Category: January 22

• NATIONAL POLKA DOT DAY – January 22

  NATIONAL POLKA DOT DAY

  Display your fashion sense on January 22nd and celebrate National Polka Dot Day! The day also honors one of animation’s most popular characters and fashion diva, Minnie Mouse!

  #NationalPolkaDotDay

  Polka dots refer to fabric printed with spots. The word first appeared in the 1857 Godey’s Lady’s Book, a women’s magazine out of Philadelphia.

  Today, polka dots appear on more than just fabric. They’re painted on walls and fingernails. You find them on pottery, phone cases, furniture, baked goods, and paper products. We wear them, walk on them and display them.

  Polka dots are also Minnie Mouse’s signature style. Her polka dots are usually white and set on a red background. However, she also appears in shades of pink. Other notable personalities who’ve worn or used iconic polka dots include:

  • In 1934, Shirley Temple seemed to be channeling Minnie Mouse in her frilly red on white polka-dotted dress in Stand Up and Cheer.
  • Marilyn Monroe played “the girl” in the Seven Year Itch and wore a black on white polka dot dress.
  • Julia Roberts rocked the white on brown polka dot dress in her star-launching film Pretty Woman.
  • Artist Roy Lichtenstein used the Ben Day (Benjamin Henry Day Jr) process for printing and engraving in pop art often found in comic book design.
  • Artist Yayoi Kusama famously uses polka dots in her paintings, sculptures, and other design.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POLKA DOT DAY

  • Celebrate Minnie Mouse on National Polka Dot Day. Watch your favorite Minnie Mouse cartoons or wear a Minnie Mouse bow in your hair.
  • Wear polka dots. Wear them head to toe or as an accent.
  • Host a polka-dotted event such as a tea party, fashion show, or bake-off.
  • Create polka-dotted art.
  • Share photos of your favorite polka dot design.
  • Use #NationalPolkaDotDay on social media.

  NATIONAL POLKA DOT DAY HISTORY

  In 1928, the ever-fashionable Minnie Mouse made her debut in the animated film Steamboat Willie alongside her best mate and life-long love, Mickey Mouse. The tough, independent and iconic Minnie Mouse contributed to Walt Disney’s success and grew in popularity right alongside Mickey Mouse. In 2016, Walt Disney World celebrated the first National Polka Dot Day with a Rock the Dots event.

  Polka Dot FAQ

  Q. Where did polka dots originate?
  A. Polka dots originated in Swiss textile design in the 1850s and went by many names including Swiss Dots.

  Q. Who can wear polka dots?
  A. Polka dots are a fun, classy design that can be worn by anyone.

  Q. Are there polka dot songs?
  A. Yes. Perhaps the most famous is “Itsy Bitsy Teen Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” by Brian Hyland. Another is “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” sung by a variety of artists including Sarah Vaughn, John Denver, and Barry Manilow.

  January 28, 2022

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  Art & Entertainment, January 22, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY – January 22

  NATIONAL SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY

  On January 22nd each year, National Sanctity of Human Life Day recognizes the value of every human life. The day celebrates human life from the moment of conception and is set on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court Decision.

  #SanctityOfHumanLifeDay

  In 1973, the court ruled that the United States Constitution protects a pregnant woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. The ruling was a 7-2 decision in favor of Roe.

  Leading up to and following the decision, pro-life and pro-choice groups advocated their positions.

  In 1984, President Reagan supported restrictions on abortion. Several Supreme Court Cases in the late 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s have since challenged Roe vs Wade. Additionally, states have taken action in the event Roe v. Wade is ever overturned – either writing legislation that mimics Roe v. Wade or setting limits or restrictions on abortions.

  HOW TO OBSERVE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY

  Many churches hold prayer vigils around the country. They also collect items for newborns and new moms to support them. Donate items such as formula, baby clothes, cribs, blankets and toys to support these causes. Some organizations offer resources for baby care classes, daycare, job training, and adoptions and more. Use #SanctityOfLifeDay to share on social media.

  SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY HISTORY

  President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed National Sanctity of Human Life Day in 1984 to be observed on the Sunday closest to January 22nd. The first observance took place on the 11th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. In his proclamation, Reagan spoke of 15 million unborn children due to legal abortion.

  Since 1984, Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald J. Trump have proclaimed the day during their presidencies.

  January 22, 2020

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 22, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• CELEBRATION OF LIFE DAY – January 22

  CELEBRATION OF LIFE DAY

  Celebration of Life Day on January 22nd honors the children and grandchildren who bring joy to our lives. The day is a reminder that each child and each life is to be held as a precious gift with the highest respect and dignity. 

  #CelebrationOfLifeDay

  Children grow up so quickly. They’re constantly learning new things and changing daily. Each day they delight us with their simple wisdom and observations. By spending time with children and demonstrating the care and love they deserve, we celebrate their life.

