12 February

 LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY 

Lincoln's Birthday is a legal, public holiday in some U.S. states, observed on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth on February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville (Hodgensville, Hodgen's Mill), Kentucky. Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, California, Missouri, and New York observe the holiday.  

In Illinois, this was always a school holiday for us.

In many other states, Lincoln's birthday is not celebrated separately, as a stand-alone holiday. Instead, Lincoln's birthday is combined with a celebration of President George Washington's birthday (also in February) and celebrated either along with the Federal holiday of Washington's Birthday or as Presidents' Day on the third Monday in February.

The earliest known observance of Lincoln's birthday occurred in Buffalo, New York, in either 1873 or 1874. Julius Francis (d. 1881), a Buffalo druggist, made it his life's mission to honor the slain president. He repeatedly petitioned Congress to establish Lincoln's birthday as a legal holiday.

The day is marked by traditional wreath-laying ceremonies at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The latter has been the site of a ceremony ever since the Memorial was dedicated. Since that event in 1922, observances continue to be organized by the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee and by the Military Order of  the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). A wreath is laid on behalf of the President of the United States, a custom also carried out at the grave sites of all deceased U.S. presidents on their birthdays.  Lincoln's tomb is in Springfield, Illinois.

On February 12, 2009, the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial commemorated Lincoln's 200th birthday in grand fashion. An extended ceremony, organized by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC) and with help from MOLLUS, featured musical performances from four-time Grammy-nominated singer Michael Feinstein and the U.S. Marine Corps Band. The morning celebration also featured remarks by Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin; Lincoln scholar and ALBC Co-chair Harold Holzer; recently retired Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice – and ALBC Commissioner – Frank J. Williams; and author Nikki Giovanni reciting her newest work, which was written especially for the Bicentennial.

Menu from Lincoln's Birthday celebration held by the Republican Club of the City of New York in 1887. Many Republican Party organizations hold Lincoln's Birthday celebrations because Lincoln was the first Republican president.

As part of Lincoln's birthday bicentennial, the U.S. Mint released four new Lincoln cents. The commemorative coins have new designs on the reverse showing stages of his life. The first went into circulation on September 12, 2009. The standard portrait of Lincoln's head remains on the front. The new designs include a log cabin representing his birthplace, Lincoln as a young man reading while sitting on a log that he was taking a break from splitting, Lincoln as a state legislator in front of the Illinois Capitol,  and the partially built dome of the U.S. Capitol. 

New Jersey started observing the holiday on May 23, 2008, with the enactment of the Public Employee Pension and Benefits Reform Act of 2008.

Also

Plum Pudding Day

 

 Today's Thought

The best way to predict your future is to create it. ~ Abraham Lincoln -16th President 

 

36 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

11 February

 NATIONAL MAKE A FRIEND DAY 

Always observed on February 11th, National Make A Friend Day is a fantastic opportunity to meet someone new and make a new friendship. Friends serve a vital role in everyone’s lives. They are one of life’s most valuable assets.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light" ~ Helen Keller

New friends can broaden our horizons by helping us to see new perspectives, challenging us to try something different, or connecting us to opportunities. Meeting new people can help sharpen our social skills and keep us from becoming lonely.

"Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer" ~ Ed Cunningham

While friends often share common backgrounds or experiences, they certainly don't have to have everything in common.  One of the simplest ways to make new friends is to explore your interests by taking a class or joining a club.

How to Observe National Make a Friend Day

• Make a friend at work, school, in the community, or just about anywhere. Introduce one friend to another. Give a shout-out to a friend who makes your life better. Invite someone you'd like to know better out for coffee or tea. Share your tips on how to make friends. 

National Make a Friend Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this friendly day, making new friends along the way.

Make A Friend FAQ

Q. What are some good ways to make new friends?
A. There are many different ways to make friends. Try these ideas:

• Sign up for a class. You'll meet people who have the same interests as you do.
• Volunteer. This is a great way to give back to your community and meet others who are doing the same.
• Say hello. It may be to someone new at work or school or a stranger in the store.
• Host a party. Ask your friends to bring people you've never met.
• Introduce yourself to a neighbor. Many of us don't know our neighbors well, but they sometimes turn out to be the best of friends.

Q. Do friends have to have common interests?
A. No. Friends can have many different interests. Sometimes their interests are completely different from yours. It's more about enjoying each other's company.

Also

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

Safer Internet Day U.S.

Inventors' Day

Peppermint Patty Day

Shut-In Visitation Day

White Shirt/T-Shirt Day

Today's Thought

Raise Your Standards

 

37 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

 

 

 

10 February

 

NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY  

National Umbrella Day casts a little shade on February 10th. The day honors one of the world's most useful inventions, the umbrella!

Not only does the umbrella help keep us dry from the rain, but it also protects us from the heat of the sun. You can also use an umbrella as a fashion accessory. While the umbrella is primarily practical, they also decorate cocktails. These brightly colored paper umbrellas make fun party favors, especially when visiting sunny locations. 

Umbrellas have also found their way into the art world. Their color and shape make sharp silhouettes. They also serve as the canvas for art. In movies, umbrellas play a role, too. For example, they played vital parts in Singing in the Rain in 1952 and Mary Poppins in 1964. 

Interesting Umbrella TidBits:

The word umbrella comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning shade or shadow. Brolly is a slang word for umbrella, often used in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Bumbershoot is a fanciful Americanism for an umbrella from the late 19th century.

The basic umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China.

We can credit the Chinese for being the first to protect us from the rain. Their paper parasols received a layer of wax followed by lacquer that made the umbrella withstand the elements. 

One of the first umbrella shops opened in 1830 at 53 New Oxford Street in London, England. The shop, operated by James Smith and Sons, still operates regular hours at the same location today. 

In 1928, Hans Haupt's pocket umbrellas appeared. Then, in 1969, Bradford E. Phillips, the owner of Totes Incorporated of Loveland, Ohio, obtained a patent for the first "working folding umbrella."

Umbrellas have also been fashioned into hats as early as 1880 and as recently as 1987.

Photographers use umbrellas with a reflective inside as a diffusion device when employing artificial lighting and as a glare shield and shade, most often in portrait situations.

How to Observe National Umbrella Day

• Spring for a new umbrella and prepare for rainy days ahead.
• Use an umbrella on a sunny day.
• Have an umbrella photoshoot modeling your favorite rain gear and umbrella.
• Order a drink that comes with a paper umbrella.
• Watch movies with iconic umbrella scenes such as Singing in the Rain and Mary Poppins.

National Umbrella Day History

While the origins of the utilitarian holiday remain a mystery, the world has been celebrating it since at least 2004. However, another celebration on the calendar promotes opening umbrellas indoors. The entire month of March recognizes the umbrella, too!

Umbrella FAQ

Q. Is it bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?
A. There is a superstition surrounding the act of opening an umbrella indoors. Whether it's true or not may depend on many variables. However, opening an umbrella indoors can be awkward, especially if it's a tight space or crowded.

Q. Can umbrellas be used in any weather?
A. While we use umbrellas in the rain or sunshine, the wind tends to be the umbrella's nemesis. Windy days turn umbrellas inside out and can make them ineffective at keeping out the rain.

Q. Can anyone celebrate National Umbrella Day?
A. Yes. Even if you don't need an umbrella to protect you against the elements, you can celebrate the umbrella in other ways.

 

Also

Cream Cheese Brownie Day 

Clean Out Your Computer Day

Home Warranty Day 

Football Hangover Day

 

Today's Thought

Actions is the foundational key to all success. ~ Pablo Picasso 

 

 

38 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

 

09 February

 NATIONAL PIZZA DAY    (fitting for Super Bowl Sunday)

National Pizza Day on February 9th celebrates one of America's all-time favorite foods. Whether it is thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish, or anything in between, pizza is an American favorite.

_{We love our pizzas, and they come in so many varieties, too. As we nosh on our favorite, explore a few pizza facts:}

• Pepperoni is the most popular pizza at 36% of all pies ordered.
• Over 3 billion pizzas are sold in the USA each year.  Add another 1 billion on frozen pizzas
• In the United States, 17% of all restaurants are pizzerias.
•  Antica Pizzeria, the first Pizzeria, opened in Naples, Italy, in 1738.
• Gennaro Lombardi, the first Pizzeria in the United States, opened in 1895 in New York City.
• Americans consume on average 23 pounds of pizza per person each year. 

How to Observe National Pizza Day

• Eat your favorite pizza.
• Visit a local pizzeria and give them a shout-out for their fantastic pies!
• Make your own pizza at home.
• Post on social media your favorite recipes.
• Experiment with toppings, crusts and sauces.
• Watch movies like Mystic Pizza or Little Italy.
• Throw a pizza party and give this recipe a try: Peanut Butter BBQ Chicken Pizza 

National Pizza Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this ever-popular food holiday. However, the mystery remains. One thing we do know is how to eat pizza. Do you?

Pizza FAQ

Q. Are all pizzas round?
A. No. Pizzas are also made into rectangles and squares.

Q. Do thing crusts have leavening agents in them?
A. Most thin crust pizza recipes call for some sort of leaving agent such as yeast or baking soda. There are recipes, however, that call for no leavening agent.

Q. Which is better, thin or thick crust?
A. It depends on a variety of factors and personal choice. Different toppings fair better on one type of crust versus another. Some sauces require a thicker, more durable crust.

Other Pizza Days:

Pepperoni Pizza Day - September 20

National Deep Dish Pizza Day - April 5 

National Pizza Party Day - Third Friday in May 

Also 

Bagel & Lox Day

Pork Rind Day

Toothache Day

Cut the Cord Day

 

Today's Thought

Take criticism seriously, but not personally.  If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it.  Otherwise, let it roll right off you. ~ Hillary Clinton 

 

39 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

 

 

08 February

NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY  

 

Observed annually on February 8th, National Kite Flying Day encourages exploring kite flying and making. Enthusiasts across the country mark the day by launching their kites or making plans to attend festivals.

National Kite Flying Day

Kites date back to China in 470 B.C. China is full of lore and histories of the origins of the kite. Many are related to the way wind affects the leaves on the trees, the shelters they lived in, blowing away the sails on their ships, and the hats they wore upon their heads. The stories also tell of kites invented to spy on their enemies or to send messages.

Evidence also shows the people of the South Sea Islands were using kites for fishing around the same time as the people of China.

Early kites were constructed from bamboo or sturdy reeds for framing. Leaves, silk, or paper made ideal sails. Vines or braided fibers completed the line or tether. While people initially used kites as tools, they also used them for ceremonial reasons as well. Whether they sent messages into the heavens or to lift offerings up to the gods, kites had a symbolic place in the culture.

Today kites are popular both as hobbies and for outdoor fun. They range from a simple diamond kite to more complicated box kites and giant sled kites. Stunt kites, also known as sport kites, are designed so the operator can maneuver the kite into dips, twists, and dives with dramatic effect.

Tips for Getting Your Kite Up in the Air and Keeping it There

• Be sure the kite is assembled correctly.
• Check the wind.  Some kites require more wind and others less. Picking the right day for your kite is key.  A light breeze (5-20 mph) is generally optimal.
• Be safe. Don't fly a kite near power lines, trees, or other sky-high obstacles. Wide-open spaces are best.
• Be safer. Don't fly in the rain.
• When launching the kite, be sure to have your back to the wind.  If the wind is light, have a friend hold the kite downwind and hold your line taught, reeling in slowly until the kite launches.
• Don't let the line out too quickly.  Let the line out at the same pace the kite is gaining altitude.

How to Observe National Kite Flying Day

• Fly a kite.
• Make a kite.
• Scout out kite festivals to attend in the months to come.
• Host a kite flying lesson.
• Learn about the science behind kite flying.

National Kite Flying Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this high-flying holiday.

Kite FAQ

Q. What is the world's largest kite?
A. According to Guinness World Records, Abdulrahman Al Farsi and Faris Al Farsi flew the world's largest kite on February 15, 2005. Measuring 25.475 meters (83 feet 7 inches) long and 40 meters (131 feet 3 inches) wide, the kite flew at the Kuwait Hala Festival in Kuwait City.

Q. Is kite flying a sport?
A. Flying kites is quite competitive. Kite design and the altitude a kite achieves are both measures for competition. Additionally, flying kites can be a physically demanding event.

Q. What are the largest kite festivals?
A. In North America, Washington State International Kite Festival hosts the largest gathering of kites each year.

 

Also

Boy Scouts Day

Iowa Day

Global Movie Day

International Snowmobile Ride Day

 

Today's Thought 

If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right. ~ Henry Ford

 

40 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

07 February

BUBBLEGUM DAY  

Celebrating Bubble Gum Day on the first Friday of February every year doesn't burst many people's bubbles. It's a fun way to chew your favorite flavor of bubble gum, blow some spectacular bubbles and raise money, too.

Bubble Gum Day

Bubble Gum Day helps raise money for schools and the charities they support. Students donate 50 cents to be able to chew bubble gum in class on Bubble Gum Day.

Long before any substantial chewing gum formed bubbles, ancient human beings chewed bits of resin from trees. All around the world, people collected substances from the available trees and used them for dental care and general enjoyment.

It wasn't until 1928 after decades of failure by those before him, and several of his own, that Walter Diemer created the first bubble producing gum. His employer, the Fleer Chewing Gum Company, marketed it as "Dubble Bubble".

The largest bubble gum bubble ever blown was 50.8 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter. Chad Fell of Haleyville, Alabama blew the bubble with three pieces of Dubble Bubble on April 24, 2004 at Double Springs High School in Winston County, Alabama.

How to Observe Bubble Gum Day

Grab your quarters and bubble gum! It's time to chew some gum, blow bubbles and raise some money for a good cause.

If your school doesn't participate, encourage your school to set up a fundraiser. The funds can be donated to a local charity, new band costumes or foreign language immersion trip. Those are just a few ideas to get you started.

Bubble Gum Day History

In 2006, Ruth Spiro, children's author and mother, founded the celebration/fundraiser to create a fun way for children to participate in school fundraising.

Bubble Gum

Q. How many calories are in one piece of bubble gum?
A. One piece of bubble gum contains approximately 29 calories?

Q. Do the calories count if you don't swallow the gum?
A. Yes. The calories count even though you don't swallow the gum.

Q. Is there a difference between bubble gum and chewing gum?
A. Yes. Bubble gum produces larger bubbles and is typically sweeter. While chewing gum can still produce bubbles, they are neither as large or as lasting as those made with bubble gum.

Also

Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Periodic Table Day

Send a card to a Friend Day

Wear Red Day

Today's Thought

Nothing changes if nothing changes. 

 

41 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain

 

 

 

06 February

 OPTIMIST DAY | First Thursday in February 

Confident people look to the future with hope, and on Optimist Day we celebrate the volunteers who share their enthusiasm, skills, and talent to make that tomorrow a vibrant and peaceful one. On the first Thursday in February, recognize an optimist whose endeavors have made a difference in your community.

Optimist Day

Each year, Optimist organizations around the world volunteer their time and skills working with the youth in their communities. They provide leadership, scholarship, wellness and safety, arts and sports programs.

Optimist Day recognizes the volunteers and the youth who support their communities in many different ways. Every day, our growing communities rely on the ingenuity and energy of the next generation to be an integral part of our neighborhoods, schools, and towns. These young volunteers and the mentors who guide them connect them to the greater world around us. Their stewardship creates a hopeful future for us all.

How to Observe Optimist Day

Recognize the volunteers in your community. Dedicate the day to their accomplishments and let them know how much you appreciate them. Let them know your community admires their hard work and dedication. Encourage other youth to become involved in community organizations, too. Help them see the benefits of improving the world where they live and connecting with the people who live there. Share the projects and resources of your communities' volunteer organizations, the volunteers, and youth, too.

Optimist Day History

The original idea for Optimist Day developed in 1909 when the Optimist Club of America promoted the day to be observed on April 1st as a way to encourage kind acts and further optimism. The idea was to also replace the practical joking associated with April Fool's Day. For the next several decades, clubs across the country hosted Optimist Day observances in their communities on various dates throughout the year.

In 2017, Optimist International declared Optimist Day to be observed on the first Thursday in February with a focus on recognizing the achievements of the volunteers and the youth in the community. Each year, the programs they support improve their communities and provide opportunities for youth of all ages. They also coordinate with other volunteer organizations making the future brighter for all involved.

Optimist FAQ

Q. Are optimists positive or negative?
A. Optimists have a positive outlook and strive to bring a positive outlook into the lives of others.

Q. Q. When was Optimist International founded?
A. The international volunteer organization was founded in 1919. However, many Optimist Clubs were established across the United States. In 1911, Optimist Club of America established its first official club in Boston

 

Also

Chopsticks Day

Frozen Yogurt Day

Lame Duck Day

 

42 Days Until Spring

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. ~ Mark Twain