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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:06:04 GMT
National Pink Day – June 23, 2021
National Pink Day is celebrated on June 23 every year. As you might imagine, it’s a day to celebrate the meaning, history, and beauty of the pale shade of red. Surveys in both the United States and Europe found pink to be most commonly associated with femininity, sensitivity and tenderness. From pink being a subject of recent pop culture, to interesting facts about the delightful shade throughout time, the day celebrates all things pink. After all, as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” once famously said, “Whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed!”
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PINK DAY
As is the case with a number of digital-age holidays, the exact origins and celebrations of National Pink Day are lost in time. What we do know is that when combined with white, pink has long been a symbol of femininity, grace, and chastity, whereas when combined with black, it calls up the prurient interests.
In reverse chronological order, starting with recent pop culture, pink as a color and word has had many uses. In the 90s-era Aerosmith song “Pink,” Steven Tyler croons, “Pink on the lips of your lover / ‘Cause pink is the love you discover…” This is an illustration of the sense of femininity and romance the color has come to represent. But believe it or not, in the old days, pink was worn by boys in infancy and was considered a “stronger” color than blue. Before the 1940s, that’s just how it was.
Even farther back, in the 1700s, we have the first use of the word “pink” to describe pale red, derived from the class of flowers called “the pinks.” Until then, pink was simply that, a flower, and the use of the word referred to a flower in the sense of, “His mother is the flower of dependability,” as in, the paragon or the prime example. In fact, the character Mercutio in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” has a line in which he says, “Nay, I am the very pinck of curtesie,” of course meaning he’s the most well-mannered chap you’re likely to find!
It’s not uncommon today for men to own and wear a couple of pink dress shirts, a phenomenon that evolved in the 1980s when the browns and mustard-yellows of the 70s finally fell out of fashion. Perhaps pink business clothing was first meant as a sign of solidarity with the then-burgeoning feminist movement.
In the interest of staying sharp, staying current, let’s hear from the singer Pink on human nature. “True beauty is knowing who you are and what you want and never apologizing for it.” That’s the true attitude not only of the American songstress, but the color pink itself.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:08:14 GMT
National Pecan Sandies Day – June 23, 2021
National Pecan Sandies Day comes around on June 23 every year, and whether you say it as ‘pee-can’ or ‘peh-kahn,’ we give you all the reasons to be excited about this textured, crunchy, buttery, tree nut. Also, did we mention these are a type of cookie? Cookies make everything infinitely better, so we don’t doubt that this will have you coming back for more. Firstly, what is a pecan sandy, and what’s with the name? The sandy (or ‘sablé’) is a type of sugar or shortbread cookie. The word ‘sablé’ is French, meaning ‘sandy,’ due to the crumbly texture of the cookie, which comes from the sandy, breadcrumb-like texture when mixing the flour and butter. The name also works because of the sandy color of the cookie. The traditional pecan sandy has a toasted pecan pressed into the cookie and is garnished with a flurry of powdered sugar. Furthermore, since this is a type of mildly sweet shortbread cookie, it melts in the mouth and goes amazingly with a glass of cold milk or a hot beverage like tea.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PECAN SANDIES DAY
Though there is not much information to be found about the first time National Pecan Sandies Day was recognized as a holiday, the origins of the sandy itself can be somewhat traced. The name ‘Sandies’ was registered by the Keebler Company (an American cookie manufacturer) as a brand name in 1955, which they used for their line of shortbread cookies. They introduced the pecan sandy then and, later on, added other variations. It, therefore, seems likely that the pecan sandy was popularized by the company and perhaps that is how the sweet treat came to have a day of its own.
However, we can trace the origin of the sandy all the way back to medieval France (1670) where the ‘sablé’ (the French word for ‘sandy’) was first created in the region of Sablé-sur-Sarthe, in the western part of France. Some say that the pecan sandy originated from sweet treats of medieval Arab cuisine because, in countries like Malaysia, it is referred to as an ‘Arab biscuit’.
Other world cultures have very similar cookies to pecan sandies, which are generically called ‘snowball cookies’ and have their own specific names depending on their country of origin.