  HOW TO OBSERVE CELEBRATION OF LIFE DAY

  Celebrate the children in your life. Share the day with a child, grandchild, niece or nephew. We’ve provided several suggestions.

  • Read a book with a child.
  • Get down on the floor and put a puzzle together.
  • Build something with your child.
  • Invite all the cousins to play board games.
  • Bake cookies and decorate them. Even the smallest child will learn something.
  • Make popcorn and watch a movie.
  • Tell the story of how Grandma and Grandpa met.
  • Get out the art supplies and create.
  • Visit a museum.
  • Show a teen how to change a tire.
  • Give a driving lesson.
  • Paint your fingernails together.
  • Everybody give the dog a bath.
  • Go swimming.
  • Make balloon animals.
  • Sing Karaoke

  Use #CelebrationOfLifeDay to post on social media.

  CELEBRATION OF LIFE DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this celebratory holiday. 

  January 21, 2015

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 22, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE DAY – January 22

  NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE DAY

  National Blonde Brownie Day on January 22nd recognizes a treat often referred to as blondies. 

  #NationalBlondeBrownieDay

  Almost everyone knows that a blonde brownie is similar to a chocolate brownie. In place of cocoa, bakers use brown sugar when making this delicious brownie, giving it a sweet-tooth-satisfying molasses flavor!

  Click play and enjoy a story about National Blonde Brownie Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

  Most people like to add white chocolate or chocolate chips to their blonde brownies or other things like nuts, toffee, or butterscotch. Blonde brownies are usually prepared unfrosted as the brown sugar flavor tends to be sweet enough.  These blondies are sometimes served in sundaes, often topped with caramel sauce.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE DAY

  While enjoying a blonde brownie would count toward celebrating the day, that may be much too simple. Blonde brownies also make a delicious addition to a layered trifle dessert. Add a scoop of ice cream to a freshly baked blonde brownie and top with your favorite syrup. If you prefer the lighter side, serve a blonde brownie with a serving of fresh fruit. Pineapple, cherries, or apricots seem appropriate.  

  Serve your blondies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. And of course, you can’t enjoy them alone. You must extend an invitation to a friend or two. They’ll happily help you finish off a few blondies while catching up on the new year. You can make them for church, school, or work occasions, too. 

  Use #BlondeBrownieDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE DAY HISTORY

  There is no found documentation of the beginning of National Blonde Brownie Day.  It is known, however, that this light-colored treat was actually invented in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Recipes for blonde brownies can be found in recipe books dating back into the 1940s and maybe even earlier.

  Blonde Brownie FAQ

  Q. Do I have to be a baker to celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day?
  A. No. Anyone can celebrate the day whether they enjoy baking or not. It’s an especially good day for those who cannot have chocolate but enjoy a sweet snack now and then.

  Q. Can I use white chocolate in a blondie?
  A. Yes. A lot of recipes call for white chocolate chips.

  January 22nd Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1946

  President Harry S. Truman signs a directive creating the Central Intelligence Group, the predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency.

  1968

  The sketch comedy television show, Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, premiers on NBC. Comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin hosted the show for five years.

  1984

  During a Super Bowl XVIII commercial, the Apple Macintosh computer is introduced. It is the first home computer to utilize a mouse and graphical user interface.

  1992

  Aboard the space shuttle Discovery, the first Canadian woman and first neurologist launched into space. Dr. Roberta Bondar began her training in 1984 with the Canadian Space Agency.

  1997

  The United States Senate confirmed Madeleine Albright as the first female United States Secretary of State. President Bill Clinton appointed her to the Cabinet position, and she served until January 20, 2001.

  January 22nd Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Justina Laurena Carter Ford – 1871

  Shortly after earning her medical degree from Hering Medical School in Chicago, Ford became the first African American woman to obtain a medical license in Colorado. However, since all the hospitals in Denver denied her privileges, she opened her own practice.

  Willa Brown – 1906

  In 1938, Brown became the first African American woman to earn a pilot license in the United States – 17 years after Bessie Coleman earned hers in France. A year later, Brown obtained her commercial license.

  Sam Cooke – 1935

  The gospel singer earned the title “father of soul” in the 1950s. Some of his most popular songs include “Twistin’ the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” and “Chain Gang.”

  Beryl Swain – 1936

  In 1907, the International Auto-Cycle Tourist Trophy race commenced. At the time it was a 15-mile race on the Isle of Man – an island between Ireland and England. Today, it is considered the world’s most dangerous motorcycle race at 38 miles and is known as the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race. In 1962, Beryl Swain became the first woman to compete in the race. She completed the race 22nd out of 25 racers.

  June 11, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 22, National Day