Category: March 20

• WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY – March 20

  WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY

  Every year on March 20th World Oral Health Day encourages people around the world to make a pledge to look after their oral health.

  #WorldOralHealthDay

  According to the FDI World Dental Association, oral diseases affect nearly 4 billion people around the globe. Untreated tooth decay is the most prevalent oral health issue. Other common oral health issues around the world include gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. About 30% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have no natural teeth.

  When a person has poor oral health, it may affect their physical appearance. This contributes to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Poor oral health even contributes to problems in school, at work, and in relationships.
  Besides affecting physical appearance, poor oral hygiene leads to a variety of health issues including cardiovascular disease, dementia, chronic infections, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and kidney disease.

  The good news is, many of these oral health issues can be greatly reduced or eliminated with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing the teeth twice a day, daily flossing, and routine dental exams. Unfortunately, however, due to lack of dental supplies and access to dentists, people in underdeveloped countries struggle with maintaining good oral health.

  HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY

  Dental associations around the world, along with dentistry students, dentists, and other health professionals hold free dental screenings, free oral cancer screenings, and oral health seminars. Some dentists provide free or low-cost basic dental services. Other dentists hold toothbrush drives. During the toothbrush drive, dentists collect new toothbrushes and other dental supplies and disperse them to local charities.

  The best thing you can do to participate is to make a pledge to look after your oral health. Here are some other ways to participate:

  • Organize a toothbrush drive in your community.
  • Schedule your routine dental exam.
  • Learn how your oral health impacts your overall health.
  • Thank your dental team for helping you maintain good oral health.

  Don’t forget to spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldOralHealthDay or #WOHD

  WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY HISTORY

  The FDI World Dental Federation launched World Oral Health Day in 2007. The day was originally celebrated on September 12th, which is the birthdate of FDI founder, Dr. Charles Godon. In 2013, to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress in September, the date was changed to March 20th. The date reflects the importance of the number 20 when it comes to oral health. Seniors should have 20 natural teeth at the end of their life to be considered healthy. Also, children should possess 20 baby teeth.

  Recent themes for World Oral Health Day include:

  2020: Unite for Mouth Health
  2019: Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health
  2018: Say Ahh: Think Mouth Think Health
  2017: Live Mouth Smart
  2016: Healthy mouth. Healthy body.
  2015: Smile for Life!

   

  March 17, 2020

  •

  Michele

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  International, March, March 20

• WORLD STORYTELLING DAY – March 20

  WORLD STORYTELLING DAY

  Every year on March 20th, World Storytelling Day celebrates the art of oral storytelling. It’s also a day for people around the globe to listen and tell stories in as many languages as possible.

  #WorldStorytellingDay

  Many of us go throughout the day engaging in oral storytelling without even realizing it. Have you ever made up a bedtime story for your children? Have you ever told a friend about your most embarrassing moment? What about recounting a childhood memory with a sibling? These are all examples of oral storytelling.

  Oral storytelling is about illuminating experiences for an audience. This audience could be anyone, including your kids or spouse. Professional storytellers also tell stories to whole groups of people. When telling a story, most people use gestures, facial expressions, and different tones of voice.

  There are many good things about oral storytelling. Besides creating a bonding environment, oral storytelling provides rich opportunities to reminisce and helps to connect our past to our present. Oral storytelling also fosters creativity and encourages visualization.

  HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD STORY TELLING DAY

  Many schools, libraries, and other organizations hold storytelling events on this day. The best way for you to observe this day is to simply tell someone a story. If you know stories in other languages, tell those as well. You could also look for videos online of your favorite story told in a different language. Another way to participate is to sit with family or friends in a circle and take turn telling stories. The stories could be real or made up. Whatever you do, be sure to share this day on social media with #WorldStorytellingDay

  WORLD STORYTELLING DAY HISTORY

  World Storytelling Day started out as a national day for storytelling in Sweden around 1991. The day was called “Alla berättares dag,” which translates to All Storytellers Day. In 1997, storytellers in Australia coordinated a five-week long celebration of story. The day became known as the International Day of Oral Narrators. Around this time, Mexico and other Latin American countries were celebrating their own National Day of Storytellers. In 2002, Scandinavians created their own storytelling web-network called Ratatosk. The new network helped the national day for storytelling spread from Sweden to Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Estonia. In 2003, the idea continued to spread to other countries including Canada. The event became known as World Storytelling Day. Today, storytelling events occur on every continent except Antarctica.

  Recent themes include:

  2020: Voyages
  2019: Myths, Legends, and Epics
  2018: Wise Fools
  2017: Transformation
  2016: Strong Women

  DATES
  20 March 2022
  20 March 2023 
  19 March 2024 
  20 March 2025 
  20 March 2026 
  20 March 2027 
  19 March 2028 
  20 March 2029 
  20 March 2030 

  March 16, 2020

  •

  Michele

  •

  International, March, March 20

• WORLD FLOUR DAY – March 20

  WORLD FLOUR DAY

  On March 20th, World Flour Day recognizes the importance of flour in our daily diets and our health. In every part of the world, products made from flour provide daily sustenance for billions of people.

  #WorldFlourDay

  Flour is the main ingredient in delicious foods like pasta, cakes, pastries, bread, and biscuits. For thousands of years, humans have consumed grains ground into flour. Ancient humans gathered the oat kernels growing wild around them. Using a stone tool much like a pestle, they crushed the kernels into a coarse flour.

  Today, we continue to enjoy many varieties of domesticated grains. In the Northern Hemisphere, many farms prepare to plant these grain crops around March 20th. The earth is warming and ready to grow. In the Southern Hemisphere, autumn has arrived. The grains have ripened, and harvest is beginning.

  The day honors the farmers and millers, shippers and truckers, processors and bakers who bring the white gold to our tables. It’s a day for gratitude, and one of hope as the seeds are sown, and harvests are reaped.

  HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD FLOUR DAY

  • Invite a friend for a meal made with flour. A whole-grain sandwich or a sweet pastry sounds delicious.
  • Don an apron and bake up some cookies; deliver them to your favorite farmer or co-worker.
  • Try a new recipe while you’re at it.
  • Learn about varieties of flour and try baking with one you’ve never used.
  • Practice making a rue. One of the key ingredients is flour, and it makes some of the most amazing sauces and soups.
  • What’s your favorite flour product? Tell us using #WorldFlourDay and share on social media.

  WORLD FLOUR DAY HISTORY

  The Flour World Museum founded World Flour Day on March 20th in 2019 to celebrate the global significance of flour in our daily lives.

  In 2019, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed World Flour Day to be observed on March 20th, Annually.

  About the Flour World Museum

  The Flour World Museum in Wittenburg near Hamburg, Germany, has set itself the goal of creating a monument to flour in all its globe-spanning significance. After all, some 750 million tonnes of wheat flour are harvested each year and turned into a wide variety of foods.

  Flour FAQ

  Q. What grains are used to make flour?
  A. Almost any grain can be used to make flour. Mills also make flour from seeds, nuts, and beans.

  Q. Can I use all-purpose flour for any recipe that calls for flour?
  A. All-purpose flour is the most versatile flour you can use. However, specialty flours fit a specific purpose. For example, cake flour offers more light, airy textures for cakes.

   

  November 5, 2019

  •

  Michele

  •

  March 20, March 20, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle, Registrar

• FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY – March 20

  FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY

  On March 20, French Language Day explores the influences of the language as a culture, how it marks history and celebrates achievements. Around the world, the human race communicates in numerous languages.

  #FrenchLanguageDay

  Paris ne s’est pas fait en un jour! (French proverb translates to mean, “Paris was not made in a day!”)

  Spoken in more than 25 countries, French developed from Latin between the 5th and 8th centuries. It is one of the primary romance languages spoken today. French, along with English, is spoken on all five continents. While it’s one language, there are many dialects. Spread out on these five continents are 275 million speakers all fluently speaking a diverse and colorful language influenced by their culture. From France to Canada, South Africa, and Louisiana, French dialects are as nuanced as the cuisine is from culture to culture.

  HOW TO OBSERVE FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY

  Brush up on your French or challenge yourself to learn a new language! If you’re fluent in the language, compare your French to the French spoken in another country or even region. How do the words vary? Or perhaps, do the meanings and usage change?

  Some other ways to explore the French language include:

  • Discover words in your native tongue derived from a French word.
  • Watch a French-language film or listen to French music.
  • Cook from a French translated cookbook. Many of the words in French cooking, while translated, still remain very French. Look up the correct pronunciations, meanings and learn them.

  While you explore, share your discoveries using #FrenchLanguageDay to share on social media.

  FRENCH LANGUAGE DAY HISTORY

  In 2010, the United Nations named six language days in recognition of the six official languages of the U.N. and to bring attention to the history, culture, and achievements of each of the languages. The U.N. selected March 20 for French Language Day in honor of the 40th anniversary of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

  The six days recognized include French Language Day on March 20, Chinese Language Day on April 20, English Language Day on April 23, Russian Language Day on June 6, Spanish Language Day on October 12, and Arabic Language Day on December 18. The U.N. also celebrates International Mother Language Day on February 21 and International Translation Day on September 30.

  December 26, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  International, March, March 20

• INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS – March 20

  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS

  Every year on March 20th, the International Day of Happiness promotes the idea that part of humanity’s progress should include how to increase happiness and wellbeing.

  #InternationalDayOfHappiness or #DayOfHappiness

  For far too long, progress in the world has been all about the economy. But more people are realizing that happiness is also an essential part of progress. Happiness is defined as the state of being happy. When someone is happy, they are delighted or glad. People might differ in what makes them happy. Some delight in a good cup of coffee. Others are glad when their dog greets them at the door.

  According to research, three things make people happy:

  1. The quality of their relationships.
  2. Having a job or hobby that they love and that challenges them.
  3. Helping others through volunteer work or random acts of kindness.

  Having basic needs met can also induce happiness. However, having extra money does not necessarily make people happier.
  When there are large numbers of happy people, it makes entire communities, and even entire countries, a happier place to live. Some of the happiest countries in the world include Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. Apparently, living in colder climates is not an indicator of happiness! Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia also ranked in the top 10 for the happiest countries. The United States ranked 19th.

  HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS

  On this day, people all around the world are encouraged to create more happiness in the world around them. Think about what you can do to create more happiness. Maybe you can volunteer or help someone in need. Or maybe you need to focus on becoming a happier person. This might involve improving the quality of your relationships. It might also be about finding a more fulfilling job. Whatever you do on this day, be sure to spread the happiness on social media with #InternationalDayOfHappiness.

  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS HISTORY

  In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized happiness as a fundamental human goal. The resolution called for a more inclusive and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes happiness. In 2012, the first-ever UN Conference on Happiness took place. During this conference, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution stating International Happiness Day would be celebrated every year on March 20th. The first International Day of Happiness was observed in 2013.

  March 20, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  International, March, March 20