Category: May 16

  • NATIONAL CLASSIC MOVIE DAY | May 16

    NATIONAL CLASSIC MOVIE DAY

    Today is May 16 and we are celebrating National Classic Movie Day by reminiscing about the movies we have seen on the big screen. Grab some popcorn, a drink, and find a cozy chair to relax in as we celebrate National Classic Movie Day.

    #CLASSICMOVIEDAY

    National Classic Movie Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the film industry and put spotlight on iconic movies that remain favorites through the years. We are using today’s National Day on May 16 to remember stories on the big screen that became a legacy by shaping culture.

    What do we consider a classic movie? Many critics define a classic movie as any movie that is memorable or makes an impact on society. A true classic movie impacts pop culture, influences society, and remains a part of our lives. In fact, a classic movie is one that has or will withstand the test of time and remain memorable through generations.

    10 CLASSIC MOVIE TRAITS

    Every classic movie contains pieces to a large puzzle. Joining these pieces together takes time, dedication, vision, and creativity beginning with the screen writer to final productions. Classic movies can be of any genre, including comedy, suspense, action, thriller, drama, time piece, or romance. Classic movies:

    1. Tell a story through iconic characters that inspire us.
    2. Contain ideas we can relate to and that seem relevant to our current lives.
    3. Provide iconic scenes from exotic locations people wish to visit.
    4. Contain exceptional graphics, acting, music, and storylines.
    5. Address humanism by including experiences, emotion, and even conflict that carry over through time.
    6. Incorporate social, political, or historical information that captures the time period of the film.
    7. Maintain a popular fan base and gain new fans as time goes on.
    8. Present opportunity to re-watch the movie on a variety of platforms, such as the big screen, television, and streaming services.
    9. Pioneer historical topics that push boundaries in society.
    10. Recognize praise by critics in the industry before receiving positive reviews and awards.

    Every great movie contains an ending that leaves us feeling some sort of emotion. Whether the ending is sad, triumphant, or empowering, the movie ending is what makes us walk away feeling content. Sometimes we feel an internal feeling of sadness after the ending of a movie. However, we also feel happiness because our perception of the ending was fitting. Is this what sends us back to watch a movie again and again?

    The Golden Age

    The Golden Age in film began in 1927 and ended around 1959. It was during this time Hollywood began producing iconic films containing advancements in picture quality and sound. In fact, film historians often say 1939 was the most memorable year in movie history.

    6 Classic Movies Released in 1939

    1. The Wizard of Oz
    2. Gone With The Wind
    3. Of Mice and Men
    4. The Little Princess
    5. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
    6. Wuthering Heights

    Can a contemporary movie be considered a classic? Yes! When we think of a classic movie, we often think of a movie in black and white. However, many movies of modern time have become classics. Movies like Jaws, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the Star Wars Saga, and Star Trek Saga have become iconic classics from the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, movies like Avatar and John Wick are current box office hits that have already claimed the classic title because their creators keep us at the edge of our seats wanting more.

    A CLASSIC MOVIE CELEBRATION

    1. Learn about the history behind the movie industry.
    2. Host a watch party for your classic movie.
    3. Introduce a friend to your favorite black and white movie.
    4. Share your favorite classic movie using #NationalClassicMovieDay on social media.

    CREATOR BEHIND TODAY

    Each year on May 16, we celebrate National Classic Movie Day to bring spotlight to iconic movies that remain favorites through the years. Today, we want to remember stories on the big screen that became a legacy by shaping culture.

    Similar National Days on the Calendar:

  • NATIONAL CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY – May 16

    National Check Your Wipers Day (Día Nacional de Revisar Tus Limpiaparabrisas), on May 16, reminds drivers in Latin America to regularly check their windshield wipers to ensure optimum visibility in the event of inclement weather on the road.

    #CheckYourWipersDay

    According to a recent study conducted by the Statistics Yearbook of Collisions on Federal Highways 2020, the Mexican Institute of Transportation reported that 29.33% of the accidents recorded were caused by road, vehicle, and natural agents such as rain, wind, fog, smoke, hail, and snow.

