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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:36:45 GMT
National Short Girl Appreciation Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
This December 21 — National Short Girl Appreciation Day — don’t come up short on ways to celebrate the small ladies in your life! If you’re a short girl yourself, you know the genetic lottery you’ve won — they always make cute shoes in smaller sizes, your feet are never going to hang off the bed, and there are even health benefits associated with being a little vertically challenged. Go shorty, it’s your holiday!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SHORT GIRL APPRECIATION DAY When the cups are on the tallest shelf of the tallest cabinet, it’s not always fun to be short. But how great it is that you’re always at the top of the human pyramid? And when have you ever hit your head on a door frame? National Short Girl Appreciation Day was started to celebrate the smaller ladies in our lives, and maybe help them grab that out-of-reach item. However, being a “short girl” has meant different things throughout the years and places!
Tiny doorways in the 1700s proved that while a 5’2” woman today might be considered on the short side, they would have been completely average in a different time! Even average men between the 12th and 16th centuries would be considered short by today’s standards. These days, the average female height is 5’4”. Though buildings, roads, and cities are only getting larger worldwide, short women are keeping up!
Today, women are taller on average than our ancestors even just 100 years ago. Still, women in Indonesia, Bolivia, and the Philippines are on the shorter end of the global average, hovering around just 5 feet! This proves that “short” totally depends on where you are.
Short women make a huge impact. Emilia Clarke (Mother of Dragons!) stands only 5’2”, as does makeup and reality TV mogul Kim Kardashian. Lady Gaga checks in at 5’1”, and superstar Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is only 4’8”. These ladies prove that whether it’s onstage, on the Olympic podium, or anywhere else, being short does not stunt your success.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:38:50 GMT
National Maine Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
One of the latest national days to be added to the calendar, National Maine Day has been celebrated on December 21 since 2017. While it isn’t officially declared a national holiday, the day is still celebrated with fervor. Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State as well as Vacationland, is one of the most special states in the U.S. The day simply honors the 23rd state to join the union, but Maine’s history is what sets it apart. It lies at the north easternmost tip of the country but offers more than many other states. Visit the state and celebrate it like the women and men of Maine do!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MAINE DAY Before Maine was colonized by French and English settlers, it was populated by Wabanaki tribes. Until two centuries ago, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, before it voted to leave Massachusetts. As part of the Missouri Compromise, it became a separate state. It was then admitted to the Union as the 23rd state.
Nobody can say for sure why it is called Maine. Some say it was named by French colonizers after the province of Maine in France. Others say it was named by English colonizers as a reference to the mainland. Either way, it is Maine today, and it is the only state named with a single syllable, and also the only state to border only one other state.
Maine’s rocky coastline, rough mountains, green expanses, and wiggly waterways have inspired numerous artists. From writers and poets to painters, they have all flourished here for centuries. Maine’s mountains and shores offer enough hidden treasures for tourists and locals alike. The options are endless! If you need to celebrate digitally, use the hashtags #NationalMaineDay and #MaineDay.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:42:50 GMT
National French Fried Shrimp Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
Seafood lovers across the nation rejoice on National French Fried Shrimp Day, December 21. The day is dedicated to, well, fried shrimp. This delicious dish is enjoyed by many, especially Americans. Shrimp is, not surprisingly, a seafood favorite among Americans as it is consumed more than any other seafood. French fried shrimp — no, it’s not French — is a recipe that simply refers to shrimp that has been deep-fried in fat, the same way thin strips of potatoes are deep-fried to make French fries. On National French Fried Shrimp Day, make sure to munch on this simple but crunchy American favorite!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY Humans have been eating shrimp since they have been on Earth, according to archeological evidence. Several sources argue that Ancient Romans and Greeks, in particular, were extremely fond of shrimp, called Squilla, and preferred it to other variations of crustaceans. The food writer Marcus Gavius Apicius shed light on the shrimp situation during the fourth or fifth century AD in his compilation of culinary writings. According to this ancient cookbook, Greeks liked to cook large shrimp and wrap them in fig leaves, while the Romans roasted them and drizzled honey over the top.
