Day was common and it formally became a state holiday in 1927.
After the formation of the state, there was also some discourse regarding making the city of Wheeling the capital. In 1870, Charleston became the capital instead, but the decision was again reversed to make Wheeling the capital in 1875. To solve the matter once and for all, a statewide vote took place in 1877, and Charleston was finally elected as the capital. Every year on West Virginia Day, ample festivities take place across the state, as well as in the Charleston capitol complex. Seeing the complicated history of West Virginia, it is not a surprise that people go all out in celebrating its creation.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:32:09 GMT
World Refugee Day – June 20, 2021
Each June 20, the globe comes together to honor World Refugee Day. The United Nations General Assembly launched the holiday in 2000, and since then, the worldwide community has spent the day focused on ways to improve the lives of refugees. Most of us know that refugees are forced to leave their homes due to war, terror, or other crises—but fleeing their home country is often just the beginning of a difficult journey. Many refugees find themselves living in camps until they are resettled—some of which are dangerous or not well-equipped for long term living. Refugees don’t always have a say in which country they are ultimately relocated to, and the bureaucratic process involved in finding their new home can take years. Worldwide refugee crises have taken center stage in the news in recent years, so it’s more important than ever to share support and to celebrate World Refugee Day.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:34:25 GMT
Ugliest Dog Day – June 20, 2021
Ugliest Dog Day on June 20 celebrates the pups out there with a face only a mother could love. But when it comes to man’s best friend, is there really any dog that can’t be deemed adorable? We honor the facially challenged ones on June 20, Ugliest Dog Day. What started as a fun contest has grown into an annual celebration of the not-so-handsome dogs amongst us. So grab your favorite pup and give him an extra snuggle today and as you go about your day, say hi to every pup, pretty and not so pretty.
HISTORY OF UGLIEST DOG DAY
No matter how they look, the antics of furry animals will always be undeniably cute. There are some really unphotogenic pets out there, but hey, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is why World’s Ugliest Dog Day is celebrated on June 20 every year. We love to love dogs every day, but dogs with facial deformities or less attractive features are in the spotlight today. Whether they lack fur or adorable faces, those puppy eyes will always get us!
The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is an annual contest held in Petaluma, California, as part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, to decide which of the dogs entered in the contest is the ugliest. The winner receives a trophy and the title of ‘The World’s Ugliest Dog,’ and the dog’s owner receives $1,000 in prize money. Since 2017, the prize money has increased to $1,600, along with a free trip to New York City.
Throughout the years, many dogs have participated to claim the esteemed title of ‘The World’s Ugliest Dog,’ with one breed, in particular, winning the most titles; the Chinese Crested. Since the inception of the contest in the 1970s, the most unsightly dog has been from this breed at least 22 times. With a hairless body and bulging eyes, the breed is still beloved and described by the American Kennel Club as an “ultra-affectionate companion dog.”
With social media full of content featuring cute fluffy animals with shares and likes stacked up, Ugliest Dog Days recognizes the not-so-cute lot and makes owners beam with pride for their unattractive pets.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 20, 2021 18:37:03 GMT
In honor of National Ugliest Dog Day, let's post some pictures of dogs so ugly they are adorable!
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Post by pennmom on Jun 21, 2021 13:00:17 GMT
Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2021
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day gives us a chance to recognize the many achievements of the country’s Indigenous peoples. The day also celebrates the distinct cultures and unique traditions of these native communities. Three Indigenous peoples groups exist in Canada: the Inuit, First Nations, and Metis. Recent statistics put their population at just under 1.7 million. Festivities celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day are held all throughout Canada every year on June 21.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 21, 2021 13:03:38 GMT
Holy Spirit Monday – June 21, 2021
This year, Holy Spirit Monday will be celebrated on June 21. Holy Spirit Monday celebrates the emergence of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames. The holiday is celebrated 50 days after the commemoration of Orthodox Easter. Devout Christians observe this day as the birth of the church. Holy Spirit Monday is celebrated with and friends. Some countries celebrate the day as a public holiday while others do not.
HISTORY OF HOLY SPIRIT MONDAY
In Greek Orthodox Churches, Holy Spirit Monday is a three-day religious celebration. It is a joyous occasion with lots of festivities and is also celebrated by some as the Second Easter. According to the New Testament, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and the church of Jerusalem 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ. This event occurred during the Jewish feast of Shavuot.