    A survey by MICHELIN® Wiper Blades found that 92% of drivers agree that poor wiper blades can affect their driving ability. However, 90% of drivers do not plan the time to check their wipers properly and 55%+ do not know how to check their wiper blades properly.

    The Mexican National Meteorological System (SMN) informed that the rainy season, which started in April, could last for 6 months. Checking vehicles wiper blades ensures that the windshield wipers provide adequate visibility in inclement weather. In the case of wipers blades, the recommendation is to change them every 6 or 12 months.

    OBSERVING CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY

    On National Check Your Wipers Day, ensure your family’s driving ability and safety by checking the windshield wipers on all your cars. Great reminders on when to check your wipers include:

    • During an oil change.
    • When you fill gas.
    • After a car wash.
    • Before a road trip.
    • At the start of Winter and Spring seasons.
    • Add checking your wipers to your maintenance checklist. When you celebrate, be sure to use #CheckYourWipersDay on social media.

    MICHELIN Signs of Wear Image

      NATIONAL CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY HISTORY

      The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Check Your Wipers Day in September of 2021. As of 2022, due to seasonality, MICHELIN® officially requested May 16th become National Check Your Wipers Day (Día Nacional de Revisar Tus Limpiaparabrisas) for countries in Latin America. Additionally, MICHELIN® changed the November 16 observance to International Check Your Wipers Day to be celebrated in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Both the May 16 and November 16 observances are a reminder to educate drivers about checking their wiper blades.

      Regular car maintenance includes routinely checking the condition of the wiper blades for optimal performance. It also helps you avoid getting caught in inclement weather. 

    • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE – May 16

      INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING IN PEACE

      Every year on May 16th, the International Day of Living Together in Peace urges people to live in a united and peaceful way by listening to, respecting, and appreciating others.

      #InternationalDayofPeace

      They say that variety is the spice of life. Unfortunately, many people feel threatened by those who are different than them. While it seems like our nation and our world are more polarized than ever, the universe has a long history of racism, prejudice, and war.

      Following WWII, the United Nations (UN) began doing its part to build a sustainable world of peace instead of division. To do this, the UN has encouraged countries around the world to promote reconciliation and unity. Countries can achieve this goal by working with communities and faith leaders to foster forgiveness and compassion toward one another.

      Reconciliation can also be attained when individuals find peace with themselves and with others. Tips for doing this include:

      • Seek to love others instead of trying to control them.
      • Practice tolerance for others by appreciating their diversity and the choices they make.
      • Walk away when you are angry or are trying to win over a conversation.
      • Don’t compare yourself to other people.
      • Accept other people the way they are instead of trying to change them.

      Imagine what a peaceful world we would live in if everyone put all of these tips into practice.

      HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING IN PEACE

      Each year UNESCO organizes a variety of events around the world to observe this day. World leaders also give special messages of hope and peace. To participate:

      • Study some of the most peaceful countries in the world like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore.
      • Commit to making peace with yourself and with others.
      • Learn about famous world peacemakers, such as Tegla Laroupe from Kenya, Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, and Susan B. Anthony from the U.S.
      • Read books that promote world peace including Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, World Peace: The Voice of a Mountain Bird by Amit Ray, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

      Spread awareness for this day on social media with #InternationalDayOfPeace

      INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE

      Since the end of WWII, the UN has been working toward world peace. In their endeavors, the UN recognized the year 2000 as the “International Year for a Culture of Peace.” The years 2001 through 2010 were called the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World.” Both of these events led to a new resolution which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 8, 2017. The resolution declared May 16th as the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

      Similar National Days

    • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT – May 16

      INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

      Every year on May 16th, the International Day of Light promotes awareness for the appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, art, education, and sustainable development. The day also recognizes the natural benefits of light, as well as its many technological applications.

      #InternationalDayOfLight

      Even though everyone knows what light is, it can be hard to define. Light is not just the opposite of darkness. It is electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light has wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers. Another way to define light is a stream of photons that travel with wavelike properties at the speed of light.

