Category: January 26

• AUSTRALIA DAY – January 26

  AUSTRALIA DAY

  Australia Day – Each year on January 26th, Australians celebrate the day their country was founded as a British colony in 1788. On this date, the first governor of New South Wales arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the first-ever Union Jack flag.

  When you think of Australia, you probably think of kangaroos and koala bears. You might also think of the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef. Movies like Crocodile Dundee or Finding Nemo might come to mind. However, Australia and Australians are much more than that.

  Here are some surprising facts about this country that is also one of our seven continents:

  • The population of Australia is 24.6 million people
  • Australia is the 6th largest country in the world
  • Australia is almost the same size as mainland USA
  • Every year 16,000 people become Australian citizens
  • The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps
  • 90% of Australians live on the coast
  • Fraser Island in Australia is the world’s largest sand island
  • There are over 10,000 beaches in Australia
  • Australian deserts are home to over 1 million camels
  • Australia exports some of their camels to the Middle East
  • There are over 300 different languages and dialects in Australia
  • Australia is home to the world’s longest golf course, which is 850 miles long
  • There are over 60 separate wine regions in Australia

  With all these fantastic things, it’s no wonder Australians love their country.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #AustraliaDay

  This day is a celebration of freedom. It’s also a day to celebrate the land, people, and cultural diversity of Australia. State Governments host numerous events across the country. Families gather to watch parades and enjoy many other fun-filled events. Many will fire up the Barbie (BBQ), spend time on the beach, watch fireworks, and wear the Australian flag.

  You can share this day on social media with #AustraliaDay

  AUSTRALIA DAY HISTORY

  During the 1800s, Australia Day was often referred to as First Landing Day or Foundation Day. In 1817, Captain Matthew Flinders, circumnavigator of the continent, recommended that it be called Australia. One year later, Governor Macquarie made Australia Day an official public holiday. In 1901, the Australian colonies formed the Commonwealth of Australia. Years later, in 1984, Australians ceased to be British subjects. They replaced God Save the Queen with Advance Australia Fair as their national anthem. In 1988, Sydney continued to be the center of Australia Day events. Today, Australia Day is one of the biggest holidays in the country.

   

  January 24, 2020

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 26

• INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY – January 26

  INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY

  Every year on January 26th, International Customs Day recognizes the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining the flow of goods across the world’s borders. On this day, members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) also showcase their efforts and activities.

  Customs is the agency in a country responsible for collecting tariffs. Customs also controls the flow of goods into and out of the country. These goods can be anything from animals to hazardous materials to personal items. The WCO helps make customs administrations around the world more efficient. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the organization consists of 182 members from all over the world. Three-quarters of the members are from developing countries. They are responsible for managing more than 98% of world trade.

  The WCO believes that while borders divide, customs connect. Their mission is to provide leadership, guidance, and support to customs administrations. They also believe that customs helps to meet the economic, social, and environmental needs of our planet. In turn, customs contributes to a sustainable future.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalCustomsDay

  Organizations host speeches, workshops, employee appreciation events, and educational seminars on this day. To participate:

  • Think about how Customs helps to keep our country safe.
  • Think about what the world would be like if world trade were not properly managed.
  • Discuss with others the role that Customs has in keeping you safe as you travel to other countries.
  • Learn more about the World Customs Organization and the 182 countries that are members

  Don’t forget to share this day on social media with #InternationalCustomsDay

  INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY HISTORY

  The Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) held its inaugural session on January 26th, 1953. Members from seventeen European countries attended the event in Brussels. In 1983, the CCC created International Customs Day. The day celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first CCC session. In 1994, the CCC was renamed the WCO. Today, the WCO is the only international body dedicated exclusively to international customs and border control matters.

  Recent themes for the day have included:
  2020: Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity, and the Planet.
  2019: SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel, and Transport.
  2018: A Secure business environment for economic development.
  2017: Data Analysis for Effective Border Management
  2016: Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.
  2015: Coordinated Border Management – An inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders.

   

  January 24, 2020

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 26

• NATIONAL GREEN JUICE DAY – January 26

  NATIONAL GREEN JUICE DAY

  The holidays may be over, but the New Year celebration and commitments to our resolutions continue with National Green Juice Day on January 26th. Every year, the celebration encourages people to stick to their health and wellness resolutions by drinking green juice.

  #NationalGreenJuiceDay & #GotMyGreens

  Click play and enjoy a story about National Green Juice Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson.  If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
  
  There are several veggie-centric ways to celebrate and inspire health and wellness habits in the New Year.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GREEN JUICE DAY

  1. Grab a bottle of cold-pressed green juice for a simple way to get more nutrients from green vegetables in your daily diet.
  2. Start off your morning by making your own green juice at home.
  3. Share photos on social media using #NationalGreenJuiceDay and #GotMyGreens.

  NATIONAL GREEN JUICE DAY HISTORY

  After finding that more than 50 percent of Americans break their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January*, Evolution Fresh founded National Green Juice Day in 2016 as a way to empower people to press ahead with their wellness resolutions by drinking a green juice.

  *Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Evolution Fresh among 1,001 American adults age 18+ using an email invitation and online survey in December 2015.

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the day to be celebrated on the 26th of January, annually.

  Green Juice FAQ

  Q. Is green juice always green?
  A. When you blend vegetable juice with other ingredients the green color tends to dominate. However, with the right combinations, the flavor is spot on!

  Q. Can green juice be made into a smoothie?
  A. It sure can. Use frozen bananas or other frozen ingredients to give it a refreshing, blended taste.