As the Apostles gathered for blessings, the gospel stories say that the Holy Spirit descended on them as tongues of fire. This enabled them to preach to the devotees and speak to each one of them in a language that they could understand. Thus, 50 days after the Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Christian church for two reasons. One, the descent of the Holy Spirit completed the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Two, it was the beginning of the Christian faith being preached to the masses.
Festivities for Pentecost and Holy Spirit Monday begin as early as Friday, and the Sunday before Holy Spirit Monday is also known as Trinity Sunday. Public celebrations are held in local churches and some parishes might even organize a fair. In countries like Greece, Holy Spirit Monday is a public holiday where schools and offices are closed.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 21, 2021 13:06:28 GMT
International Yoga Day Mon Jun 21st, 2021
People have different ways of relaxing, some of them healthier than others. Some people drink a glass of wine, some doze off in front of the TV, and some people prefer physical pursuits. One of the best and oldest ways to release the tension building up in both the body and the mind is practicing yoga. The benefits of practicing yoga, such as mastering countless techniques of controlling the body and the mind, have been widely recognized by the Western world for years, and International Yoga Day aims to continue to inform people how much dedicating a bit of time to the art of yoga can improve their lives. It is not just a physical practice, but also a mental one, with many of the teachings of yoga reflecting mental and spiritual states, and allowing your body to wadner and draft into unknown realms that will give you a focus in your life and a calmness with your soul.
History of International Yoga Day
Yoga itself is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India about 6,000 years ago. Throughout the ages, yoga evolved and developed, along the way becoming a philosophy in itself. Then, in the 19th century, yoga came to the attention of the West, which had begun to take a general interest in Eastern culture and philosophy. Soon after, Swami Vivekananda, the first Hindu teacher to actively advocate and explain yoga to a western audience, toured Europe and the United States.
The United Nations General Assembly declared International Yoga Day official on December 11th, 2014. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, had this to say about the decision to create this day:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.” The date chosen on which to celebrate International Yoga Day, June 21st, is also of great significance, as it is Summer Solstice and marks the transition to Dakshinayana. So far, more than 170 countries worldwide have shown their support for this day.
Yoga is practiced all over the world and there is evidence of this as yoga continues to inspire and take over the world! Yoga classes are becoming more and more prevalent in our society today and there is a bigger demand than ever before. Yes, yoga has been well marketed you may say, it is an ancient practice that has stood the test of time but you do not need to be a yogi ninja to really be able to appreciate the beauty and benefits of the tradition.
In fact, starting off slow and simple is going to be the best way to learn the rudiments as well as really being able to appreciate what it’s about. Lots of instructors begin at a low level, ensuring that everyone is able to keep up, feel the power and start to feel the benefits. So, what are the benefits you may ask?
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Jun 21, 2021 13:09:13 GMT
National Seashell Day – June 21, 2021
National Seashell Day is celebrated every year on the first day of summer — on June 21. This day encourages you to head to your nearby beach and admire the beautiful shells left behind by creatures, typically snails and mollusks. There are so many different types of shells that you can find on beaches, all you have to do is look. However, make sure you only pick up empty shells and not ones with creatures still living inside them. If you do find such shells, it’s best to release them gently back into the ocean. Get ready to head to sandy beaches where seashells await you!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SEASHELL DAY
National Seashell Day was founded by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau on the first day of summer in 2016. This day was created as a marketing gimmick to attract tourists to celebrate the seashells found on the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel in Southwest Florida. National Seashell Day was first celebrated on Captiva Island with the morning TV news show called “Good Morning, America.”
Did you know Sanibel Island has earned the title of the Seashell Capital of the World, owing to its abundance of seashells? Every year, people flock to Captiva and Sanibel Islands to search for over 400 species of shells. The calm waves and location make these islands the top pick for people to look for beautiful seashells.
However, while shelling is allowed, it is illegal to collect live shells, which is any shell that still has an inhabitant. The shell serves as their home and it is cruel to disrupt their environment. This day is also celebrated to alleviate the issue of the illegal shell trade. In fact, shellers are also encouraged to keep their empty shell collection to a minimum.
National Seashell Day is an ideal opportunity to simply be grateful for the existence of the beautiful shells that are home to certain sea creatures.
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heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. Due to the importance watches hold in our lives and the rich history that defines their existence, National Watch Day was formed in 2017. The day was created by Nordstrom, an American luxury department store chain that sells clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics, watches, and numerous other items. To promote the watch line available at the Nordstrom store, the idea of National Watch Day was pitched. Some of the famous brands available for sale at the store include Tissot, Ted Baker, Movado, Rado, and several others.