      While we perceive the world in many ways, light is one of the most significant ways we comprehend the world around us. Additionally, light energy comes in many forms including visible light, infrared waves, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, and radio waves. According to Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, the understanding of light allows us to achieve the greatest of scientific and technological progress.

      Here are just a few of the many applications that light is used for:

      • Lights are used to illuminate spaces, such as homes and offices.
      • UV lights are used in phototherapy to treat certain illnesses.
      • Ultraviolet energy is used to eradicate bacteria and viruses from the air and water.
      • Light is used in optical fiber networks, which helps to transmit information.
      • Lights are essential for safety, such as headlights for vehicles and traffic lights.
      • They are used in many household items, such as television sets, microwaves, and cell phones.
      • Natural light helps plants grow and provides many health benefits to humans.

      It seems that every part of our lives are affected by light in some way.

      HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

      Worldwide events to celebrate this day include light festivals that feature entertaining optic demonstrations, scientific lectures, and photo contests. To participate:

      • Think about the ways you benefit from light and how it helps you in your everyday life.
      • Do some fun light activities with your kids, such as making a periscope or a rainbow.
      • Watch science videos about light.

      Share cool photos of light on social media. When you do, be sure to use #InternationalDayOfLight or #IDL.

      INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT HISTORY

      Due to the success of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015, UNESCO decided to organize a day dedicated to light. The first official International Day of Light was held on May 16th, 2018. The date May 16th marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser. American physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman is credited for inventing the laser. He fired the first laser in 1960.

    • NATIONAL MIMOSA DAY – May 16

      NATIONAL MIMOSA DAY | MAY 16

      National Mimosa Day on May 16th gets its name from the Mimosa, a yellow flowering plant. This simple mixture of orange juice and champagne or sparkling wine resembles those flowers in color, however, the flavor adds a kick to most any brunch!

      #NationalMimosaDay

      No matter the celebration, mimosas are served up in tall champagne glasses. They turn basic buffets and summer brunches into a festive occasion. You also don’t have to break the bank to make them. Fill the glasses half full with your favorite sparkling wine (it doesn’t have to be expensive champagne) and top it off with chilled orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice, and you’re all set.

      Overnight guests will be delighted when you greet them with mimosas and an egg bake you prepared the night before. Or perhaps you’ll heat up the waffle maker. Whatever you serve, the morning will be a hit.

      HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MIMOSA DAY

      Mix up a couple of mimosas to go with brunch or a late breakfast. Learn to make them for baby showers, wedding showers, or other special occasions. It’s an excellent day for practicing toasts for those big occasions, too. While you practice, share your toasts by using #NationalMimosaDay on social media.

      NATIONAL MIMOSA DAY

      Jace Shoemaker Galloway, the Queen of Holidays, created National Mimosa Day. As we celebrate this holiday, we also encourage you to check out these other beverage days:

    • NATIONAL BARBECUE DAY – May 16

      NATIONAL BARBECUE DAY | May 16

      Each year on May 16 we celebrate National Barbecue Day in the United States. Whether you grill at home or grab some takeout, you will find Americans across the country enjoying an assortment of mouthwatering barbeque (BBQ) flavors and sauces.

      #NationalBarbecueDay

      In the world of barbecue, grillers decide how to cook their barbeque. Whether they choose charcoal, wood charcoal, wood, gas or slow cooking, they consider themselves the culinary expert of barbeque. Traditionally, Americans have four types of BBQ regions:

      1. Kansas City – A variety of beef and pork cuts are slow cooked with a tomato and molasses-based sauce.
      2. Carolina – Slow-roasted pork is cooked with a sauce with a vinegar and ketchup base combination.
      3. Memphis – Dry rub pork is cooked low and slow absorbing the smokey, BBQ flavors.
      4. Texas – Beef is slow-cooked in smoker grills and topped a with smoky, dry rub.

      Everyone has their own homemade BBQ recipe. However, many recipes include the same ingredients. Ketchup, mustard and Worcestershire, brown sugar, soy and molasses are common ingredients in BBQ sauce. A combination onion, smoked paprika, ground cumin, crushed red pepper and turmeric are often found in the best dry rub recipes. Perfecting your own sauce or rub by experimenting

      When it comes to completing a delicious BBQ, the sides you serve are just as important. Potatoes and baked beans with bacon are considered staples of barbecue flavors. Ideally, a good coleslaw will pair well with a shredded bbq pork and make the perfect sandwich. However, a creamy macaroni and cheese dish is a perfect combination with dry or wet BBQ. Corn on the cob is another favorite side, many grilling it directly with husk on then removing it before eating. Obviously, no barbeque meal would be complete if you didn’t add a slice of watermelon for a light, cook dessert after a big meal.

      WAYS TO JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION

      • Visit your favorite bbq restaurant.
      • Grill your own BBQ.
      • Experiment with your own BBQ sauce or rub.
      • Check out these 7 Hot BBQ Tips.
      • Share your BBQ adventures using #NationalBBQDay and #NationalBarbecueDay on social media.

      NATIONAL BARBECUE DAY HISTORY

      Traditional barbeque methods involved digging a hole, placing meat over a pot and covering the hole with leaves. The meat was slow-cooked with the pot catching the juice from the meat, later to be used as a broth.

      Some historians suggest barbeque can be found with early Caribbean tribes. However, the first historical notation of barbeque can be traced back to the island of Hispaniola. There is proof Christopher Columbus observed indigenous tribes of Hispaniola cooking meat above an open flame. Years later, Spanish explorers would name the process barbacoa, or barbeque, after their encounters with the tribes.

      In 1540, explorer Hernando De Soto document the Chickasaw tribe cooking a feast of pork over the barbacoa. At the time, the Chickasaw were spread throughout the southeastern portion of the U.S. It is uncertain whether the Chickasaw taught the this method of cooking to settlers or if settlers began mimicking the process. However, at some point settlers began using the method of cooking meat over open flame. Thus, eventually establishing barbeque as the traditional practice of grilling we know today.

      Years later, early European settlers referenced barbeque as savage preparation of food. Many accused Native tribes of practicing cannibalism. Many settlers referred to Native tribes as barbaric because of they way they lived, hunted and survived. However, history now tells us Native tribes were highly advanced in day-to-day operations, including with preparation and preservation of food.

      North Carolina

      Today, American barbeque origins point to North Carolina as the oldest place barbeque is found. References to

      Barbecue can now be found in places across the country, but its “American” origins are in North Carolina. As barbecue spread across the country it changed in many ways. However, North Carolina BBQ has held true to its definition for generations. References to “a whole Hog barbecu’d” date back to the 1700s, using pork as the original meat of choice because it was plenty and inexpensive. After the meat was cooked, it was often hung in a smokehouse for preservation for use in the coming days or weeks.

      Related Observances
    • National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day – May 16

      NATIONAL DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR DAY | MAY 16

      You can never fail when following the Golden Rule, love your neighbor as yourself. National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day on May 16th encourages each of us to take a moment during our interaction with others and ask ourselves, how would I like to be treated right now?

      #DoSomethingGoodForYourNeighborDay

      From there, you will know how to proceed in a better way to treat neighbors around you at the moment at hand.

      A neighbor is defined as: 

      1. person who lives near another.
      2. person or thing that is near another.
      3. one’s fellow human being.

      Our neighbors are precious, and it is important to show them gratitude at every opportunity. This day is a reminder that we are all neighbors and should treat each other with love and respect.

      HOW TO OBSERVE Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

      Celebrate the by displaying acts of kindness to your neighbors, friends, and anyone who crosses your path. It’s simple to do. By being mindful of others’ needs we become more aware of the world around us.

      • Help a neighbor bring their garbage bin to the curb on garbage day.
      • Offer to weed a flower bed.
      • When running errands, ask if there’s anything a neighbor needs.
      • Invite them over for a cup of tea or coffee. Visits are always nice!
      • Drop a note in the mail just letting them know you’re thinking about them.

      Use #DoSomethingGoodForYourNeighborDay on Social Media.

      NATIONAL DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR DAY HISTORY

      Starr Valentino founded Do Something Good For Your Neighbor day in 2009.  Mr. Valentino has worked tirelessly and to date has over 500 proclamations for Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day from villages, towns, and cities across the USA and Canada. National Day Calendar recognized this achievement in 2018 and added the day to its calendar.