  January 26th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1784

  In a letter dated January 26, 1784, Benjamin Franklin writes to his daughter Sarah (Sally) Bache expressing his dismay that the eagle is chosen as an American symbol. Were he to choose, the turkey would be a more appropriate bird.

  1875

  The U.S. Patent Office issues patent no. 159,028 to George F. Greene of Kalamazoo, Michigan for an “electromagnetic dental tool,” the first electric drill designed for dental work.

  1905

  Frederick Wells discovers the world’s largest diamond at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa. Measuring 3,106 carats, the gem is named the Cullinan diamond.

  1911

  At North Island, San Diego, California, Glenn Curtiss completes the first successful takeoff and landing of a hydroplane.

  January 26th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Julia Boggs Dent – 1826

  As the 19th First Lady of the United States, Julia Grant was noted for opening the White House to the public on Tuesdays. Following Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency, the couple toured the world.

  Douglas Macarthur – 1880

  During World War II, the U.S. general commanded the Southwest Pacific Theatre and led the Allied occupation of Japan.

  Bessie Coleman – 1893

  In pursuit of becoming a pilot, Coleman traveled to France after being denied the opportunity in the United States. In France, she learned to fly, returning to the United States as the first female African American and Native American pilot.

  Maria von Trapp – 1905

  In 1949, the stepmother of the seven von Trapp children wrote her memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. It inspired the musical The Sound of Music and the film starring Julie Andrews.

  Paul Newman – 1925

  In the award-winning actor’s five decades of performances, he has recorded some unforgettable roles. Some of those include Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butch Cassidy in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Eddie in The Color of Money.

  Eddie Van Halen – 1957

  In 1972, the singer-songwriter co-founded the rock band, Van Halen. Some of their best-known songs include “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Dance the Night Away.”

  Ellen DeGeneres – 1958

  The host of the self-named talk show, DeGeneres, began earning comedy creditability in clubs in the 1980s before landing her own sitcom. Her Emmy-winning daytime talk show began in 2003.

  January 22, 2016

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 26, National Day, Registrar

• NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY – January 26

  NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY

  National Peanut Brittle Day on January 26th recognizes a hard, flat candy confection enjoyed worldwide. The candy’s buttery, nutty texture makes for a delicious treat and can be made at home.

  #PeanutBrittleDay

  Peanut Brittle includes caramelized sugar or corn syrup. Nuts are added to the molten sugar and then poured onto a flat surface such as granite or marble and smoothed into a thin sheet. The candy cools into a hard, brittle treat broken into smaller pieces. Some of the best brittles are hand-stretched into a thin, easily cracked candy that melts in the mouth.

  The history of peanut brittle is uncertain, though one legend says it was all a mistake. The story goes that a southern woman was making taffy, and instead of using cream of tartar, she used baking soda by accident.

  HOW TO OBSERVE PEANUT BRITTLE DAY

  Make up a batch of peanut brittle with the following recipe to share with that person you just know loves it. Since the candy keeps well, give it as a gift. You might also teach someone to make your favorite recipe, passing on the tradition.

  Use #PeanutBrittleDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY HISTORY

  It’s been a brittle search, but so far National Day Calendar hasn’t been able to break through to the origins of this sweet holiday.

  Peanut Brittle FAQ

  Q. Can I freeze peanut brittle?
  A. Yes. Peanut brittle can last at least three months when stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.

  Q. What makes peanut brittle brittle?
  A. The sugar for peanut brittle is cooked to 300°F, called the hard crack stage. This makes the candy hard, with a snap to it. Stretching the sugar once it cools to a malleable temperature gives the brittle a delicate, brittle texture.

  June 17, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 26, National Day

• NATIONAL SPOUSES DAY – January 26

  NATIONAL SPOUSES DAY

  National Spouses Day on January 26th each year celebrates the bond between two people and sets aside time for couples to show each other gratitude. 

  #NationalSpousesDay

  Dedicated to recognizing spouses everywhere, the observance reminds us to take time for our mate. From being thankful for the fulfillment and security of a long-term relationship to the boost of morale and well-being provided by spouses, there are many reasons to celebrate. This day is a time to show your spouse that you care and appreciate all of the things that he or she does for you and the home.

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

  Life gets busy, and we can often take for granted how our spouse improves our life. Pay a heartfelt thank you or compliment to the love of your life. Since the day is a non-gift giving day, spend time together and reconnect. Don’t forget to say, “I love you.”

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SPOUSES DAY

  If it has been a while since you have expressed appreciation to the one with whom you are married, now is your chance. Again, this day is not about giving gifts but spending time together, enjoying each other, and appreciating each other. Use #NationalSpousesDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL SPOUSES DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar continues researching the origin of this holiday. However, it has been observed since the mid-1980s.

  Spouses FAQ

  Q. Are there other spouse-related holidays on the calendar?
  A. Yes, several days on the calendar recognize spouses. Check these out:

  • Gold Star Spouses Day
  • Military Spouse Appreciation Day
  • Ex-Spouse Day
  • Wife Appreciation Day

  Q. Do I give a gift on Spouses Day?
  A. No. The day is about expressing your appreciation for your spouse without giving gifts. Some ways you can do that include:

  • Compliment your spouse on something. It could be their appearance, cooking, patience, or artistic talent.
  • Share a memory of your spouse that you think of often.
  • Spend time together. Play a game, eat dinner together, look at the photo albums, put a puzzle together, take a walk.

  June 11, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 26, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle