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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 13:55:21 GMT
Our Lady of Guadalupe Day – December 12, 2021~Mexico
Our Lady of Guadalupe Day, on December 12, draws millions of Catholics every year from across Mexico and other countries to pay pilgrimage to see an image of Mary in the Basilica of Guadalupe. It is the site of her apparitions to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatz in 1531, now the most visited Catholic site in the world. Children are dressed in traditional costumes and are blessed in churches. Thousands of people come to church to pray. Guadalupe’s famous image, a brown-skinned woman in a starry blue mantle, hands folded in prayer, is cherished in Mexico. She is a remarkable part of believers’ daily lives — in their homes, churches, prayers, and community life.
HISTORY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DAY According to tradition, Mary, mother of Jesus, appeared to Juan Diego, who was an Aztec convert to Christianity, on December 9 and again on December 12, 1531. During her first apparition, she requested that a shrine to her be built on the spot where she appeared, Tepeyac Hill — now in a suburb of Mexico City. The bishop demanded a sign before he would approve the construction of a church, however.
Mary then appeared a second time to Juan Diego and ordered him to collect roses. In a second audience with the bishop, Juan Diego opened his cloak, letting dozens of roses fall to the floor and revealing the image of Mary imprinted on the inside of the cloak — the image that is now venerated in the Basilica of Guadalupe.
Although the traditional view has been questioned by various scholars, defenders of the Virgin of Guadalupe — including Pope John Paul II, who canonized Juan Diego and declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the patroness of the Americas — accept the authenticity of the early documents and the various oral accounts of the apparition. Since 1556, a shrine devoted to the Virgin has existed in Tepeyac Hill.
Veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been particularly strong among women, especially in Mexico, and since at least the early 18th century the devotion was spread throughout the world by the Jesuits and other religions. However, it’s not only limited to religious matters.
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s role has also played an important role in Mexican nationalism and identity. For example, in 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla promoted her as the patroness of the revolt he led against the Spanish.
During a religious revival in Mexico in the late 19th century, preachers declared that the foundation of Mexico could be dated to the time of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe because she freed the people from idolatry and reconciled the Spanish and indigenous peoples in a common devotion. Her continuing significance as a religious and national symbol is attested by the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who visit her shrine every year.
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – December 12, 2021~Mexico
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12 every year. The day has been declared a national holiday in Mexico. Devotees honor the day when Virgin Mary made an appearance to a young man on this day in 1531. Even though it is a national holiday, most companies and organizations organize masses and feasts for their employees. On this day, people from all parts of Mexico make their way to Mexico’s religious center at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, located in Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo. This is a northern neighborhood of Mexico City where they celebrate the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe with a mass ceremony and a fair in her honor.
HISTORY OF DAY OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a story of miracles and faith that marks an important shift in the history of Mexico. The Spaniards, after they conquered Mexico, wanted to convert the indigenous Indians to Catholicism. But the Spaniards encountered many difficulties because the Mexican had their own faith and spirituality in which they strongly believed. However, indigenous people started to become fascinated with Catholicism when the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Juan Diego came to the fore.
Juan Diego was a young indigenous Indian who was walking toward the Hill of Tepeyac on December 12, 1531, when he was stopped by an appearance of the Virgin Mary. According to Diego, the Virgin Mary was a young woman with black hair and dark skin who looked more like the women in his community. She ordered Diego to go to the Bishop and ask him to build a church at the Hill of Tepeyac. Diego then ran to the Bishop to tell him what the Virgin Mary had told him. The Bishop did not believe Diego at first and disregarded his request to build a church at the Hill of Tepeyac.
The Virgin Mary appeared in front of Diego again and told him to collect flowers from the top of the hill. Since it was December, Diego knew that there would not be any flowers at the rocky hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill, he was surprised to see that it was covered in beautiful, colorful flowers! He remembered what he was asked to do and collected the flowers in his coat. With the flowers in hand, he went to see the Bishop again. Diego gave the coat full of flowers to the Bishop, and here the Bishop discovered the image of the Virgin Mary was miraculously traced on the coat. Seeing both the unseasonal flowers and the image of the Virgin, the Bishop realized Diego had told him the truth. The Bishop commanded that the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe be built on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 13:58:01 GMT
National Ding-A-Ling Day – December 12, 2021~U.S.
National Ding-A-Ling Day is one of those uniquely American inventions. It’s sort of a two-fer holiday where you touch base (preferably by phone — hence the playful reference to “ding-a-ling”) with friends or family you may have lost track of during the year. You also get a free pass to be just a little bit weird for the day. National Ding-A-Ling Day always takes place on December 12 but you can think of it as a second Halloween!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:01:06 GMT
Gingerbread House Day – December 12, 2021~U.S.
Gingerbread House Day is on December 12! Whether you’re a cookie building expert or your baked house falls apart as soon as you get the third wall glued on with icing, we can all agree the best part of building a gingerbread house is eating the sweet treat when we‘re done!
HISTORY OF GINGERBREAD HOUSE DAY “Run, run, run as fast as you can,
You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!”
Nothing brings in the holidays like the smell of fresh baked gingerbread. But before the decorative cookie led the popularity contest on the holiday dessert table, baking gingerbread was acknowledged as a specific profession. In the 17th century, only professional gingerbread bakers were allowed to make gingerbread, except at Christmas and Easter, when anyone was allowed to bake it.
In Europe, gingerbread was sold in special shops and at seasonal markets that sold sweets and gingerbread shaped as hearts, stars, soldiers, babies, trumpets, swords, pistols, and animals. Gingerbread was especially sold outside churches on Sundays. Religious gingerbread reliefs were purchased for particular religious events such as Christmas and Lent. Decorated gingerbread was given as presents to adults and children or as a love token bought specifically for weddings.
Gingerbread was also considered a form of popular art in Europe. Molds often displayed actual happenings by portraying new rulers, their children, spouses, and parties. Substantial mold collections are held at the Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, Poland and the Bread Museum in Ulm, Germany. According to some food historians, the tradition of making gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800s. The first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” After this story was published, German bakers began baking ornamented fairy-tale houses made from gingerbread. They were brought over to America by German immigrants and became popular during the Christmas season.
Gingerbread Decorating Day – December 12, 2021~U.S.
Gingerbread Decorating Day is celebrated by children and adults alike on December 12 every year. The day sets the mood for the upcoming holiday season. Baking of gingerbread is one of the oldest holiday traditions and Gingerbread Decorating Day unleashes the hidden artist in us! Gingerbread is a broad range of baked goods flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It is sweetened with sugar, honey, or molasses. Gingerbread ranges from a soft, moist loaf cake to a crisp or dense ginger biscuit, depending on your favorite. If you are a novice baker or simply too busy, you don’t actually have to bake gingerbread cookies or a gingerbread house. Pick up your favorite gingerbread items from the baker, make some quick icing, and get started on a gingerbread decoration project with all the candies you can lay your hands on. Gingerbread can be decorated with many things. You can use chocolate chips or creative icings like lemon or buttercream icing to decorate your gingerbread, and the only limit is your imagination. Gingerbread decorating is best done in groups, as fun shared is fun doubled. Many childhood memories are centered around gingerbread flavors and colors as families make this a holiday tradition.
HISTORY OF GINGERBREAD DECORATING DAY The origins of Gingerbread Decorating Day are unknown. Thankfully the history of gingerbread is well-documented. Gingerbread was brought to Europe by the Armenian monk, Gregory of Nicopolis, in the 10th century. He brought the necessary spices from the Middle East and then demonstrated gingerbread making, using spices and molasses, to French Christians. By the 13th century, gingerbread had become popular and nuns in Sweden would bake it as an antidote to indigestion.
It was in Sweden that painting and decorating gingerbread became popular. These decorated gingerbreads were in fact used as window decorations! The 13th century also saw gingerbread make its way to the city of Toruń in Poland, where the honey made in the nearby villages made the cookies especially delicious. To this day ‘Pierniki Toruńskie’, as they are known in Poland, is iconic in Poland’s national cuisine. From the 17th century onwards, gingerbread was sold in monasteries and pharmacies in England, where it was popularly believed to have medicinal properties. It was also in this century that you could only make gingerbread if you were a professional gingerbread baker — unless it was Easter or Christmas when everyone was allowed to make gingerbread at home.
In the play, “Love’s Labor’s Lost”, Shakespeare wrote, “And I had but one penny in the world, thou shouldst have it to buy gingerbread” — such was its popularity! In 1875, the gingerbread man was introduced to holiday traditions through a fairy tale published in St. Nicholas Magazine, where he was depicted as a holiday treat that was eaten by a hungry fox.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:03:12 GMT
National Poinsettia Day – December 12, 2021~Mexico~U.S.
That pop of floral color in everyone’s home means the holidays are right around the corner. National Poinsettia Day on December 12 also forms a cultural bridge between the U.S. and Mexico. Poinsettias, known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, come in hundreds of beautiful colors. Even if you have a limited holiday decorating budget, strategically placed poinsettias can enhance your home in a variety of ways. Bottom line: What’s a holiday party without a gorgeous poinsettia plant on the mantle?
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:05:19 GMT
National Ambrosia Day – December 12, 2021~U.S.
National Ambrosia Day is celebrated every year on December 12. The day celebrates a Greek mythological food, “ambrosia”, also known as the “food of the gods”. The Greeks believed that anyone who consumed ambrosia would become immortal. Today, ambrosia is usually served as a dessert or a side dish. Ambrosia is a creamy fruit salad that can be made with any fruits of your choice. While ambrosia rarely features on anyone’s regular diet, it is enjoyed on special occasions and thankfully, it’s healthy too! National Ambrosia Day is a day of celebration for every foodie, and especially those who thrive on healthy treats.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL AMBROSIA DAY The recipe for ambrosia can be traced back to cookbooks of the late 1800s. This was also the time when citrus fruits were easily available to all. The recipe was very simple. It was prepared with orange slices and coconut coated with sugar. It was served in a glass bowl. In America, ambrosia can be traced back to the 19th century when it was very popular with the Southern Americans. However, the dish did not appear in print in recipes until 1932.
In recent times, ambrosia is made using pineapples, oranges, or mandarin oranges, and coated with sugar and coconut. Some even add marshmallows and jelly beans to pack a punch. It’s also quite common to find pecans and other nuts in ambrosia. The creamy texture can be attained using yogurt, sour cream, and whipped cream. The salad is then refrigerated for a couple of hours or overnight to give it a perfect texture. However, traditional ambrosia is made with freshly cut fruits and served right away. Some traditional recipes in the south may also include bananas, cherries, raisins and nuts, and grapefruits. Even though ambrosia is a simple dish, it is heavy with cream, which creates confusion about whether it should be served as a dessert or a side dish. It is packed with vitamin C and the recipe can be adapted to suit any taste.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:09:16 GMT
International Day of Neutrality – December 12, 2021~International
The possibility of a utopian world is promoted annually on International Day of Neutrality, December 12. The observance of this day was initiated by the United Nations and focuses on advocating and campaigning for mutually beneficial- and friendly relations between countries. A country in a neutral state means that it is not taking any sides in times of conflict or war. Switzerland is a great example of neutrality, which chose to remain neutral during both World Wars.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NEUTRALITY International Day of Neutrality was officially declared in a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in February 2017 and was celebrated on December 12 the same year.
The duties and rights of a neutral country are set in the Hague Convention of 1907. In international law, a sovereign state that refrains from any participation in a war with or between other countries and maintains an attitude of indifference towards belligerents is defined as a neutral country. In return, belligerents should respect this impartiality. A country in a permanent state of neutrality will remain as such in all future wars.
In 1815, the first country to declare its permanent status of neutrality was Switzerland and, as a result of this, thousands of refugees have found a safe haven in this country over the years. But Turkmenistan is the only state that is recognized as neutral by the United Nations. Resolution 50/80 was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 12, 1995, recognizing Turkmenistan as an entirely neutral state. The anniversary of this declaration was then established as the International Day of Neutrality on February 2, 2017.
In order for countries to operate effectively while remaining independent, neutrality serves as an important concept for the United Nations to gain the cooperation and confidence of its member countries. The UN creates awareness of neutrality as a means to strengthen security and peace in regions where it is needed and, eventually, at a global level so that friendly ties are maintained between countries all over the world. Functions that fall under neutrality include prevention of conflict, negotiation, mediation, and employing special envoys, consultations, and development activities.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:17:20 GMT
Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts – December 12, 2021~World
Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts is observed each year on December 12. Contrary to what we think, it is not unusual to have thoughts that might be considered unmentionable or too nasty to share. Humans have a vivid imagination, and every now and then, we tend to have thoughts that might be a little too risky to discuss with friends and . But remember you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with what you think! As long as you exercise caution before acting out your thoughts, a few unmentionable thoughts are unlikely to bring you any harm.
HISTORY OF FESTIVAL OF UNMENTIONABLE THOUGHTS Our thoughts are influenced by knowledge, concepts, theories, and how we implement them in our lives. Our thoughts can bring us contentment and make us feel hopeful. Freedom of thought is essential to other liberties, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. Though freedom of thought is important, it does not guarantee inclusion, legality, or protection. It is a very important concept across all democracies, and nearly all democratic constitutions protect these freedoms.
For example, the Bill of Rights in America has the First Amendment that guarantees that laws do not interfere with religion or any other person’s identities. Such ideas are also a vital part of international human rights law. In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (U.D.H.R.), which is legally binding on member states of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights where “freedom of thought” is an important article. It states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right also includes freedom to change their religion and belief. The United Nations Human Rights Committee states that these freedoms are protected unconditionally. Another article of the U.D.H.R. guarantees that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference.”
Since freedom of thought is important to a democratic existence, dictators and autocrats often crackdown on freedom of thought to suppress human rights. But, unmentionable or otherwise, we should be free to think our own thoughts.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:21:34 GMT
Choral Day – December 12, 2021~World
Choral Day is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of December, and this year the day will be celebrated on December 12. Music, like other creative arts, brings people together. We find comfort in music and often use it to express our emotions. Whether in joy or sadness, music has been our constant companion. Choral Day celebrates the incredible gift of music and especially choral music. When we think of choirs, we associate them with church music that is energetic and uplifting. For many of us, singing along to the choir is one of the best things about attending church!
HISTORY OF CHORAL DAY Choral Day was celebrated for the first time in 1990 in Helsinki by Alberto Grau. Grau is a composer, teacher, and choral director from Venezuela. He is also the founder of the ‘Schola Cantorum de Caracas,’ a Venezuelan choral group that has achieved certain popularity among music lovers. Grau and his group have worked together on projects that have been the basis for creating numerous development projects of musical art. Grau has also spearheaded the Schola Cantorum Foundation of Caracas and Foundation Coral Cantemos movements, among others.
Now, almost 26 years later, Choral Day has become a global event where choir groups from across the world take part in. The day helps bring people together to honor the peace and harmony that music brings. Choral Day is also observed in historically conflicted locations hoping that music will bring peace to such places, and people will benefit from the music lessons and seek comfort.
Choral Day reminds us that music helps people bond in many different ways — it’s quite common to make friends with those who share a similar taste in music. The day is celebrated at different musical concerts where both adults and children can enjoy and discover new music. Most of us appreciate musical talent, and it is truly such a beautiful way to communicate our feelings. Music can also bring people together and show us how we all benefit from a harmonious existence. Choral Day is dedicated to these principles and our shared goal of bringing peace and harmony through music.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 12, 2021 14:27:30 GMT
Jamhuri Day – December 12, 2021~Kenya
Jamhuri Day, also called Independence Day, is one of the most important national holidays in Kenya. Jamhuri Day is observed on December 12 every year, and December 13 is also a day off for most businesses. The day marks the date in 1964 when the country was formally admitted into the Commonwealth as a republic. “Jamhuri” is the Swahili word for Republic. December 12 is also the date when Kenya obtained its independence from Great Britain in 1963. The day is celebrated with many events such as feasts, political speeches, and parades, all of which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.
HISTORY OF JAMHURI DAY The first colonists from Europe that made their way to Kenya were German. In 1890, the region came under the control of the Imperial British East Africa Company, and Kenya was part of the British East Africa protectorate till it was recognized as a British colony in 1920. The first direct elections took place in 1957, where the Kenya African National Union was led by Jomo Kenyatta, forming the first government.
Kenya was under British rule since the late 19th century, and the country officially became a British colony in 1920. The colonial administration denied African demands for a greater role in the political process. It wouldn’t be until 1944 that a Kenyan was included in the colony’s legislature. This did not change much, and disputes regarding land and cultural traditions continued. However, the movement against colonial rule grew, culminating in the Mau Mau uprisings in the late 1950s. During these uprisings, the country was plunged into a state of emergency through most of the decade. The Mau Mau uprisings helped Kenya gain some social and economic concessions. The greatest success of these uprisings was African political participation increasing in the early 1960s.
Kenya gained Independence on December 12, 1963. A year later, the country became a republic. Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya’s first president. Jamhuri Day is a day of national, cultural, and historical significance in Kenya. Every proud Kenyan celebrates the holiday and remembers their long struggle with freedom. Celebrations of Jamhuri Day include feasts, political speeches, parades, and dancing.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:44:09 GMT
U.S. National Guard Birthday – December 13, 2021~U.S.
Even though it’s not a federal holiday, the birthday of the U.S. National Guard — celebrated on December 13 — is an important event to note. Established in 1636, the National Guard is the oldest military organization in America. Its members serve during times of war and emergency. Take time to honor those who have protected our country for centuries.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:46:03 GMT
Taylor Swift’s Birthday – December 13, 2021~Other
We’re not alone in wishing Taylor Swift a happy birthday on December 13. “Swifties” all over the globe are going crazy celebrating their love for their favorite pop star. And she deserves all that love — for her songs, lyrics, and most of all, for never forgetting her fans. Plus, she’s a compassionate, and strong role model. Up next? Swift will have a sultry role in the upcoming movie adaptation of “Cats.”
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:48:11 GMT
Pick A Pathologist Pal Day – December 13, 2021~U.K.
Pick a Pathologist Pal Day is observed on December 13 in the United Kingdom. A pathologist is the doctor of doctors, meaning that they are involved in teaching, investigating, and diagnosing disease or medical conditions. Every doctor has to follow the instructions and interpretation of the pathologist for effective treatment of the patient. Coroners are people who investigate and determine the manner of death. They rely on the medical officers and the forensic pathologist to accurately determine the causes. Both pathologists and coroners have high-pressure jobs which require sensitivity and expertise. While a pathologist is occupied with academic pursuits and critical decision-making regarding treatments, the coroners are responsible for dispatching correct information regarding deaths.
HISTORY OF PICK A PATHOLOGIST PAL DAY The study of pathology, the detailed examination of the body, including dissection and inquiry into specific illnesses, dates back to antiquity. Hippocrates was renowned for making diagnoses based on the study of the body. Many of the breakthroughs in pathology came from the medieval era of Islam, and the field blossomed after the Renaissance. Pathology deals with processes and tests which fall within the contemporary medical field of “general pathology”. This includes a number of related medical specialties that diagnose disease, mostly through examining tissue, cell, and body fluid samples. “A pathology” may also refer to the predicted or actual progression of particular diseases, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis. Thus, the laboratories where blood samples are analyzed, are known as pathologists too. It is a broader field than one thinks when watching crime series.
Pathology as a medical specialty was not fully developed until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when technology enabled life to be studied in microbiology. In the 19th century, physicians had begun to understand that ‘germs’ (disease-causing microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, amoebae, molds, protists, and prions) existed. This replaced earlier beliefs in humors or even spiritual agents that had dominated the previous 1,500 years in European medicine.
Pick a Pathologist Pal Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, the owners of wellcat.com. It is unclear when the first one was celebrated, although it looks to be as recent as 2017. Their contention: befriending a pathologist or a coroner can be a reminder that life comes with no guarantee and to live every moment to the fullest.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:49:45 GMT
National Cocoa Day – December 13, 2021~U.S.
National Cocoa Day is celebrated on December 13 every year. Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. However, some also call it hot chocolate, which causes a bit of confusion. Hot chocolate is made by using ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. We can also make chocolate liquor by fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding cocoa beans. After this, the cocoa butter is removed, and we are left with only the cocoa powder. This cocoa powder is used to make hot cocoa. It is a relatively healthy drink with very little fat and calories, depending on what you add to it.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COCOA DAY Chocolate has a long and ancient history. The first origins of cocoa can be traced back to 5000 years. Archaeologists believe that this is only as early as we can trace it. Of course, the chocolate back then was much different from that which we consume now, as sugar was still scarce. The beverage was flavored with vanilla, chili, and was served throughout the year. It was reportedly more popular during the Olmec period, where it was used for spiritual praying. It was once used as a trade currency in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
It first was found by European explorers in South America, where it was already enjoyed for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Europeans. Not only that, but it was the Spaniards who first found the flavor unpleasant and declared it bitter. In fact, chocolate became an acquired taste. It would not be until it was introduced to Europe and adopted as a luxury drink of the wealthy that it would be sweetened. This led to the invention of milk chocolate. And it wouldn’t be until 1828 that powdered chocolate would be available for consumption. Soon after this, the chocolate bar and instant hot cocoa came into existence.
The three prominent varieties of cocoa plants are Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo. Forastero is a commonly used variant that contributes to up to 90% of the world’s cocoa production. Trinitario originated from Trinidad and is a hybrid variety of cocoa. Criollo is prone to diseases and less common — it is mostly cultivated mainly by Venezuela. Trinitario is foremost in quality and when compared to the other two varieties, it produces higher yields due to its disease-resistant nature.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:51:46 GMT
National Ice Cream Day – December 13, 2021~U.S.
On National Ice Cream Day, which takes place on December 13, you probably won’t hear the ice cream truck, with its delightful tune, roll through your neighborhood. (There’s another National Ice Cream Day in July for that.) Your favorite ice cream shop may even be closed for the season! But it’s still a perfectly good reason to get a pint or three (who’s counting) of the good stuff to share with your friends and family.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:54:54 GMT
Malta Republic Day – December 13, 2021~Malta
Malta Republic Day or ‘Jum ir-Repubblika’ is celebrated in Malta on December 13 every year. It is a public holiday for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean, between Sicily and the North African coast. The country is known for its historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. Maltese tourist attractions include numerous fortresses, megalithic temples, and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. It’s a tiny nation with just over 500,000 people.
HISTORY OF MALTA REPUBLIC DAY Malta was colonized by the French, and their aggression towards the Maltese Catholic traditions made the French very unpopular among the Maltese. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British came to the aid of Malta, which led to Malta seeking the protection of the British Empire. Malta became part of the British Empire in 1814, as convened in the Treaty of Paris that ended the Napoleonic Wars.
Malta gained independence from the British in 1964, but its initial Constitution still recognized Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State of Malta. Ten years later in 1974, Malta became a Republic but continued to be a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The 1964 Constitution had to be revised, and on December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic with the approval of a new constitution and an elected president as head of state. Sir Anthony Mamo became the first president of the Republic of Malta, succeeding in his position as Malta’s governor.
On Republic Day the President of Malta, on behalf of the Government and the people of Malta, honors those Maltese citizens who have made outstanding contributions to their field. Celebrations are held in the Presidential Palace in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. On Republic Street, a military parade is organized by the armed forces of Malta. The streets are decorated with hanging banners of the Maltese flag and the country’s colors, red and white. Several events are organized by the Malta Council for Culture and Arts. Popular Maltese folk dances such as the ‘il-Maltija’ and the ’parata’ are also performed at the parade. Fireworks displays are organized all over the archipelago of Malta.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 12:58:25 GMT
Green Monday – December 13, 2021~Other
The second Monday of December is Green Monday on December 13! This isn’t a day dedicated to the environment (though that shouldn’t stop you from being eco-friendly), but to all that last-minute shopping we’re all getting in before Christmas officially takes over! So leave space on your credit cards, it’s a dash to the finish line!
HISTORY OF GREEN MONDAY Only 12 years old, this young retail holiday was coined by eBay in 2007 to describe the biggest online sales day in December. It’s called Green Monday because the second Monday of December tends to be the busiest sales day of the month, due to looming holiday shopping deadlines. It’s also, specifically, the last Monday with at least 10 days prior to Christmas — which is important if the gift you bought needs at least 10 business days to arrive. Stores tend to offer some great deals on Green Monday, with prices that can go head to head with Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
Green Monday is utilized by top stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. By participating, they’re able to extend the excitement around Black Friday and the holiday shopping season. Discounts can be substantial — some consider it Cyber Monday part 2 as it’s the second biggest day for online shopping. Its online aspect is most popular with Millennials and Gen X, as the majority of Baby Boomers prefer to shop in-store.
The “Green” in Green Monday refers to money, which shoppers are more willing to spend with less than two weeks remaining until Christmas. Green Monday comes with a sense of urgency, which translates into online sales as people rush to complete their holiday shopping lists. The day has never been as promoted or organized as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but plenty of retailers have gotten in on the holiday dash action by offering can’t-miss deals.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 13, 2021 13:00:19 GMT
National Horse Day – December 13, 2021~U.S.
WHAT IS NATIONAL HORSE DAY?
National Horse Day is celebrated every December 13. It’s a day to remember the economic, historic, and cultural contributions that horses have made. Equine enthusiasts across the country will get together on December 13 to show their appreciation for these majestic creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or have never been on a horse in your life, check out some ways you can recognize the day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HORSE DAY In 2004, Congress designated December 13 as National Horse Day and, since then, Americans have been taking the day to celebrate and appreciate the role of the horse in not only helping our country become what it is today, but also its current role in the modern era.
Horses, in general, contribute roughly $9.2 billion to the US economy. Whether they’re helping plow fields; move food and supplies into rural areas; move livestock in ranches; or just provide sweet, thoughtful equine therapy; horses have woven themselves into the fabric of life in America.
After the primitive Native American horses died out between 13,000 and 11,000 years ago, today’s wild-horse species were reintroduced to America by European colonists in the late 1400s. They’ve since flourished in the great plains and mountainous west, where wild herds’ thunderous hooves are still heard to this day. Rodeos are still a vibrant and celebrated part of the culture of the American west, and, in many rugged and rural areas, horses are still necessary for getting work done.
While the history of horse day may be new to the millennium, horses themselves have always been intrinsic to the lives of many Americans.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 14, 2021 17:17:14 GMT
National Free Shipping Day – December 14, 2021~U.S.
WHAT IS NATIONAL FREE SHIPPING DAY? What’s not to love about National Free Shipping Day held this year on December 14? You can shop ’til you drop by getting everything online; plus, there are no sky-high shipping rates. Pay only for what you actually buy, let someone else handle the extra costs. The date of the holiday changes each year so be on the lookout in mid-December.
NATIONAL FREE SHIPPING DAY HISTORY Free Shipping Day is a national shopping holiday as well as a year-round coupon website. The holiday started in 2008, while the coupon portion of the site was launched in 2017 as a resource for online savings, providing shoppers with coupons and free shipping codes from top retail partners and niche e-retailers.
National Free Shipping Day was conceived by internet entrepreneur Luke Knowles. While running his own free shipping-focused website, he noticed an interesting trend among users: online shopping seemed to drop around December 10. Though many retailers were capable of shipping orders on time for the holidays, shoppers were worried about receiving their packages on time and the crazy holiday shipping fees that would accompany them. It struck him that an event promoting free shipping and guaranteed on-time delivery was exactly what the holiday season was missing.
The first event was put together in two weeks by Luke and his one employee. It featured 250 participating merchants, including Target, JCPenney, and Pottery Barn. After a busy and sleepless night on December 17, 2008, Knowles kicked off the first ever Free Shipping Day the following morning. The event earned $764 million in online sales and became one of the top 10 highest-earning days in e-commerce during the holiday season that year!
National Free Shipping Day is now a permanent entry in the holiday shopping lexicon. More and more retailers partner with Free Shipping Day to capture sales from shoppers eager to finish their holiday lists in mid to late December.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 14, 2021 17:20:00 GMT
Roast Chestnuts Day – December 14, 2021~U.S.
It’s time to honor the humble chestnut on Roast Chestnuts Day, December 14. As it’s the season to be jolly, Roast Chestnuts Day comes at a perfect time for the holiday season. Roasted chestnuts often fill the air with their earthy scent as they’re cooked by street vendors during December. Not only this, but the delicious snack keeps the cold away for those in the northern hemisphere. While the day is a relatively new celebration, the tradition of roasting chestnuts has been around for a long time. When they are roasted, the natural sweetness of the nut is revealed, delighting our taste buds!
HISTORY OF ROAST CHESTNUTS DAY We have a lot of cultures in history to thank for learning how to roast chestnuts, bringing us the Roast Chestnuts Day we have today! Chestnuts hail from a tree indigenous to the Americas and Asia. There is a multitude of species that mankind has been harvesting for centuries. The Native Americans had been consuming them long before the first European settlers arrived. The Europeans, in turn, were introduced to the chestnut from Sardis. Sardis was an ancient capital, which is now part of eastern Turkey. It was an important city of the Persian Empire until it fell to Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.
Alexander the Great, one of the world’s greatest military generals, together with the Romans, planted chestnuts throughout Europe. The trees were spread throughout the mountainous Mediterranean regions where certain grains could not grow well. Chestnuts became a staple food source for locals and a valuable item in bartering. The ancient Greeks ground them into flour and made chestnut bread. Some species of chestnut trees were grown for their wood as well.
The United States produces only 1% of the world’s chestnut production. China is the world’s leader, even though most American chestnuts are imported from Italy. American chestnuts were decimated by a deadly blight, which ravaged the trees during the early 1900s. Approximately four billion chestnut trees succumbed and their recovery has been mediocre.
Chestnuts have a soily, mildewy taste. Although they can be eaten hot off the coals, they are better eaten with herbs in stuffing or other dishes. Soon after roasting, the nuts can become so hard they could break a tooth if bitten down on too forcefully. However, it’s still possible to chop them. Some larger grocery stores and most Italian markets leave the chestnuts in their shells and others sell unshelled chestnuts in a can, which are much softer. Roasting them became a popular treat, as heard in one of Nat King Cole’s songs in which he warmly crooned, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”
The first appearance of roasted chestnuts is a mystery, though they were thought to signify chastity for Christians. Some believe they had already made an appearance during the 16th century as a street snack in Rome. Now, roasted chestnuts continue to remind many of the holiday season, winter, and Christmas.
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