       

    • HONOR OUR LGBT ELDERS DAY – May 16

      HONOR OUR LGBT ELDERS DAY | MAY 16

      Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 16 recognizes the thousands of people in the LGBT community who have paved the way for access and social acceptance. Today, take the opportunity to explore, learn and support equality for all LGBT people. 

      #HonorOurLGBTEldersDay

      According to a 2016 Gallup Report, nearly 9 million people identify as an LGBT elder in the United States. These older than average adults face more obstacles than any other age group. Discrimination, social stigma and isolation are among the most common forms of problems LBGT elders face on a daily basis. However, older LGBT citizens are often overlooked when care is needed. 

      Learning the history helps educate and develop an understanding of LGBT the struggles and triumphs past and present. 

      • 1924 – Henry Gerber establishes the Society for Human rights, the first gay rights group in the United States.
      • 1969 – Stonewall riots begin in New York City.
      • 1973 – American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from the official list of mental illnesses. Being gay or lesbian is no longer considered a mental illness.
      • 2004 – Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.

      The history of the LGBT community continues to be written every day. Thanks to LGBT elders, all LGBT people have a little more equality than in previous years. While more work needs to be done, using today to recognize LGBT elders who made a difference honors them and their journey.  

      PARTICIPATING IN LGBT ELDERS DAY

      • Recognize the life of an LGBT elder you know.
      • Volunteer to spend time with an LGBT elder in your area.
      • Organize an event giving LGBT elders an opportunity to speak about their experiences.
      • Host a luncheon, tea or seminar recognizing LGBT elders for their contributions.
      • Create a badge of social media and change your profile showing support for an LGBT elder.
      • Learn the history of the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce.
      • Share #HonorOurLGBTEldersDay on social media to support LGBT elders everywhere.

      HISTORY OF LGBT ELDERS DAY

      As the country’s largest (and oldest) LBGT organization, SAGE focuses on improving the lives of LGBT elders. Furthermore, as advocates of older LGBT adults, they offer support and services to those in need. Since 1978, the organization works for policy changes that address the needs of LGBT elders through education and assistance to providers and family members. The also support changes in legislation and provide services where needed.

      Historically, LGBT citizens have hidden themselves from society. Even though it is against the law to discriminate against an LGBT individual today, there was a time when being LGBT was illegal. No one remembers this more than those who have fresh memories in their minds than LGBT elders.

      The timeline for LGBT equal rights is a long and complex story. All 50 states in the United States imposed criminal prosecution for same sex relationships until 1962. The first National March in Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights took place in October of 1974. In 2003, federal law finally passed acknowledging same sex relationships. Massachusetts performed the first gay marriage 2004. In 2015 Nate Sweeney founded Honor Our LGBT Elders Day with National Day Calendar to recognize the contributions and leadership of  older members of the LGBT community. 

      May 16th Celebrated History

      1866

      Following the Civil War, the 39th Congress passes legislation creating a five-cent coin. The legislation also took a step to rectify and make illegal a previously issued five-cent note (paper money) known as fractional currency. When Congress authorized a third printing of the note, it intended to honor Meriwether Clark with his image on the note. However, the legislation only mentioned the explorer’s last name. When Secretary of Treasury Spencer M. Clark received the authority to start designing the five-cent notes, the secretary placed his own image at the center of the fractional bill. The bill created the first five-cent coin while also making the previous five-cent notes illegal and eliminating Spencer Clark’s legal image.

      The five-cent coin, made of nickel and copper, became known as the nickel.

      1929

      The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held the first Academy Awards ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event honored two years’ worth of films and performances from 1927 and 1928.

      1988

      U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop released his report declaring the nicotine in tobacco to be addictive similar to heroin and cocaine.

      May 16th Celebrated Birthdays

      Elizabeth Palmer Peabody – 1804

      In 1860, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody opened the first English-language kindergarten in the United States. At the time, education for children younger than 6 years old was uncommon.

