Category: April 09

  • NATIONAL UNICORN DAY – April 9

    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.

    #NationalUnicornDay

    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.
    • We’ve also created a coloring page and a picture puzzle. Can you find the differences?
    • Use the key to see if you find them all. Post photos on social media using #NationalUnicornDay

    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.

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  • EASTER – Changes Annually

    EASTER

    Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Considered Christianity’s most important holy day, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Depending on which calendar a church follows, some will celebrate the holiday earlier than others.

    #Easter

    Leading up to Easter Sunday is an entire season of observances beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent’s official beginning. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection, which represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness for 40 days. Many know this as a time when Christians give something up for Lent.

    Then during Holy Week, the Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey just five days before the Romans crucified Him. Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’s last supper; Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion; Holy Saturday is the period between the crucifixion and the resurrection; and Easter Sunday.

    HOW TO OBSERVE EASTER

    • Participate in any number of church services.
    • Some churches conduct sunrise services.
    • Dye eggs with children and have an Easter egg hunt.
    • Local communities also hold annual egg hunts, so check your local social media, newspapers, and community listings for dates and times.
    • Use #Easter to share on social media.

    EASTER HISTORY

    Before Easter (Pascha), Passover was the primary holy day celebrated; however, Christianity closely links the two holidays. Jesus’s last supper was a Passover meal. By the 2nd century, Orthodox Christians also celebrated Pascha alongside Passover as well as pagan spring festivals.

    The Easter Bunny tradition comes from medieval Germany, where the Osterhase or Easter Hare would lay its colorful eggs in nests prepared by children. In the 18th-century, settling in the Dutch Pennsylvania countryside, immigrants brought this fable and tradition to the United States.

    Dying eggs is a tradition that dates back thousands of years across many cultures. Eggs symbolize rebirth, fertility, and life springing forth. Today Easter egg hunts take place across the country. It is not unusual to see children in their Sunday best surrounding a giant Bunny. Many will also get their picture taken too!

    Easter FAQ

    Q. What happens to the palm leaves used during Palm Sunday services the week before Easter?
    A. The palm leaves are usually burned to create ash for the following year’s Ash Wednesday traditions.

    Q. What are some traditional Easter symbols?
    A. Easter comes with many symbols. Some of them include:

    • Eggs – Symbolizes new life and rebirth
    • Lambs – Represents Jesus
    • Easter Lilies – Symbolizes innocence, purity and peace
    • Hot Cross Buns and Easter Breads – Represents Jesus, the bread of life
     

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  • NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY – April 9

    NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY

    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9th honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. As a result, they’ve also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.

    #FormerPOWRecognitionDay

    On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.

    Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.

    HOW TO OBSERVE FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY

    • Government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events.
    • Some states require organizations and government facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on this day.
    • Honor former POWs by helping to organize events.
    • Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag.
    • Volunteer to help a veteran organization.
    • Learn more by visiting the American Legion.
    • Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY

    In 1984, a movement led by former POWs began seeking a day recognizing former Prisoners of War on April 9th each year. In 1988, Congress approved legislation setting April 9th to commemorate the date the tragic number of captives were taken prisoner on Bataan. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 1, 1988, through Presidential Proclamation 5788. He set the observance for April 9, 1988. Since then, through legislation and Presidential Proclamations, the observance carries on.

    POW FAQ

    Q. How old is the POW/MIA flag?
    A. The National League of POW/MIA Families approved the flag in 1972.

    Q. What does it say at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag?
    A. “You are not forgotten” is printed at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag representing the commitment to bring all POW and MIA personnel home.

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  • NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY – April 9

    NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY

    April 9th recognizes a tasty treat on National Chinese Almond Cookie Day. Adorned with an almond, their delicious almond flavor, and slightly crunchy texture are sure to make you smile. 

    #ChineseAlmondCookieDay

    A variety of recipes offer different processes and ingredients for making these delicious cookies. One fact does remain, these cookies are delicious.

