NATIONAL MAY RAY DAY | MAY 19
May 19 is the time of year National May Ray Day celebrates the bright sunshine, warmer weather with just a slight breeze to cool your skin.
#NationalMayRayDay
If your name is Ray or May, this is your chance to use your name as a way to get outdoors and soak up some sun. Afterall, this spring holiday is all about getting out into the sunshine and soak up some rays.
There are so many benefits of being in the sun, especially after a long winter. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy balance. Vitamin D is one of those vitamins we need for to maintain a healthy mind and body. Not only does it support bone health, it also lowers blood pressure, prevents disease and promotes strong mental health. There is also evidence healthy levels of Vitamin D in the body help reduce chances of getting cancer.
The sun is a natural resource you can use to help maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. Sun exposure:
- Promotes strong bones.
- Kills unwanted bacteria in your body.
- Reduces cancer risks.
- Reduces high blood pressure.
- Improves sleeping habits.
Excessive sun exposure can also cause serious health problems, especially skin cancer. However, there are a few preventative measures you can take to make your day in the sun enjoyable:
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your shoulders, ears, face and head.
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Always were sunscreen with at least 15 SPF or higher.
- Use an umbrella to block direct sunlight.
The natural turn of seasons is a beautiful transition. The grass turns green, flowers bloom, baby birds are seen learning to fly and new beginnings are seen everywhere. Springtime is a time to enjoy watching nature come alive.
SOAK UP THE SUN
- Plan a picnic.
- Go for walk.
- Buy a new summer dress.
- Plant some flowers.
- Read in the park.
- Visit a zoo.
- Share you day in the sun using #NationalMayRayDay on social media
A RAY OF HISTORY
We can thank comedian Richard Ankli for National May Ray Day. Born the same day, Ankli decided to honor his brother Ray with his own special day by declaring today National May Ray Day. Eventually, the Broadway residence in St. Joseph, Michigan, also known as the Broadway Fun Spot, began celebrating day, too. As a writer and comedian at Broadway Fun Spot (BFS) & Little Butter Publishing Co., Richard may have had the opportunity to self-promote his declaration.
Richard also gets credit for creating another holiday on National Day Calendar. Once again, Richard set out to honor another birthday on October 25. National Sourest Day was appropriately named after Richards friend, whose last name happened to be Sauer.
Whether or not this is how either day became official, we recommend going outside and enjoy the sunshine.
May 19th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1884
The Ringling Brothers stage their first circus.
1910
A month after Halley’s Comet reached perihelion, the Earth passes through the comet’s tail. Indecently, author Mark Twain was born during the comet’s previous visit in 1835. The author predicted he would die during the comet’s 1910 visit. He died on April 21, 1910, one day following the comet’s perihelion.
1928
Calaveras County, California hosts their first Frog Jumping Jubilee.
1962
Marilyn Monroe sings “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at his New York birthday celebration.
May 19th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
John Hopkins – 1795
Born to Quakers Samuel Hopkins and Hannah Janney, Johns Hopkins became a successful businessman and philanthropist. Hopkins’ forward-thinking provided for the development of Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine among others. As a result, these facilities contribute to the advanced research into disease and healthcare.
Henry G. Ginaca – 1876
Through Henry Gabriel Ginaca, the pineapple is more readily packaged, shipped, and consumed. Ginaca engineered the machine that automatically peeled and cored the Hawaiian fruit for the Dole Packaged Foods Company in 1911.
Frank Luke – 1897
During World War I, Frank Luke became known as the second-ranked American fighting ace after Eddie Rickenbacker. He would be shot down after on September 29, 1918, after a string of victories. Luke was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.
Malcolm X – 1925
The one-time minister of the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X played a pivotal counterpoint to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful activism the Civil Rights Movement, and racism. In later years, the eloquent orator found a renewed hope after divesting himself from the Nation of Islam. He was assassinated in 1965.
Loraine Hansberry – 1930
Lorraine Hansberry wrote the award-winning Broadway play A Raisin in the Sun.
Mario Chalmers – 1986
Mario Chalmers is a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was drafted as the 34th pick overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