Differing from pecan sandies only in shape, snowball cookies are rolled into balls and doused with powdered sugar (resembling snowballs — hence the name) and contain pecans as part of the dough. They are also known as ‘Mexican wedding cookies,’ ‘Russian tea cakes,’ and ‘Danish wedding cookies.’ Whatever the country of origin, though, we are sure glad they exist, and that they continue to be a favorite for people around the globe.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:09:51 GMT
National Hydration Day – June 23, 2021
Each June 23, the U.S. celebrates National Hydration Day. Proper hydration is vital to living a healthy life, but it’s often overlooked. It’s easy to forget to carry a water bottle on a hot day outside, but skipping out on H2O can lead to major health risks. National Hydration Day was created in honor of late football coach Victor Hawkins, who invented a special hydrating mouthguard to keep his players healthy on the field. SafeTGard, the company that now sells his invention, launched the holiday after Hawkins’ passing to honor his legacy and to encourage others to stay hydrated. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a casual exerciser, or someone who simply loves to spend time outside in the sun, drinking water is key to avoiding heat stroke, dehydration, and other dangerous issues. Celebrating National Hydration Day is a great way to raise awareness!
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:13:29 GMT
Let It Go Day - June 23, 2021
Everyone has probably experienced those different sets of nagging regrets and grudges that tug at their souls for weeks, months or even years. It doesn’t even matter how much time has passed after the people, jobs or situations which once made them important ceased to be part of their life. It can still be so very hard to let go of these things.
Sure, there may have been a time in life when it felt important to take every opportunity to demonstrate to that ex, former workmate or classmate how well things were going without them. But isn’t it finally time to move on and let go of all of those negative emotions that tend to drag everything down?
That is exactly what Let It Go Day is all about! A national day when people all over the world can be intentional about taking the brave step to cast away all those hang-ups from a previous chapter in life and start fresh. It’s time to celebrate Let It Go Day!
History of Let It Go Day
Regrets are not particularly useful to anyone. They tend to weigh on people’s consciences and leave them with a deficit of joy, often at a time when those who have been wronged have long since forgotten them. Even if the other person hasn’t offered forgiveness, it is an important step toward healing for people to learn to forgive themselves. This helps with the process of moving forward without guilt or bitterness and allows people to endeavor to live a better life in the future.
Let It Go Day is one of a bevy of holidays created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs. They knew the difficulty of living with a pocketful of regrets that can haunt a person during every quiet hour, and knew that letting them go was the only way to find peace and contentment in their own lives.
So it was for this reason that Let It Go Day was created, with the intention of encouraging others throughout the world to also let go of their regrets and forgive themselves for actions taken in the past.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:16:14 GMT
International Widows Day - June 23, 2021
The often overlooked plight of widows worldwide is observed today.
Around the world, women who have lost their husbands to illness or war face a number of challenges, and not all of them have their family to support them when they do.
Losing a loved one in any capacity is difficult and traumatic, and this day aims to ensure that widows are given the support they need to go through an incredibly difficult time, and ensure widows maintain full rights and recognition in their country.
History of International Widows Day
In many countries, women who suddenly find themselves as widows also find themselves in situations where they are denied their right to inheritance monies or inherited land rights.
Some are subjected to life-threatening, degrading or painful mourning practices and burial rites when their husband passes. Some will be taken from their homes or separated from their children, denied work and access to healthcare.
Unfortunately, in some countries, the rights of a woman are tied solely to her husband. When her husband dies she may find herself without a place in society. It is not uncommon for women in these situations to be forced into marrying another male relative of their husband’s.
There are cultures which see widows as being cursed or associated with the practice of witchcraft, which of course sees them separated from their community and often outcast along with their children.
International Widow’s Day seeks to stop this ostracizing and better educate communities regarding the needs of vulnerable women such as widows and empower them to have access to healthcare and education for their children.
This day became a globally recognized day in 2010, started by the 65th UN General Assembly.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:18:36 GMT
Women in Engineering Day - June 23, 2021
Women in Engineering Day is an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers throughout the world.
The science of engineering has been responsible for a huge amount of development in the way that we live today. Leaps and bounds in the engineering field have given us the benefit of living easier lives, living in better homes, and using better means of transport – and that’s just to name a few developments.
Although even today, some may see engineering as being a male-dominated sector, Women in Engineering Day reminds us that actually, it’s far from it. In fact, this is a sector in which women are making some huge waves. So today is all about the ladies taking part in some incredible achievements against all odds, and showing just what they can do.
History of Women in Engineering Day
Women in Engineering Day was launched for the first time in the UK on 23 June 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary. Since that launch in 2014, the day has grown enormously over the subsequent years to the point where it received UNESCO patronage in 2016. In 2017, Women in Engineering Day became international for the first time due to the interest and enthusiasm developed by the international audience and participants in the previous years.
As an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers throughout the world. The whole point of Women in Engineering Day is to encourage the growth of women within the engineering sector.
All governmental, educational, institutional and corporate engineering organizations are encouraged to organize events to support the day. Encouraging great opportunities for women in engineering is an important part of this observance, especially since there has been a shortage of access to those with engineering skills in recent years.
Women being encouraged into engineering careers are essential for making the industry entirely inclusive – something which is incredibly important for modern-day businesses – and to be sure that engineering jobs of the future are filled by today’s best and brightest. This day was created by the Women’s Engineering Society, a charity which began in 1919 following the end of the First World War, as many women had taken engineering jobs during the conflict and wished to keep working.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 23, 2021 19:21:06 GMT
Public Service Day - June 23, 2021
No nation runs without the constant and determined work of the people who live there and strive every day with a sense of service to the public. While not everyone serves this purpose, those who do are notable for their dedication, and the changes their efforts make in our lives every day. Public Service Day reminds us of the importance of public service, and the people who dedicate themselves every day to the success of their nation.
History of Public Service Day
To engage in public service is to work to improve fundamental human rights, such as access to water, homes, and medical treatment. Those who work with Volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps are involved in providing services like these, and aiding the security of our homes and ourselves every day. Without them, our cities and towns wouldn’t be nearly as safe, and there’d be no-one to respond when danger calls.
You may be surprised how many people you know that are involved in the public service industry. Do you know a mail carrier? How about a librarian? Did anyone you know serve in the military or work in education? All of these are types of public service, and without them, we wouldn’t live in the world of safety and security we do today.
The idea of public service first began in the 19th century as municipal services began to be developed, such as gas and water. As further services were provided by government agencies, the scope of what qualified as a public service expanded. Today we benefit from hundreds of community and public services, and we have the civil servants who work in these areas to thank for our creature comforts.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:39:56 GMT
![]() Midsummer – June 24, 2021
Midsummer is celebrated on June 24 and it’s a day that’s meant for us to appreciate all the gifts that nature gives us. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and that lands on June 20, but because the old Julian calendar marked it differently, the date for Midsummer Day remains June 24. The holiday originates from Sweden, but it’s celebrated all over the world and many use the weekend closest to the date for traditional festivities.
HISTORY OF MIDSUMMER
Midsummer started as a pagan ritual for fertility and a successful harvest during the Stone Age. The pagans believed that plants had healing properties during the summer solstice and they honored the day showing reverence to nature with rituals. They danced around maypoles, fashioned garnets, and herbs were picked on Midsummer’s Eve and bonfires were used to keep away any evil spirits. It was said that spirits were free to roam the earth when the sun was turning towards the southern hemisphere.
In the fourth century, the holiday was changed to fit into Christian beliefs that honored St. John the Baptist called St. John’s Day. In the Gospel of Luke, Saint John’s birthday is said to be six months before the birth of Jesus, which would put his birthday in June. It was celebrated by bathing in water the night before for purification, a feast, and prayer on the holiday, but despite the name change, some of the customs from Midsummer remained.
In the Middle Ages, Germany had its own Midsummer rituals which would eventually be adopted by Sweden and others. Germanic neopagans called their summer solstice festival Litha. In their rituals, the Maypole was decorated with leaves and raised on May 1, which is where the name comes from. It was hard to find green leaves during that time, and the holiday was moved to Midsummer.
Today, it’s still a celebrated holiday and it’s incredibly popular. In Sweden, it comes only second to Christmas and people travel from all over the world to experience it themselves. During the time of the Summer Solstice, inhabitants of the British Isles and Scandinavia have nearly a full day of sunlight, making it easy for them to imagine how the Pagans once lived and they reenact the traditions of old. |
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:42:00 GMT
National Bomb Pop Day – June 24, 2021
National Bomb Pop Day pops up on the last Thursday of June each year, so this year it will be celebrated on June 24. With its iconic and immediately recognizable trio of colors — red, white, and blue, it was born at the outset of a period of patriotic frenzy in American history. What is a Bomb Pop, though? It’s a frozen confection that is shaped like a rocket and is tri-colored. Each color has a different flavor, with the original flavors being cherry, lime, and blue  . Since the frozen treat is itself reminiscent of star-shaped fireworks, the name ‘Bomb Pop’ isn’t really a point to ponder. Because of the color theme, this frozen treat is now a popular favorite on Fourth of July celebrations, too, so why not kick-start the party by stocking up at your nearest convenience store? Or better yet, take the nostalgic route by chasing down an ice-cream truck and getting your tri-colored treats from there.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BOMB POP DAY
The Bomb Pop was first invented by D.S. Abernethy and James S. Merritt, of Merritt Foods, on July 30, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri. This invention occurred at the outset of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union (modern-day Russia) when the situation was heating up as the two world powers began to consider a nuclear war. It seems almost poetic that amidst the threat of nuclear warfare, Abernethy and Merritt came up with a frozen treat to cool down temperaments all over the nation. The pop was shaped like a bomb with six fins, hence the name Bomb Pop, and its color scheme reflected the patriotic zeitgeist of America during the Cold War. Its star shape is also reminiscent of star-shaped rocket fireworks, which is apt for Independence Day celebrations, too.
Speaking of war, the Bomb Pop story is not without its share of controversy, too. In 1989, Popsicle released the Firecracker Pop as the Bomb Pop’s direct rival and the ‘war’ between the two companies was ongoing until 2014.
In 1991, Merritt Foods had to close down, however, it was bought by Well’s Dairy, Iowa — Bomb Pops and all. Since then, the popsicle has only risen in popularity, so much so that Well’s Dairy collaborated with Walt Disney to release a ‘Buzz Lightyear Bomb Pop’ in 2003.
The Bomb Pops of today come in different color combinations and flavors, however, the traditional one remains a hit. It was in 2005, in honor of 50 years of Bomb Pops, that Bomb Pop Day became a national holiday and we think that was a very cool move!
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:44:12 GMT
National  Day – June 24, 2021
National Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of June each year, falling on June 24 this year, and we’re glad that this common greeting is getting a place in the spotlight after all the years it has been around. Not only is the the most universally recognized form of greeting, but it has also come to mean different things in different cultures, which is why learning more about it will come in handy (pun intended). Throughout history and across different cultural contexts, the has been practiced as an expression of peace or goodwill and is almost like a common language that binds us together the world over. It’s no wonder, then, that we want to make a big deal out of this innocuous gesture. Sociologically, the has come to be a symbol of things hidden below the surface, as you can tell a lot about a person from the way they shake hands. Perhaps, for this reason, secret handshakes have also become popular, giving people a sense of belonging to a particular group. However you view the , one has to admit that it deserves its own day, just owing to the sheer frequency of its use in our daily lives.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DAY
The is possibly one of the oldest forms of greeting in the world, and it needs to be acknowledged for this very fact, as well as all that it can mean across different contexts. “This gesture is key to first impressions and relationships,” says Miryam Roddy (of BRODY Professional Development), a professional development coach who believes in the importance of the as being crucial to creating a great first impression. This is why she founded National Day in 2005, and it has been celebrated annually since then.
While the exact origin of the is not known, there are traces of pictorial evidence on pottery and pressings, which show that the ancient Assyrians and Greeks used to clasp hands to seal a deal or indicate a peaceful approach. In medieval Europe, knights would clasp each other’s arms in order to shake loose any weapons that might be up the other’s sleeve, and a popular belief is that the originated in Europe, due to the shaking part of the gesture that knights would use. By the 1700s, the Quakers came to use the in preference to more deferential ways of greeting, such as the hat tip or bowing, because shaking hands conveys more of a sense of equality between both parties. Thus, the gesture began to gain popularity. Soon, the very nature of the evolved, as it began to be used by secret groups or sects (like the Freemasons), as a sort of password, indicative of belonging.
In modern times the has come to mean different things around the world. Men tend to favor the gesture more than women, perhaps because historically women did not need to suspect each other of carrying weapons. In the Western world, handshakes are expected to be firm, whereas, in East Asian countries, a light grip and no eye contact is seen as more appropriate. Nowadays the seems to be going out of fashion, with the fist bump fast replacing it in American culture. However, we vote that the be brought back, as it conveys so much more than a fist bump does — respect, equality, trust, and goodwill.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:47:34 GMT
National Pralines Day – June 24, 2021
National Pralines Day is on June 24 that celebrates a nut-based creamy confection that can be enjoyed in an assortment of ways. Pralines are a smooth and sweet treat made with nuts, sugar, and sometimes cream. They can be used in cookies, candy, and as a paste and they’re often made with pecans or almonds. The name is believed to have been inspired by French sugar industrialist and French diplomat César, duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin who used a powder called pralin made by grinding sugar-coated nuts.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PRALINES DAY
During the seventeenth century, France’s Marshal du Plessis-Praslin was responsible for the fame and name of the praline, but many believe that it was his chef, Clement Lassagne who was the true creator.
In one account, the idea for pralines came from Lassagne’s children who snacked on the leftover almonds and caramel from earlier culinary projects which inspired the idea. In another, the children had caramelized almonds over a candle and Lassagne followed the scent and discovered the magic of the mixture. And in yet another, Lassagne’s apprentice accidentally knocked a container of almonds into a vat of cooking caramel.
Pralines were brought over from France to New Orleans by Ursuline nuns in 1727. They oversaw young women called casket girls who, under the request of Bienville, were meant to marry New Orleans’ colonists. The casket girls were taught the art of praline making along with academics and domestic work for the purpose of becoming good wives to the settlers. Pralines became part of the local tradition in New Orleans, and now they’re an essential part of creole cuisine.
In the nineteenth century, the ingredients switched from almonds to pecans because of their availability in New Orleans, and cream was used to thicken the texture. Women in the French Quarter who sold pralines were called Pralinieres and selling pralines gave free people of color job opportunities when work was limited. Instead of being indentured servants or kept-women, women of lesser means were given more autonomy thanks to this alternate avenue of income. The praline expanded into other parts of the country and they became popular in Texas and Georgia as a favored southern confection, but it all began in The Big Easy.
Pralines haven’t changed much from their original form. The ingredients still consist of pecans, dairy, and sugar, and some have added vanilla and maple for more flavor. People have experimented with pralines in many different ways, but the original is still just as loved as it was back then. The creamy sweetness of this confection still holds its own amongst many other tasty treats.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:50:18 GMT
National Work From Home Day – June 24, 2021
On the last Thursday in June we celebrate National Work From Home Day, this year it is June 24. It’s a chance to recognize the technological and cultural evolutions that allow us as a work culture to be as productive anywhere in the world as we are in the office. For years, working at home had been the purview of certain types of jobs, or saved as a bonus to reward employees while the rest of us battled with the daily commute. Now, however, the tools exist so that nearly any office job can be done at home without a loss of productivity. Today, we celebrate those achievements and do so in our pajamas.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WORK FROM HOME DAY
The history of working from home should probably be called the history of working, because for most of human history work was done primarily in and around the home. From the earliest hunter-gatherers to the home-based shops of medieval Europe, working from home was more the norm than the exception. It wasn’t until the Renaissance when mixed use storefronts gave way to more centralized administrative buildings for government, schools, that the idea of an office to go to for work even entered the lexicon.
However, it was the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century that changed the way we work in profound ways. The advent of factories with sophisticated and heavy machinery for producing goods such as textiles meant that people were unable to do their work within the confines of their own homes. This created the working outside of the home model consisting of skilled workers that would eventually evolve into our own familiar office-style work model.
Throughout most of the 20th century work from home was relegated to certain professions, the most notably being creative arts — painters, musicians, writers, etc. — and multi-level marketing jobs that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
However, in the background, the technology was slowly evolving to the point where working from home was as technologically sophisticated and productive as working in an office. From roughly the 1980s until today, technology has opened the door bit by bit to more and more remote work options. The personal computer, the fax machine, mobile phones, the internet, video chat, collaborative documents, have all collaborated to changes in remote work culture and capability.
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote work is analyzed in the coming months, many of the cultural barriers to remote work may be weakened or removed, revealing a renaissance in remote work professions (pants options, of course).
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:53:01 GMT
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day – June 24, 2021
A national holiday in the Canadian province of Quebec and celebrated by French Canadians worldwide, especially in Canada and the United States, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, June 24, honors the traditional feast day of the Nativity — or birth — of St. John the Baptist. The religious nature of the holiday has been de-emphasized for civic events, and “la St-Jean” is now mainly a celebration of francophone culture and history filled with public events, parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks. Bonne Saint-Jean-Baptiste!
HISTORY OF SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE DAY
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a national holiday celebrated on June 24 in Quebec, where it’s also known as ‘Fête nationale du Québec’ (‘national holiday of Quebec’ in English). Many Canadian Francophone communities outside of Quebec also celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.
The holiday festivities start on June 23 and people gather to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Francophone culture with outdoor activities, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Smaller celebrations are also held in neighborhoods, like bonfires, barbecues, and picnics. The white fleur-de-lis on the flag of Quebec is the symbol of this holiday. Blue and white are the colors of the day, and the flag is waved and hoisted at Fête nationale du Québec events.
The history of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is more than 100 years old. The day originally marked the honorary remembrance of the Christian saint, John the Baptist, but all this changed in 1834 when Canadian-French journalist Ludger Duvernay witnessed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Montreal. Seeing the grand celebration for an honorary figure inspired him to form a similar holiday for French Canadians to honor their heritage. Duvernay established the charitable association, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society, in the same year, and the holiday was observed for the first time on June 24. The association was chartered in 1849 with the aim of promoting moral and social progress.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day was celebrated on and off for years until it finally became an official holiday in Quebec in 1925. The day has been observed every year since and has become a mark of Francophone culture.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:54:58 GMT
Swim a Lap Day – June 24, 2021
Swim a Lap Day is celebrated on June 24 each year and it’s the ultimate antidote to the classic summer conundrum — how do I work out without working up a sweat and stay cool at the same time? To the ones for which this may not apply, it’s still a day for you, since swimming (or just floating) is fun for everyone! Since humans are not yet able to fly, swimming is the next best thing — just think back to the last time you were in the pool (or any other waterbody) and felt that weightless feeling of the water just carrying you. If the trip down memory lane is not convincing enough, perhaps the thought of staying cool without having to use up extra electricity will appeal to you more. Whatever your reasons for taking a dip, it’s a great way to beat the heat and get some exercise in, all while having a splashing good time, especially with those you love.
HISTORY OF SWIM A LAP DAY
Though the origins of Swim a Lap Day are as mysterious as the ocean depths, the activity of swimming itself can be traced back several thousand years, to the ancient Greeks and Romans. These civilizations built beautiful artificial pools for training athletes, conducting military exercises, and having a jolly good time, too. Evidence of this can be found in paintings of the time, as well as certain written manuscripts. Some say that swimming can be traced as far back as 7,000 years ago, due to pictorial evidence of figures doing breaststroke depicted on cave wall paintings in Egypt and other places in the Middle East. Still, others say that the ancient Japanese were the ones who invented it and, long before swimming was a sport in the Western world, the Japanese were holding swim races as early as 36 B.C.
It was in England, in the 1800s, that swimming first became a competitive sport and the first swimming championship took place in Australia, in 1846. It then became an annual affair and it was during the 1896 Olympic Games, held in Athens, that swimming events were first added to the Olympics. The main four styles of swimming are breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle/front crawl, and butterfly stroke. Another popular swim-related event, included in the Olympics, is synchronized swimming, which combines aerobics, dance, and swimming skills all in one and is a treat to watch. To this day, swimming is so popular because age is no bar, and as a physical activity it can cater to a variety of purposes — to relax, exercise, or rehabilitate. It’s no wonder then that swimming has remained popular throughout the ages and across the world, so it makes sense that this sport is celebrated for everything that it brings to our lives.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 21:58:08 GMT
Upcycling Day - June 24th, 2021
Upcycling is a growing trend that’s still under the radar for some. Simply, it’s all about taking old objects and furniture, and adding your own creativity and craft to make it something new, unique and beautiful.
Upcycling Day is all about celebrating the art of upcycling. However, with that art also comes the focus on sustainable use of household goods, recycling items instead of being wasteful, and the many different ways we can reuse things that we might think are completely useless at first glance.
History of Upcycling Day
Though the term has been around since the 90s, upcycling first rose to prominence when it started trending in 2002. Even before then, people have been finding new uses for old things since time immemorial.
Since our first ancestors roamed on two feet, it’s been natural to reuse our possessions and find new ways to benefit from them. It’s only since modern society dawned that we started chucking a lot more away.
The book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things, released in 2002 by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart, brought upcycling into the modern vernacular. Not only did it have all kinds of tips on upcycling, the book itself was upcycled from plastic and soy, which was used to form the ink.
Since then, upcycling has caught the world’s imagination. Both those dedicated to finding sustainable ways of living to save the planet and the more artistically inclined have been coming together to find all new ways to use the old things cluttering our lives and filling our waste dumps.
Upcycling Day naturally arose as a way to bring attention to the craze and to encourage everyone and anyone to get involved in throwing less away and upcycling more.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 24, 2021 22:02:28 GMT
Fairy Day - June 24th, 2021
Whether you see them as small winged tenders of the deep natural places of the earth, or as tall stately figures with fair skin and hair, there’s one thing for certain. The world has been absolutely captured by the Fairy Craze. These creatures appear on everything from mugs to t-shirts and have been the subject of children’s fairy tales and even supernatural romances. Fairy Day celebrates these incredible mythological creatures that have captured the imagination of people everywhere and their diverse history.
History of Fairy Day
Fairies have existed in just about every culture over the world, though they may have been called by different names. What they have in common, no matter where you go, is that they are spirits that inhabit the world around us and often operate by strange and often odd laws. That’s about where the similarities end, and where the amazingly diverse concepts that are the fae begin.
We’ve all heard of the winged fairies that flit around flowers and are always drawn like butterfly winged cherubs of slight form, but did you know that Dwarves and Gnomes are also part of the fae  ? These creatures were common among the Germanic folk, and especially those who worked in mines and mountains. Knockers were a form of fairy that lived in mines and would ‘knock’ to warn miners of pending cave-ins and danger, hence their name.
The red-hatted gnomes that occupy so many people’s gardens were fashioned after creatures from the far north. These quiet and unassuming creatures were part of the dark northern forests and spent their time living near the homes of humans, which they’d sometimes help out.
There’s even fae that lives in the oceans like the Irish Selkie, dark of hair and eye, these creatures were able to turn into humans. Turn into humans we say? Yes! They started lives as seals and would take off their skin when they came ashore and take the form of beautiful women.
If one were lucky enough to steal their skin they’d be able to take a Selkie wife, so long as they didn’t let the skin be found!
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Post by pennmom on Jun 25, 2021 11:09:11 GMT
National Take Your Dog to Work Day – June 25, 2021
National Take Your Dog to Work Day, celebrated annually on the Friday following Father’s Day (June 25), honors one of our most beloved pets. Wouldn’t you agree, the hardest part of the day is leaving our four-legged fur babies behind as we head to the office? So, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) pitched the idea of taking them with us, how could we resist? Dogs brighten up even the best days so it’s pretty obvious they will up the fun factor at work exponentially. As you run out the door, don’t forget your briefcase and a  bag. We’ll see you at the office!
But if you receive the green light from your company, this holiday is a great way to show off your dog to your coworkers. National Take Your Dog to Work Day began in 1999 as a way to celebrate companion dogs and to encourage adoptions. Having your dog at work with you all day may make it a little tough to get all of your tasks done. But having the dog with you may allow you to interact with your coworkers in a whole new way, as the dog is a great icebreaker. Pitch that idea of promoting better communication and teamwork to your boss, and you may convince him or her to allow you to have Fido sitting next to your desk, celebrating this holiday.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY
Recognized for the first time in 1999, National Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates our immense love for dogs. But our adoration of man’s best friend wasn’t the only reason PSI suggested the holiday. National Take Your Dog to Work Day is also intended to cleverly promote pet adoptions. Through these work events, non-pet owners witness the special bond their co-workers have with their pets and, hopefully, find themselves swayed to adopt a new best friend of their own.
Cue the local animal shelters and rescue groups. With almost 4 million dogs entering shelters across the US every year, animal rescue has become an important cause among Americans. Companies care about what their employees care about and, it’s clear, we care about dogs. So, companies benefit by getting involved from a community outreach perspective and from an enhanced employee engagement point of view.
Around 300 businesses hosted a National Take Your Dog to Work Day event in 1999 and the popularity of the holiday has grown steadily since. Twenty years later, over 63 million US households own at least one dog and the pet industry is estimated to have brought in over $70 billion in 2019. Our dogs (and cats) are and we spoil them as much as any other child. In response, we now see companies who are dog-friendly, not limiting the number of days an employee can bring Buddy to work to just one.
So, raise the WOOF and get ready to host a National Take Your Dog to Work Day event where you work with these great ideas and resources.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 25, 2021 11:11:13 GMT
National Strawberry Parfait Day – June 25, 2021
National Strawberry Parfait Day on June 25 gives us an excuse to enjoy all the strawberry parfait in the world. Strawberry parfait is a divine dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also looks absolutely beautiful in its bright red and white colors. The dessert’s name evokes images of quiet and cozy cafes in France as the ‘parfait’ part of the name means ‘perfect’ in French, and we couldn’t agree more. Traditionally, this dessert is made with juicy strawberries and ice cream, or whipped cream, or custard and nuts. Many versions also include a dash of liquor and/or chocolate syrup. While June 25 honors strawberry parfait, there are many other different types of parfait, with one being on the savory side. For instance, in England, parfait is the name of a smooth meat paste made with chicken or duck liver mixed with strong alcohol.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL STRAWBERRY PARFAIT DAY
Because strawberries are in season during June, it only makes sense that National Strawberry Parfait Day is celebrated in June when fresh and juicy strawberries are available in abundance. Strawberry parfait originated from France in the late 1800s. The oldest recipe dates back to 1892. The French version of parfait consisted of custard made from sugar, eggs, cream, and syrup. All these ingredients are boiled and cooked to a thick consistency. Initially, the parfait was eaten as is but, later on, fruit was added to the recipe to counter the rich and creamy texture. Many people enjoyed strawberries in parfait as the sweet and tangy flavor and aroma of the fruit complemented it. Soon, globalization took the recipe to other parts of the world and, today, it is a much-loved dessert.
The U.S. version of the dessert involves putting a dash of liquor or chocolate into the recipe. Healthier versions of the recipe call for the substitution of whipping cream and ice cream with yogurt instead. You can make your own strawberry parfait at home and you can start by collecting fresh strawberries from your local farms. Combine all the ingredients in a container and stick it in the freezer. Make sure to stir your mixture infrequently in order to get that perfect parfait texture. Because they are so popular, special tall glasses were invented for serving parfaits so that they are also a visual treat.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 25, 2021 11:13:14 GMT
National Leon Day – June 25, 2021
National Leon Day, celebrated on June 25 every year, marks the exact halfway point in the year to Christmas. We don’t know about you, but we certainly look forward to the cold winter Christmas morning when we get to indulge in a Christmas spread and wear those ugly sweaters that get taken out especially for the occasion. Today is also the day for avid crafters to start planning their Christmas decor and gift ideas. You can get the most expensive gifts, but the ones that you’ve put a lot of thought into will always emerge as the ultimate winners.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LEON DAY
Honored on June 25 each year, National Leon Day gives us an excuse to celebrate an extremely festive occasion, just for the sake of celebrating it. ‘Leon’ is ‘noel’ spelled backward, and it means ‘to be born’ in Latin. In Ecclesiastes, which is one of the Ketuvim (writings) from the Hebrew bible, Jesus’ birth is referred to as ‘natalis’. A version of ‘natalis’ is ‘nael’, which was used in Old French and referred to the Christmas season. Another variation of the word exists in Middle English, too, where it was called ‘nowel’. In the modern day and age, ‘noel’ means Christmas as well as Christmas carols and songs.
June 25 marks the point when this year’s Christmas starts coming closer than last year’s Christmas. It is a time for the enthusiastic Christmas planner to start getting the planning and preparation underway. Crafters start looking for decor and gift options. Many also take advantage of special one-day sales on Christmas items as stores and centers put out items on display. Families and friends also hold mini-Christmas parties by coming together to enjoy dinner and listening to Christmas music. Charity organizations run fundraising drives to remind people of the importance of donating all year round, and not just during the Christmas season.
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Post by pennmom on Jun 25, 2021 11:15:18 GMT
National Catfish Day – June 25, 2021
National Catfish Day on June 25 brings a host of amazing facts and benefits related to the aquatic animal. Catfish gets its name from the long barbels that hang on either side of its mouth, much like the whiskers of a cat. While many people are not a big fan of consuming fish in general because of the fishy smell and taste, many others enjoy it, either cooked or raw. Catfish is one of the highest consumed fish species in America. You can have it breaded and fried, or grilled over coals and served with tangy fruity salsa. Apart from its great taste, catfish farming has also led to a stable income for many fish farmers as well as provided for a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of food.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CATFISH DAY
The first National Catfish Day was celebrated in 1987 after President Ronald Reagan’s proclamation in his speech. It’s true that ‘catfish’ is a strange subject to be included in a presidential speech, but one must acknowledge the reasoning behind it. During the 1980s, catfish production was growing in the United States. The food was becoming popular, and so was the stability of the income source that catfish farming was allowing fish farmers. Congressman Mike Espy realized the potential the growing industry had. With the help of other congressmen, he strived to introduce the fish as part of the military meal given to soldiers at luncheons. Further push in favor of the industry also led to Espy submitting the National Catfish Day commemorative bill. His efforts also boosted his popularity during elections, further increasing the growing demand for catfish all over America.
Catfish belong to the ray-finned fish . This species is usually a bottom feeder, which means it will feed on the bottom of a water body, although it can still be trained to become a surface feeder. Their reduced gas bladder and a rather heavy- and bony head help them to sink easily. Catfish come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most will have a cylindrical body. Because of the ease involved in breeding them, catfish farms take up one-third of all finned fish in America. Channel catfish and blue catfish are the most sold species. Catfish have a variety of health benefits including high vitamin D. It pairs well with cajun spices, but at the same time, a little lemon and butter help in developing and bringing out the scrumptiousness of the fish. You can also enjoy it in sandwiches and in baked pasta dishes.
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. Since the frozen treat is itself reminiscent of star-shaped fireworks, the name ‘Bomb Pop’ isn’t really a point to ponder. Because of the color theme, this frozen treat is now a popular favorite on Fourth of July celebrations, too, so why not kick-start the party by stocking up at your nearest convenience store? Or better yet, take the nostalgic route by chasing down an ice-cream truck and getting your tri-colored treats from there.
Day – June 24, 2021
? These creatures were common among the Germanic folk, and especially those who worked in mines and mountains. Knockers were a form of fairy that lived in mines and would ‘knock’ to warn miners of pending cave-ins and danger, hence their name.
bag. We’ll see you at the office!