While the origins of French fried shrimp are yet to be confirmed, what we do know is that shrimp has a long history in the culinary world. Americans have probably been eating it at home for centuries since it was widely available from Southern waters in early America. However, shrimp didn’t create waves in American cookbooks until after the Civil War in 1865 when it became available in cans. Shrimp salad — whole shrimp piled up on lettuce with a mayonnaise dressing — became a popular delicacy, especially among women.
Variations of shrimp dishes broke out countrywide after the shrimp salad became a hot item on the menu. Shrimp cocktails became a staple at bougie banquets during the early 20th century. The recipe was quite similar to that of the shrimp salad, but with an extra zing. Instead of mayonnaise, a cocktail sauce was added, which was similar to oyster sauce, mixed with extra lemon or vinegar. Horseradish, Tabasco, or Worcestershire sauce could also be used.
Fried shrimp is also thought to have first appeared on menus during the early 20th century, but the breaded version did not gain popularity until after World World II ended in 1945. This is due to pre-cooked frozen shrimp entering the market and appearing on grocery-store shelves. Shrimp dinners became available across the nation, even in drive-ins, because it was a relatively cheap meal.
Today, the shrimp’s popularity has grown even more, and is the average American’s favorite seafood. More than 650 million pounds of shrimp are harvested by the United States per year, and another 200 million is imported.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:47:18 GMT
National Flashlight Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
Along with bringing the longest night, the winter solstice brings with it National Flashlight Day on December 21. In some regions of the northern hemisphere, the darkness arrives prior to the solstice. As primitive as it sounds, a flashlight is extremely handy on this day (or night, as the case is). All you need is a good working flashlight with stable batteries.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FLASHLIGHT DAY Let’s shine a light on the history of the wonderful flashlight. Granted, with the advent of built-in flashlights on smartphones, the original tool isn’t used as much anymore, but the digital version still doesn’t hold a light (pun intended) to the real thing.
National Flashlight Day is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, welcoming the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. On this day, the Sun ‘stands still’, resulting in some regions experiencing more or less only 9 hours of daylight, whereas, further up north, areas like the Arctic Circle get no light at all. The roots of the word ‘solstice’ are Latin — meaning the sun standing still.
The origins of National Flashlight Day are unknown, but flashlights have served mankind a great deal. Illuminating our paths in the darkest of nights, flashlights are still widely used for investigations and groups like the scouts. In addition to the all-purpose flashlight, special variations have been adapted for activities like mining or camping. There are also underwater- and flame-resistant flashlights.
The flashlight was made possible by the invention of mini incandescent light bulbs and the dry cell, which made battery-powered flashlights a reality in 1899. The invention of the flashlight is owed to the American-British inventor David Misell. Modern flashlights used today utilize light-emitting diodes and mostly operate on rechargeable or disposable batteries. Recharging batteries using solar power is also a common feature on flashlights.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:57:31 GMT
National Crossword Puzzle Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
Did you know that the first crossword puzzle was created by Arthur Wynne and published on December 21, 1913 in the New York World Newspaper? Wynne’s puzzle was diamond shaped and contained no internal black squares. However, it was so popular with readers that within a decade crossword puzzles were featured in almost all American newspapers. We all know a crossword lover; some even get the newspaper for the sole purpose of doing the crossword. So on December 21 let’s celebrate National Crossword Puzzle Day the best way we know how … find one you like and start filling in those squares!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 14:59:38 GMT
Look On The Bright Side Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
We can’t always be optimistic but on Look On The Bright Side Day, celebrated on December 21, we can always try our best to be! It’s quite normal to feel a little down on this day since it falls around the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, which means things tend to get a little cold and cloudy outside. But, fret not, because every cloud has a silver lining. While it may all sound very cliché, being optimistic is scientifically good for our bodies and minds. Just like a pessimist might see the glass as half empty, Look On The Bright Side Day is all about seeing the glass as half full!
HISTORY OF LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE DAY While it may be the shortest day of the year, people all over the world celebrate the winter solstice, so this can be seen as something happy to take away from the event. Various cultures and religions have made it a special occasion for ages. The shortest day and longest night of the year have inspired mystical celebrations, both old and new, in anticipation of the sun’s return. That’s something beautiful and optimistic to take away from this time.
December is generally a festive month throughout the world. There’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and of course, Christmas, as well as the impending New Year. But the winter solstice is another reason to celebrate in December, which is on the same day as Look On The Bright Side Day. It’s nothing new. Humans may have observed the winter solstice as early as the Neolithic period — the last part of the Stone Age, beginning in about 10,200 B.C.
Ancient Romans held several celebrations around the time of the winter solstice. Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, was a week-long celebration in the days leading up to the winter solstice. The ancient Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January, always hopefully looking for the return of the sun. The Inca Empire paid homage to the sun god Inti at a winter solstice celebration called ‘Inti Raymi’. In China, Dongzhi is celebrated with gatherings, a big meal, and delicious rice-flour balls called tang yuan. It marks the end of the harvest and has its roots in the concept of yin and yang — after the solstice, the darkness of winter will begin to be balanced with the light of the sun. At Stonehenge, modern-day revelers witness the magical occurrence of the sun rising through the stones. And in Pakistan, the Kalasha people celebrate the winter solstice or ‘Choimus’ with a colorful swirl of traditional dance, food, and prayer dance.
Today, on Look On The Bright Side Day, take something beautiful out of these cultural and ancient traditions during the shortest day of the year and try to be optimistic. After all, the sun will come again!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 15:03:02 GMT
International Dalek Remembrance Day – December 21, 2021~International
Dalek Remembrance Day, also known as International Dalek Remembrance Day, comes up every December 21. It is a holiday that commemorates the exploits of the Daleks, who were impeccable villains in the popular time travel show “Doctor Who.” The Daleks made their appearance in the show in 1963, becoming one of the most iconic and formidable foes faced by the time-traveling doctor. The show became a fan favorite in 1988, when “Remembrance of the Daleks” was aired as a four-episode series.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DALEK REMEMBRANCE DAY The Daleks made their first appearance in the second episode of the “Doctor Who” show in December 1963. This serial was titled “The Daleks,” after the popular robots. Created by Terry Nation and designed by Raymond Cusick, the Daleks turned out to be the most famous villain of the long-running show.
The Daleks were inspired by the Nazis as they are emotionless robots determined to exterminate all other creatures across the universe. Shaped like salt and pepper shakers, the Daleks were immensely powerful and nearly indestructible.
They immediately entered popular culture after their first portrayal in 1963. They were so well crafted that people came to regard them as one of the most formidable foes in the science fiction genre. Also, the word ‘Dalek’ was added to the English dictionary. As an extension, it is a metaphor to describe someone who is dogmatic and unfeeling.
From October 5 to 26, 1988, “Remembrance of the Daleks” was released as a tribute to the 25 seasons of the “Doctor Who” show. These episodes are considered to be the best in the history of the show according to fans and science-fiction enthusiasts. The Daleks have gone on to be portrayed in several other science fiction television and films, music, and video games.
Thus, December 21, was chosen to celebrate these iconic characters. It gives you ample time to binge-watch Doctor Who shows before Christmas, especially those that feature the Daleks. It is also a celebration of the show in its entirety, being one of the longest-running shows on English television.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 15:05:48 GMT
Humbug Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
Humbug Day, also known as National Humbug Day, comes up every December 21. It is a holiday that allows you to cast off your frustrations before Christmas. Because the pressures of the festive season can get to us all, it is important that we all get a day to vent out all our frustrations. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, Humbug Day affords everyone 12 free humbugs. Things can get chaotic during the holidays, that’s why this day was created to help people cope with the stress and challenges.
HISTORY OF HUMBUG DAY Humbug is a word used to underplay the relevance of a person or an event. At first, it was just student slang used as a joke. But it became a catchphrase after Charles Dickens used it in his book titled “A Christmas Carol.” The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser and miserabilist who doesn’t celebrate the Christmas holiday but mocked those who did. Scrooge’s character eventually became very popular, attaining pop culture status. The character has since been in several media, often bordering around the Christmas festivities. Several books and movies have portrayed the character since its first use in Charles Dickens’ book.
The character is most notable for blurting out these words during the festivities: “Bah, Humbug!” He does this to express his frustration and lack of enthusiasm during the holidays. But, Ebenezer Scrooge’s character later developed into a more likable character, finally embracing and enjoying Christmas like every other person.
Likewise, we also may start to feel unsatisfied and frustrated as the pressure of festivities comes upon us. That’s why it is important to blow off some steam before Christmas. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, National Humbug Day is the day that we unwind and let go of our worries so we can enjoy Christmas also.
According to the creators, we are allowed 12 humbugs on December 21, which is the date of the holiday. It is a day with so many fun possibilities. You can also binge-watch movies dedicated to Scrooge.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 15:09:29 GMT
Blue Christmas – December 21, 2021~U.S.
Blue Christmas is a Western Christian tradition that happens on or around the longest night of the year, usually December 21 the Winter Solstice. It is about comforting fellow Christians who are grieving and struggling to find joy and hope during the season.
HISTORY OF BLUE CHRISTMAS Blue Christmas service provides a quiet and contemplative worship service as an alternative to the more traditional gatherings. This is in honor of those who are experiencing grief and struggling with loss. This tradition in the U.S. dates back to 1990.
The services draw relatively small, intimate crowds of those mourning the loss of a loved one, and are usually tagged the longest night services in the country because of the tradition of holding the service on or around the longest night of the year, which is usually December 21.
Although the reason for observing a Blue Christmas has remained the same since its earliest known history in 1990, the term has taken on a new meaning since May 2016, when Kevin Dunn, a resident of Simpsonville S.C., started a movement that seeks to highlight and honor the sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect us during the festive period. This was in response to the death of a police officer who died on duty earlier in the year. The movement aims to show support for law enforcement officers and “honors the memories of those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.” Kevin created a Facebook group called ‘A Blue Christmas’ and was able to gather hundreds of members. As a Christmas devotee, he also showed his support with the Christmas lights in his own home, replacing some of the traditional holiday lights with blue bulbs or candles.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 21, 2021 15:12:03 GMT
National Coquito Day – December 21, 2021~U.S.
December 21 is National Coquito Day! Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, which embodies the island’s warm and open spirit. Most Puerto Rican families have their own coquito recipes, passed down generation to generation.
Coquito is often compared to eggnog — and is enjoyed as an aperitif, after-dinner drink, or given as a gift and shared among friends and . While nobody knows the exact origins of the drink, and their is no canonical recipe, all versions call for milk, cream of coconut, and Puerto Rican rum.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 22, 2021 19:11:11 GMT
Forefathers’ Day – December 22, 2021~U.S.
Every year, the anniversary of the first pilgrims landing on the shores of North America is observed on Forefathers’ Day on December 22 (unless it occurs on a Sunday, in which case Forefathers’ Day is celebrated on December 23). Although the forefathers landed in America on December 21, the anniversary was accidentally marked as December 22 when the Gregorian calendar was adopted. It is definitely worth celebrating the journey of the first pilgrims who sailed across the ocean in search of a better life and ultimately launched one of the superpower countries of the world. Few things are more important to Americans than heritage. Remembering where you come from, and how hard you’ve worked to get where you are, are all integral parts of the concept of the American dream.
HISTORY OF FOREFATHERS’ DAY It is a story as heroic as any classic tale in literature. The story of the nation’s brave forefathers who escaped economic limitations, unemployment, and religious persecution in search of freedom and preservation of their cultural identity. Sailing into the unknown with the hope of a new world, the forefathers boarded the Mayflower and Speedwell to journey to the U.S. Due to issues and leakage, the passengers in the Speedwell were squeezed into the Mayflower. Risky as it was, the Mayflower shored at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. And thus, America was discovered.
Seven descendants from the Mayflower founded the Old Colony Club in 1769 to proudly honor the bravery of their forefathers and to commemorate the landing of the Fathers. Forefathers’ Day has been observed every year since, rising in popularity as the years went on.
By 1880, people from all over the country participated enthusiastically in the observance of Forefathers’ Day. From Los Angeles to New England, and organizations to churches, the holiday is commemorated with meetings, formal dinners, and speeches highlighting the historical significance of the pilgrims and their accomplishments.
However, after the Civil War ended and President Abraham Lincoln announced the official day for celebrating Thanksgiving, Forefathers’ Day annual celebrations took a fall. So much so, that by the 1900s the holiday was altogether merged with Thanksgiving. Among all the regions across the country, only Plymouth continues to pay tribute to its history and the forefathers, without whom there would be no America.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 22, 2021 19:13:58 GMT
Mathematics Day – December 22, 2021~India
Mathematics Day, on December 22, celebrates the birth anniversary of India’s famed mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Ramanujan’s genius has been regarded by mathematicians to be on the same level as Euler and Jacobi from the 18th and 19th centuries. His work in the number theory is especially regarded and made advances in the partition function. Since 2012, India’s National Mathematics Day is recognized on December 22 annually with numerous educational events held at schools and universities throughout the country. In 2017, the day’s significance was enhanced by the opening of the Ramanujan Math Park in Kuppam, in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS DAY Srinivasa Ramanujan is the brilliant mathematician behind the inspiration for Mathematics Day in India, whose works influenced many across the country and the world. Ramanujan was born in 1887, in Erode Tamil Nadu to an Iyengar Brahmin . At age 12, despite lacking a formal education, he excelled at trigonometry and developed many theorems for himself.
After finishing secondary school in 1904, Ramanujan became eligible for a scholarship to study at the Government Arts College, Kumbakonam, but could not secure it since he did not excel in other subjects. At the age of 14, Ramanujan ran away from home and enrolled at Pachaiyappa’s College in Madras, where he too only excelled in mathematics without managing the same in other subjects and was unable to finish with a Fellow of Arts degree. Living in dire poverty, Ramanujan instead pursued independent research in mathematics.
Soon, the budding mathematician was noticed in Chennai’s mathematics circles. In 1912, Ramaswamy Iyer — founder of the Indian Mathematical Society — helped him get a clerk position at the Madras Port Trust. Ramanujan then began sending his work to British mathematicians, receiving a breakthrough in 1913 when Cambridge-based GH Hardy called him to London after being impressed by Ramanujan’s theorems.
Ramanujan made his way to Britain in 1914, where Hardy got him into Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1917, Ramanujan was well on his way to success, after being elected to be a member of the London Mathematical Society, and he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918 — one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed position.
Ramanujan returned to India in 1919 because he couldn’t get accustomed to the diet in Britain. His health continued to deteriorate and died in 1920 at the age of 32. However, his achievements in the field of mathematics are still highly regarded across the globe. Ramanujan left behind three notebooks with pages containing unpublished results, which mathematicians continued to work on for years to come. So much so that in 2012, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh declared December 22 — the day of Ramanujan’s birth — as National Mathematics Day to be celebrated across the country.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 22, 2021 19:15:55 GMT
National Cookie Exchange Day – December 22, 2021~U.S.
December 22 is National Cookie Exchange Day and the glorious occasion when festively-decorated cookie tins and boxes appear at cookie exchange parties. It’s a classic celebration where the host throws a holiday party for and friends, to which everyone brings delicious homemade cookies to share around. The toughest decision is which cookies to take. Wintertime classics like thumbprint jam cookies or gingerbread are always festive, but since this day celebrates all cookies, go ahead and add in some funfetti cookies or lemon squares!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL COOKIE EXCHANGE DAY According to some culinary historians, our modern-day idea of cookies may have been a happy byproduct of cake-baking. The earliest modern cookies could have been dollops of cake batter used to test if the oven was hot enough. Technically, a cookie is any kind of hand-held sweet cake, crisp or soft, so this counts in our book!
We know very early cookies came out of Persia in the 7th century, as this was very near where sugar originated, and Persia was one of the earliest empires to get a hold of it. When Spain was invaded and after the Crusaders established the spice trade, sugar, and the delectable cookies that it produced began to spread throughout Europe. In the 14th century, sweet cookies could be purchased along the streets in Paris.
Cookie recipes started to appear in cookbooks in the 1500s and baking became a serious profession in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cookies became works of art and featured careful measurements of particularly-chosen ingredients. In the late 1600s, Dutch, English, and Scotch immigrants brought European cookies, like shortbreads and simple butter cookies, to America. Particularly in the South, these “tea cakes” took off and were the pride of the Southern housewife.
Cookies were uniquely influenced by American geography once they arrived in the country. Oranges from the West coast and coconuts from the South gradually became included in cookie recipes as railroads were laid to connect the nation. In the 1930s, iceboxes gave way to icebox cookies. The 1930s saw the accidental advent of the ever-famous chocolate chip cookies, when the Toll House Restaurant owner, Ruth Graves Wakefield, thought the chocolate chips would melt into the batter when baked.
Cookie exchanges are a centuries-old tradition dating back to medieval times. The classic idea is of a holiday party in which guests bring a selection of homemade cookies to trade with one another. While the festive holiday has sweet beginnings, the etiquette associated with them has become elaborate and strict. Guests are judged for the quantity and quality of their offering, and cookbooks like The Cookie Party Cookbook outline the acceptable and unacceptable practices.
Today, cookie exchange traditions live on in families and friendship groups. Though there is traditionally a strict etiquette that accompanies the party, you don’t have to adhere to it. The spirit of the day is the joy of cookies, so get together a group of friends and celebrate the treat on your own terms!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 22, 2021 19:17:52 GMT
National Date Nut Bread Day – December 22, 2021~U.S.
We celebrate the healthy, wholesome, and flavorful bread that is enjoyed for breakfast and teatime on National Date Nut Bread Day, December 22. Dates and nuts such as walnuts and pecans are thrown into the mix and baked to perfection but, really, you can use any add-ons you like. Date nut bread is popular during the holiday season as it is sweet but not overly so.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY National Date Nut Bread is a baker’s delight and we’d gladly lay a spread to celebrate this day. The origins of this holiday are unknown despite it being around for years. But that’s not the dilemma here, the big question is whether to choose cream cheese or butter to go with it!
Printed recipes for bread go as far back as the 1920s, but bread baked with fruit was eaten in various parts of the world long before that. It is widely believed that date nut bread was originally baked and first became popular in England.
The first-ever date nut bread recipe was published in 1939, however, dates are among the world’s oldest fruits. The seeds have been excavated by archaeologists in subtropical regions around the world. It is believed by historians that dates were brought to Spain by the ancient Moors and later distributed to America.
There are different traditions for eating date nut bread in countries where it is popular. Britain enjoys a date-and-walnut loaf made with treacle and paired with a cup of tea, of course. The sweet treat is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. In the USA, date nut bread is a go-to during the holidays. This is probably why National Date Nut Day is celebrated on December 22, whereas the same holiday is observed on September 8 in other parts of the world. Date nut bread is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, without being overwhelmingly sweet. For an added punch, cheese frosting is often used as a topping or filling.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 22, 2021 19:20:54 GMT
National Short Person Day – December 22, 2021~U.S.
“Great things come in small packages”, National Short Person Day is on December 22. Whether you’re tall and have short people in your life, or you yourself are short, it’s a time to celebrate. On this day, own your shortness and have fun with the short people in your life.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SHORT PERSON DAY If you can’t point out the short friend in your group, chances are you are the short friend. Not sure if that’s actually you though? Well, is your view often blocked at concerts? Do you find yourself doing a slight jog to keep up with your friend’s “slow pace?” Are you still carded at bars, even though you’re 30? Well, we have news for you, you’re the short friend.
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte, who is known for being short, wasn’t actually that short? In fact, he was around 5 feet 7 inches, which was tall for Frenchmen of his time. The myth of Napoleon being short actually arose because the British liked to portray their French enemy as “little Boney.” Also, since Napoleon was usually surrounded by soldiers from his guard, who were even more above average height than he was, he often appeared short in comparison. In his autopsy, he’s measured as 5 feet 2 inches, but that was in French inches which were larger than British and American inches.
Short people have obviously been around forever, but the classification of short differs depending on time period and nationality. In America, the average height for a woman is considered 5 feet 5 inches, while the average height for men is 5 feet 10 inches. In comparison, the average female height in China is 5 feet 2 inches and the average male height is 5 feet 6 inches. Therefore a man who might be considered short in America can be considered tall in China, meaning that tallness and shortness is all relative. But, if you’re short in your country, don’t be afraid to own it. This day is for you!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 23, 2021 18:59:41 GMT
National Pfeffernusse Day – December 23, 2021~U.S.
National Pfeffernusse Day is celebrated on December 23, every year. The day is dedicated to the tasty cookie called Pfeffernuss (plural, Pfeffernusse). This spice delicacy is believed to have originated in Germany, but it is also very popular in Denmark and the Netherlands. It is a holiday treat that has been an integral part of Yuletide celebrations like St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. National Pfeffernusse Day is a day to make your own Pfeffernusse and enjoy the tasty delicacy with friends and .
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY Pfeffernusse, also known as ‘pepernoten’ or peppernuts, originated from Central Europe. A confectioner from Offenbach am Main, named Johann Fleischmann, is believed to have created the recipe in 1753. Since then, the cookie became very popular, attracting the interest of so many people, including renowned individuals like Felix Mendelssohn.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are the countries most popularly known for this delicacy. In North America, the ethnic Mennonites are also very fond of pfeffernusse. Today, the recipe is widely available and the cookie is widely consumed around the world. However, pfeffernusse is traditionally reserved for the holiday period, around December. This is in keeping with the tradition of its origins, as the cookie has been associated with the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
The traditional recipe consists of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, anise, sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. Popular nuts such as walnuts and almonds are also used to give the cookie some flavor. Leavening agents are applied to the mixture, kneaded, and then baked. They usually come out hard from the oven but would soften after a few days. Also, they are tiny and are sometimes shaped like nuts, which is probably why they are called peppernuts. Nowadays, bakers make alterations to this recipe to include some other ingredients or remove some existing ones. While they generally have a spicy taste, you can easily adjust the amount of spice you’d want. On National Pfeffernusse Day, homemade peppernuts are made available for the and guests.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 23, 2021 19:02:18 GMT
National Roots Day – December 23, 2021~U.S.
National Roots Day on December 23 gives people a chance to delve into and reflect on their ’s heritage, history, and ancestry. The holiday season is the perfect time to learn about your ancestors and collect information. There is always that one member who has taken on the role of the historian and eagerly shares memories and stories around the dinner table. While it is a tedious process (if you decide to really dig deep), it is worth tracing your lineage. You may be related to Elvis Presley for all you know, or someone who was part of an important historical event.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ROOTS DAY comes first, and the Christmas season is the ideal time for a traditional holiday like Roots Day, illustrating the significance of , especially during these times. The festive season is the one time of year in which the whole comes together, so it is only fitting that ancestral heritage is celebrated during this period. Although the exact origin of this day is unknown, Roots Day has been around for more than 40 years.
The United States of America has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. These settlers changed their names and adopted the local cuisine and customs, just like any other blue-blooded American. Such is the diversity, that the nation has been referred to as a melting pot of cultural assimilation. But as multiculturalism is becoming more and more widespread, we’ll naturally have an interest in our past. As we learn about our heritage, we often understand our parents and grandparents better, and even ourselves. National Roots Day celebrates this impulse to dig deeper into our ancestry.
On this day, memories are shared and assembled for a better understanding of our predecessors and their lives. Before these memories fade and the details start to get fuzzy, it is better to have them assembled and linked. The participation of every generation is encouraged in discovering the struggles and accomplishments of our families’ lineages. Stories of each generation whose efforts, successes, and failures have all contributed to shaping us as a person should be documented.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 23, 2021 19:04:44 GMT
National Christmas Movie Marathon Day – December 23, 2021~U.S.
National Christmas Movie Marathon Day is celebrated annually on December 23. Get ready to snuggle in your warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite holiday snacks! There are so many ways to get into the spirit of Christmas and we just love curling up on the couch for a movie marathon with our favorite Christmas movies. Whether you are in the mood for a classic or a rom-com, it is surprising just how many genres are covered by Christmas centered movies. Anyone up for a Christmas horror flick?
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON DAY Just like we all start listening to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ in December every year, we all have our favorite Christmas movies that we return to over and over again. It’s such a great way to get festive! Whether it is the mischievous Grinch or the heartwarming stories in ‘Love Actually,’ Christmas movies come packed with warm nostalgia.
Christmas movies have been around for a long time and range over a number of categories from romance to comedy to horror. The world’s first Christmas movie was a silent short made in 1898, titled ‘ Claus.’ Directed by George Albert Smith and at just over a minute long, this was the first time that Claus graced the screens. The film was about two children who are eagerly waiting for Claus to make his appearance but are ordered to sleep. During the night, slides down the chimney and leaves presents for the children. With jump cut scenes, double exposure, and superimposition, the short movie was ahead of its time.
A lot of the early Christmas films were short movies. Following a couple of adaptations of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and a few war centered Christmas flicks, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ was a breakthrough Christmas movie in 1946.
Since then, Christmas has been the backdrop for many movies; kids movies like ‘Gremlins,’ the 1990’s blockbuster ‘Home Alone,’ and ‘Elf.’ The choice of what to watch has expanded and you won’t be short of options on National Christmas Movie Marathon Day. Whether your go-to is Elf, Home Alone, A Muppets Christmas Carol, or all three, this is a holiday that is all about putting your feet up and enjoying your favorite Christmas movies back to back.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 23, 2021 19:07:10 GMT
Festivus – December 23, 2021~U.S.
Festivus is on December 23 and it’s perfect for those who don’t have a traditional holiday to celebrate. Although it sounds paradoxical, its purpose makes a lot of sense. Not everyone has a major holiday to celebrate like Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa and they can feel left out. This holiday gives many people a non-denominational and non-commercial holiday to call their own. Festivus is for everybody!
HISTORY OF FESTIVUS The world was made aware of Festivus in a “Seinfeld” episode. TV Writer Dan O’Keefe’s father, Daniel O’Keefe, found a reference to an obscure holiday and celebrated it in 1966. At the time, he was doing research for his book “Stolen Lightning” which explored astrology, cults, and paranormal activity. He chose the date of December 23 to celebrate it because it was the anniversary of his first date with his wife.
In the 1997 episode of “Seinfeld” titled, “The Strike” George Castanza is the one who celebrates Festivus. The holiday was created by his father Frank and they celebrated it throughout George’s childhood. Instead of a tree or menorah, an aluminum pole was the symbol of Festivus. They’d have a dinner of meatloaf as the main course and afterward, they had “Feats of Strength” and “Airing of Grievances” traditions. In the latter, people could bring up what disappointed them about the previous year’s gifts.
Because of the show’s popularity and the catchphrase “A Festivus for the rest of us,” Festivus took on a life of its own. People related to the message of inclusion and the zaniness of it all and created their own traditions from it. In 2004, Dan confessed that the real tradition was even more peculiar than on the show. There wasn’t a pole, but there were airings of grievances that they recorded on a tape recorder. In 2009, Dan O’Keefe gave further insight into the famous catchphrase. “A Festivus for the rest of us” was a Festivus motto. After the death of his paternal grandmother, it took on the positive meaning of looking towards the future and a reminder to appreciate life and the living.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 23, 2021 19:09:21 GMT
Kisan Diwas – December 23, 2021~India
Every year, India observes Farmers’ Day or Kisan Diwas on December 23. Farmers are the driving force of the country’s economy and deserve to be honored. The day also celebrates the birth of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, who started as a farmer before earning his seat in the government. This day aims to promote awareness of the importance of farmers and their valuable contribution to the overall social- and economic development of the nation.
HISTORY OF KISAN DIWAS Chaudhary Charan Singh is a remarkable testimony to the fact that, despite having humble beginnings and living a plain lifestyle, one can go on to do great things. Kisan Diwas is celebrated on December 23 to honor the anniversary of this great man’s birth.
India is primarily an agriculture-based country; the national economy and citizens of India heavily depend on farmers to sustain the country’s development. It so happens that one of the great leaders in Indian history, Chaudhary Charan Singh, was himself from a small farmer’s in Uttar Pradesh. Singh went on to become India’s fifth Prime Minister, setting a precedent for the reverence of farmers.
From pre-independence to post-independence, Singh played a key role in the shaping of India’s agricultural sector by advocating and passing different bills for farmers’ reforms. Taking over the seat of Prime Minister Morarji Desai after the demise of the Janata Party, Singh’s tenure was from 1979 to 1980. During his short time as prime minister, Singh strived for the welfare and betterment of Indian farmers. Several schemes were introduced to elevate the social status of farmers.
For his exemplary work and journey from farmer to becoming a head of state, the government of India decided, in the year 2001, to mark Singh’s birth anniversary as the day for celebrating Kisan Diwas.
Annually, on this occasion, several programs are arranged across the country. These events have a significant impact on the farmer community and provide them with platforms for voicing their aspirations and demands. Agricultural scientists showcase the latest in technology and science to assist farmers in maximizing their output. The government also supports farmers by organizing various competitions in which the winners are awarded prizes.
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