    These cookies (along with several others on the calendar) are excellent for serving with tea. They not only dip well but their flavor pairs well with tea, too. Add them to other cookies if you’re planning to serve a small tea. Some other suggested cookies include Madeleines, biscotti, shortbread, and lacy oatmeal cookies. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY

    • Chinese almond cookies also make great gifts.
    • Bake some up to share.
    • They even look pretty when displayed along with an arrangement of other cookies. Serve them with some Oolong tea.
    • We found a recipe for you to try. Be sure to share your favorite version of this cookie.
    • Use #ChineseAlmondCookieDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY HISTORY

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

    Chinese Almond Cookie FAQ

    Q. Can I freeze Chinese almond cookies?
    A. Yes. Allow to cool completely and freeze in an air-tight container.

    Q. Is a Chinese almond biscuit and a Chinese almond cookie the same thing?
    A. Yes. In some countries, cookies are called biscuits.

    Q. Are Chinese almond cookies gluten-free?
    A. There are many Chinese almond cookie recipes that are gluten-free.

    April 9th Celebrated History

    1959

    NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan introduces the Mercury 7 to the public. These first seven U.S. astronauts completed the exhaustive testing process that identified them as the fittest and the most ideal to travel into space. The seven astronauts were Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton.

    1963

    Winston Churchill was made an honorary citizen of the United States.

    1965

    The Astros play the Yankees in the first indoor baseball game at the newly completed Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

    April 9th Celebrated Birthdays

    Frank King – 1883

    The comic strip artist developed Gasoline Alley in 1919. It was the first comic strip where the characters aged with the storyline.

    Curly Lambeau – 1898

    Player and coach, Earl “Curly” Lambeau co-founded the Green Bay Packers in 1921. Not only would he play for the team and coach others, but Lambeau’s name would grace the Packer’s stadium, and he would be elected to the inaugural class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

    Paul Robeson – 1898

    The immensely talented actor and activist, Paul Robeson made a name for himself in the 1930s and 1940s. His performances on both stage and screen brought worldwide recognition.

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  • NATIONAL WINSTON CHURCHILL DAY – April 9

    NATIONAL WINSTON CHURCHILL DAY

    National Winston Churchill Day on April 9th commemorates the day he was made an honorary citizen of the United States.

    #WinstonChurchillDay

    Well known for his leadership as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, Winston Churchill earned his reputation through experience both in politics and the military.

    On this day in 1963, a ceremony for honorary citizenship presided over by President John F. Kennedy, took place for Winston Churchill. While Churchill was not present at the ceremony, his son and grandson attended.

    Honorary though his citizenship may be, Churchill can uniquely trace his roots back to Virginia by way of Brooklyn, New York. His mother was American, Jennie Jerome. Her marriage to Lord Randolph Churchill produced two children: John Spencer and Winston.

    It was the first occasion in U.S. history an honorary citizenship was granted. Since then, only seven other honorary citizenships have been granted. Of those, six have been posthumous honors. In 1996, the U.S. granted Mother Teresa the only other honorary citizenship during a person’s lifetime. 

    Quite the rare honor, even for a man who had received many honors throughout his lifetime.

    WINSTON CHURCHILL FACTS:
    • Born in 1874
    • Admired British Politician
    • Elected to the British Parliament in 1900
    • First Lord of the Admiralty
    • Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
    • Secretary of State for War and Air
    • 1953 Nobel Prize Winner for Literature
    • Soldier, Legislator, Historian
    • Writer, Artist, Orator
    • Strong Relationship with Franklin D. Roosevelt
    • Died 1965

    HOW TO OBSERVE WINSTON CHURCHILL DAY

    • Learn more about Winston Churchill. Read one of the books or watch one of the movies listed below.
      • Churchill: The Power of Words by Winston Churchill
      • The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Defender of the Realm 1940-1965 by Paul Reid and William Manchester
      • Winston Churchill: Walking with Destiny (2010)
      • Darkest Hour (2017) starring Gary Oldman, Ben Mendelsohn, John Hurt
    • Read about Winston Churchill.
    • Use #WinstonChurchillDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL WINSTON CHURCHILL DAY HISTORY

    April 9th commemorates the day in 1963 when Congress and President John F. Kennedy presented Winston Churchill with honorary U.S. citizenship. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed November 30, 1964, Sir Winston Churchill Day. The one-time declaration led to the annual recognition of Churchill’s honorary citizenship ceremony on April 9, 1963. Newspapers in the U.S. and U.K. recognized Sir Winston Churchill Day for many years on April 9th. Over time, the word “Sir” was dropped from the title of the celebration. 

    Winston Churchill FAQ

    Q. Was Winston Churchill born in the United States?
    A. No. Winston Churchill was born in Oxfordshire, England.

    Q. When was Winston Churchill born?
    A. Winston Churchill was born on November 30, 1874.

    Q. When did Winston Churchill serve as Prime Minister of England?
    A. Winston Churchill served as England’s Prime Minister twice. His first term in office was from 1940 to 1945. He was re-elected and served again from 1951 to 1955.

     

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  • NATIONAL NAME YOURSELF DAY – April 9

    NATIONAL NAME YOURSELF DAY

    National Name Yourself Day on April 9th each year proposes one day a year to reinvent our names. 

    #NationalNameYourselfDay

    If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have a different name, this would be the day to find out. Whether you like your name or not, this day is about having fun with a different name. Actors get to try on new names all the time. While they’re at it, they also pretend to be another personality altogether. 

    Trying on a new name can be fun. For those who are frequently being called by the wrong name, try on the other name for size. Does mom call you by a sibling’s name? Or is your name Greg but you’re forever being called Craig? Adopt a name that avoids these pitfalls (though Mom really does love you, even if she calls you by your sister’s name). 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NAME YOURSELF DAY

    • Pick yourself a new name.
    • Try a nickname or something entirely different.
    • Make a name tag.
    • When you’re attending a virtual meeting, introduce yourself by your new name.
    • Share your results using #NationalNameYourselfDay to post on social media.
    • Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas geared toward many of the National Days.

    NATIONAL NAME YOURSELF DAY HISTORY

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

    Name FAQ

    Q. Can anyone rename themselves for the day?
    A. Yes. This day is perfect for anyone to celebrate.

    Q. How difficult is it to change my name legally?
    A. A. The rules for changing your name legally vary from state to state. However, the process does begin by filling out a form supplied by the court clerk where you live.

     

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  • NATIONAL CHERISH AN ANTIQUE DAY – April 9

    NATIONAL CHERISH AN ANTIQUE DAY

    Each year, National Cherish an Antique Day encourages us to seek the deeper story behind treasures and family heirlooms. Observed annually on April 9th, the day reminds us that sometimes there is more to antiques than just a dollar sign. 

    #CherishAnAntiqueDay

    Do you have something special that was passed down from your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents? The day provides us an opportunity to learn the story and the history behind our treasured antiques. It’s an excellent time to record the provenance and preserve it for safekeeping. Over the years, family members collect items from their travels or that remind them of a moment from their past. They may be cherished because of personal or emotional connections. Often a colorful story tells how it came into the family making it even more valuable as an heirloom.

    You might discover stories like this one:

    When Grandma explains she stood in line for hours to have her copy of her favorite book signed by the author, only to have the author stop signing right before it was her turn, you might begin to understand. And yet, she has a signed copy? Then she goes on to explain that Grandpa went back the next day and stood in line again and had the book signed for her. He then tucked an engagement ring between the pages so that it poked out the top of the book and gave it to her on one knee. 

    Many more stories like these are all around us, ready to be discovered. Talk to your parents, grandparents and other family members. Uncover the histories and so much more. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHERISH AN ANTIQUE  DAY

    • Give your antiques some attention. Write down the stories attached to them. Whether they are personal or more directly related to the object, the item comes to life when the history attached to them is linked to them. 
    • Share your favorite antiques.
    • Explore antique shops and estate sales.
    • Use #CherishAnAntiqueDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHERISH AN ANTIQUE DAY HISTORY

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

    Antique FAQ

    Q. Are antiques important?
    A. Some antiques carry history with them. They tell the parts of the stories of days gone by. Some retain beauty long after their usefulness.

    Q. How do I know if an antique has any value?
    A. An antique’s value can be determined by an antique dealer, various books, historians, and other experts. It’s value may depend on the demand from other collectors.

     

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