      H.H. Holmes – 1896

      Considered America’s first serial killer before the term was even coined, H.H. Holmes confessed to 27 murders, though some estimate his total number of victims may be much higher. Born Herman Webster Mudgett, Holmes terrorized Chicago during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

      Henry Fonda – 1905

      An actor of both stage and screen, Henry Fonda earned critical acclaim for roles in The Grapes of Wrath and an Academy Award for On Golden Pond.

      Liberace – 1919

      Born Wladziu Valentino Liberace, the American pianist rose to prominence in 1951 when his self-named program The Liberace Show premiered.

      Janet Jackson – 1966

      The American singer, songwriter and performer won her first Grammy in 1989 for her Rhythm Nation 1814 video. That year she was also nominated for Best R&B vocal performance, Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals and Producer of the Year.

    • NATIONAL PIERCING DAY – May 16

      NATIONAL PIERCING DAY | MAY 16

      National Piercing Day on May 16th Day promotes piercing. In times past, pierced ears were about the limits of what we once saw; today the number one type of piercing is the nose/nostril, and quite common. Yes body piercing has increased in popularity, its history dates back to biblical times.

      #NationalPiercingDay

      Piercing the lobe of the ear is thought to be the oldest form of body piercing. However, it is by no means the only form of ancient body piercing art. Not only is it considered an artistic expression but in many cultures, piercing holds great meaning in religious ceremonies. The practice of body piercing also has been shown to be an effective medical treatment for some ailments, such as migraines.

      Some facial piercings include:

      • eyebrow – vertical and horizontal
      • bridge of nose
      • anti eyebrow or teardrop
      • nose – septum and
      • septum
      • Monroe/Madonna
      • dimple
      • labret

      Body piercing also extends to other parts of the body. From head to toe, humans have been adding jewelry and other decorations by puncturing their skin. They add chains and other ornamentation as well. The procedures are often painful, though temporarily. With proper care, the wounds heal without infection.

      HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PIERCING DAY

      Explore the world of piercing. Share your experiences with body piercing. Some salons offer discounts during this celebration. Don’t forget to give a shout out to your favorite salon.You can even consider getting a new piercing. Use. #NationalPiercingDay to post on social media.

      NATIONAL PIERCING DAY HISTORY

      National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this body art holiday.

    • NATIONAL COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES DAY – May 16

      NATIONAL COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES DAY | MAY 16

      On May 16th we celebrate National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day. This classic French dish is scallops in a creamy wine sauce, covered with breadcrumbs, and cheese, before it is browned, placed under a broiler. Cooks usually make this seafood scallop dish with a mixture of butter, cream, mushrooms, and their favorite cheese.

      #CoquillesSaintJacquesDay

      Coquilles Saint Jacques is also known as the Shell of St. James.

      The scallop shell is a symbol of St. James, one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. Many legends surround the scallop shell and the symbolism associated with St. James. One suggests the scallop shell replaced bowls for water and food for pilgrims during their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Some also suggest that St. James used the scalloped shell to beg for food and water during his pilgrimage. In Christianity, the scallop shell also represents the symbol of baptism.

      Coquilles Saint Jacques can be made with either bay or sea scallops. White wine, brandy, or cognac are used to cook the scallops. Most recipes call for Gruyere cheese but swiss may be substituted. Different recipes call for a variety of seasonings ranging from cayenne, tarragon, and paprika to curry and parsley. Bringing the entire dish together, it is then baked in the scallop shell. If you don’t have access to scallop shells, individual ramekins work well, too. French cut green beans with almonds and fried onions complement the scallops nicely if it is being served as the main course.

      HOW TO OBSERVE Coquilles Saint Jacques Day

      On National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day, consider making this dish at home. If you aren’t that adventurous, visit your seafood favorite restaurant and order it to celebrate. Any scallop lovers will want to celebrate this day to the fullest. We even have a recipe for you to try.

      Enjoy this Delicious Coquilles St. Jacques recipe. Use #CoquillesSaintJacquesDay to post on social media.

      NATIONAL COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES DAY HISTORY

      National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this seafood holiday. While we do, check out these other seafood celebrations: