04-09

NATIONAL UNICORN DAY 

National Unicorn Day on April 9th each year celebrates the mythical horse-like creature with a single, pointed horn growing from the center of its forehead.

National Unicorn Day

Unicorns have been a popular mythical creature since Ancient Greek times when people believed they lived in exotic India. While they were once considered to be fierce, powerful animals, many now see them as a symbol of love, purity, enchantment, and magic. They also appear in many movies and cartoons as magical creatures. Both adults and children find a fascination with unicorns. They also continue to find their way into fantasy novels alongside other mythical creatures.

How to Observe National Unicorn Day

• Make some brightly colored pancakes or cupcakes.  Decorate them with multicolored sprinkles or glitter.
• Bake cookies in the shape of unicorns.
• Watch a favorite movie including unicorns.
• Draw a picture of a unicorn or write a story about one.
• Read your favorite fantasy novel featuring unicorns.
  

National Unicorn Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this holiday.

Unicorn FAQ

Q. Do unicorns have wings?
A. Traditionally, unicorns are not winged creatures. However, some art and literature depict winged unicorns. A horse with wings is called a Pegasus. In some my

Q. How old are unicorns?
A. One-horned creatures began appearing in carvings around 2000 BC. The mention of such beasts gradually grew until they became quite prominent during the Renaissance.

 

Also 

Cherish an Antique Day

Chinese Almond Cookie Day

Former POW Recognition Day

Education & Sharing Day

Name Yourself Day

Winston Churchill Day

 

Today's Thought

Practice is the price you pay today to be better tomorrow. ~ James Clear

 

 11 Days until Easter

 

04-08

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY 

Each year on April 8th, National Empanada Day recognizes a delicious pastry that comes in several different forms. The name empanada comes from the Galician, Portuguese and Spanish verb em pandar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

National Empanada Day

Empanadas are made by folding the dough or bread around a seasoned stuffing. The stuffed dough is then baked or fried. Very much like hand pies, these delicious pastries offer a variety of choices. You can make your empanadas with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit fillings. However, they may be made with other ingredients, too.

A cookbook published in 1520 in Catalan, the Libre del Coch by Ruperto de Nola, mentions empanadas filled with seafood.

If you've never had an empanada, you might be surprised just how versatile they are. Different parts of the United States make them with their own style and flavors. Starting in the Southern and Southwestern United States where an empanada is called a Creole empanada, the dish becomes a savory meal. There, they fill the half-circle flaky crust with seasoned pork, beef or chicken, and cheese.

Head to the Southeastern part of the country and empanadas transform. A little more on the sweeter side, they fill these pastries with fresh or reconstituted dry fruit. Some choices include apples, apricots, peaches or sweet potatoes. Once fried, the pies have a crispy outer shell with piping hot fruit inside. 

Further west in New Mexico, making empanadas for Christmas is a winter tradition. They make sweetmeats, similar to mincemeat, using ground pork, sugar, pinon nuts, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Everything is then sealed in a tortilla-like dough and deep-fried in lard.

How to Observe National Empanada Day

• Make your favorite version of empanadas. You can choose from a variety of fillings and make one for everyone in the family. Have everyone try their hand at making the dough and filling them. 
• Share your favorite empanada recipes.
• If you're doubting your dough-making skills, try frozen or canned dough. While you're cooking, be sure to share your recipes, too! Empanada recipes 

National Empanada Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching this delicious food celebration. 

Empanada FAQ

Q. Are empanadas and handpies the same thing?
A. They are similar in that they are pie-like pastries that contain fillings and fit in the hand.

Q. Can I use an egg wash on empanadas?
A. Yes. And egg wash will give the empanada a crispy crust.

 

 Also

All is Ours Day

Zoo Lovers Day

 

Today's Thought

Does my time allocation match my priorities in life?

 

 12 Days until Easter

 

 

04-07

NATIONAL BEER DAY 

National Beer Day on April 7th annually, recognizes the world's most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Following water and tea, it is the third most popular drink overall.

National Beer Day

One of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, beer possibly dates back to 9500 BC when cereal was first farmed. It is also recorded in the written history of ancient Iraq and ancient Egypt.  Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Whether yours is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, raise your mug. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work brewing delicious beer in your local area. And besides, beer lovers have more selection than ever before. The craft beer industry continues to challenge the classics, providing a wide variety of choices. Thanks to these opportunities, new beer drinkers are joining the club every day. 

How to Observe National Beer Day

• Grab a beer and spend some time with friends.
• (Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.)
• Celebrate with a pint of pale ale, lager, stout, wheat beer or pale ale. 

National Beer Day History

On April 7, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt took the first step toward ending Prohibition and signed a law that allowed people to brew and sell beer, in the United States, as long as it remained below 4.0% alcohol by volume (ABV). Beer drinkers celebrated and were happy to be able to purchase beer again for the first time in thirteen years. The celebration by beer drinkers was dubbed National Beer Day.

Our research found the National Beer Day showing up in 2009 on social media after Justin Smith, a Richmond, Virginia Craft Beer Examiner, and his friend Mike Connolly from Liverpool, England created a Facebook page celebrating National Beer Day. The date corresponded with the date the Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law and became active. On their National Beer Day Facebook page, the duo invited friends to join, and word spread to many sources.

Beer FAQ

Q. What are the different types of beers?
A. Many types and styles of beer are on the market. Two prominent styles of beer are lagers and ales. They are further broken down by pale, dark, stouts, pilsners, and other types of beer.

Q. Do light beers contain less alcohol?
A. Most light beers contain less alcohol than regular beer. 

 

Also

Coffee Cake Day

IEP Writing Day

Girl Me Too Day

No Housework Day

 

Today's Thought

Courage is very important.  Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use. ~ Ruth Gordon

 

   13 Days until Easter

 

 

 

 

04-06

NATIONAL CARAMEL POPCORN DAY 

Each year on April 6th, National Caramel Popcorn Day conjures up memories of fairs, sporting events, and fun snacking.

Caramel Popcorn Day

In January, we celebrated National Popcorn Day. Now, we add delicious caramel popcorn to the calendar, one of America's favorite snacks. For many people, this chewy or crunchy caramel popcorn treat is an all-time favorite. 

Combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses. 

Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage at the 1893 World's Fair. Other foods to grab the public's attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren't invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.

However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" not only caused sales of the snack food to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.

There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores.  There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online.

How to Observe Caramel Popcorn Day

• Enjoy your favorite kind of caramel popcorn.
• If you're making some, don't forget to make extra for others, too. The bigger the batch, the better.
• We even have a recipe for you to try. Caramel Sauce
• Stop by your favorite treat shop and pick up some caramel corn. While you're there, give them a shout-out, too. It's a great way to support small businesses.
• Another fun way to celebrate is by singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" and watching one on TV. Tune into an old game until the season starts up again.

Caramel Popcorn Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this tasty snack food holiday. 

Caramel Popcorn FAQ

Q. Which kind of popcorn is best for making caramel popcorn?
A. There are two basic kinds of popcorn kernels. One is the butterfly and the other is a mushroom. The butterfly popcorn pops up light and fluffy with little wings. The mushroom popcorn pops into a sturdy, fluffy, and mounded top. While either type of popcorn will make delicious caramel corn, the mushroom kernels hold up better to the weight of the sweet and gooey caramel.

Q. Can anyone make caramel popcorn at home?
A. Making caramel popcorn at home doesn't require any special tools. Most people have what's required on hand, so just about anyone can make caramel popcorn at home. Adult supervision is required when children are helping. Be sure to protect them from the hot sugar as you make the caramel.

Also

Employee Benefits Day

Geologist Day

Carbonara Day

New Beer's Day

Sorry Charlie Day

Student-Athlete Day

Tartan Day

Teflon Day

Today's Thought

It is not that we have too little time to do all the things we need to do, it is that we feel the need to do too many things in the time we have. ~ Gary Keller

 

 14 Days until Easter

 

 

 

 

04-05

FIRST CONTACT DAY  

First Contact Day on April 5th commemorates a fictional date in the future when an alien species visits Earth and makes contact with Earthlings for the first time.

First Contact Day

While the fictional date of 2063 is less than half a generation away, mere humans contemplate the possibilities the further we explore space. Not only do the modern explorers keep our interests piqued, but the science fiction genre continues to pour out stories that thrill and excite us.

One of science fiction's common themes depicts the first meeting between humans and extraterrestrials. Conspiracy theories surround Area 51, but a popular one speculates that first contact was made there. UFOs often stir up theories about the first contact, too. The earliest documented sighting of a UFO took place in 1639 and was recorded by the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop.

While celebrating the first contact could mean many things, this celebration focuses on one kind - the Vulcan/humankind meeting. That's right. It's a "final frontier" kind of celebration.

How to Observe First Contact Day

• Brush up on your Star Trek history before you board the U.S.S. Enterprise. Actually, you'll need to study a little more recent history of sorts.
• In any case, here are some ideas for your celebration. Attend a first contact re-enactment party Practice your Vulcan greeting. (I can do this one.) Watch the film Star Trek: First Contact, Visit Bozeman, Montana Share your first contact stories Participate in online celebrations Play the song "A Magic Carpet Ride" Download and print the day's coloring page. 

First Contact Day History

In 1996, Star Trek: First Contact was released in theaters across the nation. Starfleet and crew travel through time and encounter the historical figure, Dr. Zefram Cochrane. His spacecraft, the Phoenix, launches and becomes the first in human history to reach warp drive. Moments after the launch, Vulcans appear at the base near Boseman, Montana.

The date is April 5, 2063, and First Contact Day honors the achievements of Dr. Cochrane and the historic first interactions between humans and Vulcans. Present-day sci-fi fans celebrate the event as well.

First Contact FAQ

Q. Who starred in Star Trek: First Contact?
A. Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Alfre Woodard, Levar Burton, Brent Spiner, and Gates McFadden are just a few of the actors who starred in Star Trek: First Contact.

Q. Are there other movies that depict a first contact scenario?
A. Hollywood has long been fertile ground for sci-fi imaginings, including travelers from another world making first contact with humans. Some of those films include:

• (1953) The War of the Worlds directed by Byron Haskin and starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson.
• (1977) Close Encounters of the Third Kind directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Richard Dreyfuss, Francois Truffaut, and Terri Garr.
• (1982) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and C. Thomas Howell.
• (1997) Contact directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, and James Woods

**me: Close Encounters is my favorite sci-fi movie of all time.  I've watched it so many times that I can repeat some of the script by heart.  I totally agree with Roy...I'd stand in line to discover what/who is out there.  The ultimate adventure! **

Also

Caramel Day

Deep Dish Pizza Day

Flash Drive Day

Go for Broke Day

Gold Star Spouses Day

Nebraska Day

Raisin & Spice Bar Day

Read a Road Map Day

Play Outside Day

Handmade Day

Love Our Children Day 

Today's Thought

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. ~ John F. Kennedy

 

 15 Days until Easter

 

 

 

 

04 April

 NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY  

On April 4th each year, National School Librarian Day recognizes the professionals who keep the school library in working order. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized. They are also dedicated to helping our children find the resources they need to keep learning. School librarians are the people who create an environment where students can learn every day of the year. Their work is an impressive accomplishment.

National School Librarian Day

The school librarians provide guidance and expose our youth not only to texts, print media, and literature but to digital resources and technology, too. These resources also connect them to libraries around the world. A school librarian's ability to manage scores of media and a school full of students with numerous projects and schedules astounds us.  

How to Observe National School Librarian Day

• Remember the school librarian on this day. Take a little gift or a card and tell them “Thank You!"
• We've created a postcard just for the occasion. Download and print it on cardstock. Make sure your printer settings are set to print on both sides of the paper. The cards are 5.5 x 4.25 inches. Then color and mail the postcard to your librarian and let them know how much you appreciate them.
• Share your experiences as a school librarian.
• Learn more about the history of libraries and those who work in them.

National National School Librarian Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this school holiday. However, librarians and school librarians have been celebrated for decades. School districts or individual schools often launched celebrations recognizing their librarians. These celebrations took place at different times throughout the school year. It wasn't until more recent decades that the practice took place during Library Week or other reading-related celebrations. 

Librarian FAQ

Q. Besides school libraries, where do librarians work?
A. Librarians work in many types of libraries. Some of them include:

• Public libraries
• Government libraries
• Law libraries
• Academic libraries
• Military libraries
• Museum libraries

Q. Where is the world's largest library?
A. The world's largest library is the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Q. Who was the first Librarian of Congress?
A. John Beckley served as the first Librarian of Congress from 1802-1807. President Thomas Jefferson appointed Beckley to the position.

Also

World Corporate Health Day

Chicken Cordon Bleu Day

Hug a Newsperson Day

Jeep 4x4 Day

Vitamin C Day

World Party Day

 

Today's Thought

Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have.

 

 16 Days until Easter

 

03 April

NATIONAL FIND A RAINBOW DAY 

Each year on April 3rd, National Find a Rainbow Day challenges us to look to the sky and find a colorful ray of hope cast across it. 

Find A Rainbow Day

There are people that see rainbows as an artistic masterpiece in the sky, to others it is a sign of hope and to many a sign of promise.
It can be all three; beauty, hope and promise.    (Jill Magnus) 

A spectrum of light in the form of a multicolored arc, appearing in the sky, is caused by both reflection and refraction of light in water droplets in the Earth’s atmosphere. These rainbows always appear directly opposite of the sun. The light is refracted (bent) when it enters a droplet of water, then is reflected inside on the back of the droplet and refracted again when leaving it.

Red is the color that is visible on the outer part of arainbow and violet on the inside of a primary rainbow. Children learn in science class the mnemonic ROYGBIV to help them to remember the sequence of colors in a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Many forms of airborne water can causerainbows including, rain, mist, spray, and dew.  

How to Observe Find A Rainbow Day

• Find yourself a rainbow or use the garden hose or a prism to make one yourself.
• Families, students, and classrooms, create a rainbow from the colorful hearts on this printable. There's at least one for every color in the rainbow. Take out your color crayons and finish what we've started.
• Then cut them out and put them in a cheerful, sunny window to brighten the day of someone passing by. 
• Create a rainbow as part of a science project.
  

National Find A Rainbow Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this bright and colorful holiday.

Rainbow FAQ

Q. When is the best time to look for a rainbow?
A. Rainbows often appear after it rains and the clouds have cleared. The sun casts its rays through the remaining moisture in the air. The water in the air bends the light into its colors. You can also find a rainbow near the ground where dew had formed or water from a sprinkler. Use a prism to cast a rainbow on a wall.

Q. How can I see an entire rainbow?
A. You need to get up into the sky to see the full circle of a rainbow. If you're on an airplane when it's raining, you might get to see the entire circle.

Q. Does saltwater refract light differently than freshwater?
A. Yes. Saltwater is denser than freshwater so it will form rainbows with a smaller radius.

 

Also

Burrito Day

Chocolate Mousse Day

Film Score Day

Tweed Day

World Party Day

 

Today's Thought 

It only counts as personal growth if you don't want to do it.

 

 

 17 Days until Easter