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National Nurses Day – May 6, 2022
At the end of the 19th century, “The Lady With the Lamp” — or as she is more widely known, Florence Nightingale — founded modern nursing. Thanks to her strict use of hand-washing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale and her helpers reduced the death rate from 42% to 2% — ushering in nursing as we know it today. On May 6, we recognize the important role nurses play in our lives by celebrating National Nurses Day.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NURSES DAY
National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nursing Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Yet the week was first observed in the US in October 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s pioneering work in Crimea.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower asking him to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year to coincide with the anniversary. Although the President didn’t act, the celebration was observed thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Frances P. Bolton, and the following year a new bill was introduced to Congress lobbying for official recognition of the celebration.
Twenty years later, in February of 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week to be celebrated annually in May. Over the next eight years, various nursing organizations including the American Nurses Association (ANA) rallied to support calls for a “National Recognition Day for Nurses” on May 6, which was eventually proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
With over 3 million working nurses in the US today, nurses make up the highest percentage of the US healthcare workforce. Although you might not imagine it, nurses are more likely to sustain a back injury on a shift than construction workers, and they walk an average of 5 kilometers per shift, as caring for others’ health is such an active job!
If you think nurses are only found in hospitals, then think again! The majority of registered nurses (59%) practice elsewhere, such as in a nursing home or on home visits. They work across communities to keep people worldwide happy and healthy, and National Nurses Day is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for their important work!
May we all take a moment to remember our mothers who have passed over the years.
NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY
It may go by many names, but on May 5th, National Hoagie Day celebrates a hero of a sandwich!
Besides a hero, the hoagie goes by several other aliases. The sub, grinder, Italian, torpedo, or baguette are just a few of its many names. Some of those names give a hint as to how we make a hoagie, too. We cut a long Italian roll or French bread lengthwise and fill it with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. Pile it high with your own combination of fillings and enjoy it either hot or cold.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE SANDWICH MADE WITH FRENCH BREAD?
HERE IN WISCONSIN WE CALL THEM SUBMARINE SANDWICHES!
About the Word “Hoagie”
In 1953, Italians working at the World War I-era shipyard in Philadelphia known as Hog Island packed their lunch to work every day. They introduced the sandwich by putting different meats, cheeses, and lettuce between two slices of bread. It was referred to as the “Hog Island” sandwich, which they later shortened to the “hoagie.”
A different explanation is offered by the Philadelphia Almanac and Citizen’s Manual. They believe early 20th-century street vendors called “hokey-pokey-men” created the sandwich.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY
Philadelphia is famously known for mouthwatering steak and cheese subs, but did you know the City of Brotherly Love is also famous for another epicurean delight served on a big beautiful bun: the hoagie? It is the humble hoagie of Italian immigrant heritage that holds the title “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia,’ not the steak and cheese sub.
The traditional Italian hoagie is a generous sandwich of Italian deli meats and cheeses stuffed into a split long roll, brimming with pepperoncini peppers and veggies, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. There are no fewer than a dozen credible stories laying claim to who was responsible for inventing the first long bread Italian sandwich in America. Most stories point to the New England states where many Italian immigrants settled in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although whose mama or papa is truly responsible for assembling the first hoagie in Philadelphia will always be up for debate, we do know that hoagie naming rights belong to the city of Philadelphia.
The most popular story of how the Italian sandwich got the name hoagie in Philadelphia is one cited by the now-defunct “Philadelphia Bulletin,” Philly’s daily evening newspaper published from 1847 to 1982. The paper’s story revolves around the lunch box staple of 1950s Italian immigrant workers in a Philadelphia shipyard known as Hog Island, a long bread roll stuffed with Italian meats and cheeses. The sandwiches were commonly referred to as “Hog Island sandwiches.” The name was eventually shortened to “hoggies,” which, when said with a south Philadelphia accent, sounded more like “hoagies,” and the moniker stuck.
Two other local Philadelphia publications disagreed with the Bulletin’s published story, both insisting that Philadelphia’s hoagie roots could be traced all the way back 1879. According to the Philadelphia Almanac and the Citizen’s Manual, street vendors known as hokey pokey men sold bakery rolls called pinafores stuffed with antipasto salad and meats to theatre patrons before and after attending the operetta, (light opera,) “H.M.S. Pinafore” by the famed writer-composer duo of Gilbert and Sullivan. The pinafores were commonly referred to as hokies, which again sounded a lot like hoagies in South Philly.
Regardless of who first stuffed all those delicious meats and cheeses into a split Italian long roll, topped it with peppers and drizzled oil and seasonings on top, the name hoagie stuck like the newspaper it was first wrapped with in the city of Philadelphia. By the end of World War II, the term hoagie was quite common on the streets of Philadelphia, and Philly’s favorite sandwich was turning up on restaurant menus all around the city, spelled hoagie, hoggie, hoogie, and hoagy.
As the hoagie’s popularity breached city boundaries and spread to other parts of the country away from the east coast, the term hoagie took on new definitions. Hoagie eventually became a catch-all name for any sandwich served on a long bread roll. In Philadelphia, however, the hoagie remains true to its Italian roots as an Italian meat and cheese sandwich covered with roasted and pickled veggies and peppers, with oil, vinegar, and seasonings topping it all.
Do You Remember May Basket Day?
This beautiful tradition has sadly become forgotten over time.
It's May 1st, and you know what that means!
Or perhaps you don't. After all, it's been a while since May Day, or May Basket Day, was last celebrated widely. Nowadays, springtime is often associated with occasions like Mother's Day and Easter. But years ago, May Day was celebrated with nearly the same springy hoopla on the first of the month, year after year.
My wife Mary was very big on having our 3 daughter's take May Baskets to our neighbors until they were in high school.
May Day 2022: What Is May Day And Why Is It Celebrated?
May Day is a public holiday in some regions, usually celebrated on 1 May or the first Monday of May. It is an ancient festival marking the first day of summer, and a current traditional spring holiday in many European cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the festivities.
Origins and celebrations
The earliest known May celebrations appeared with the Floralia, festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, held from 27 April – 3 May during the Roman Republic era, and the Maiouma or Maiuma, a festival celebrating Dionysus and Aphrodite held every three years during the month of May. The Floralia opened with theatrical performances. In the Floralia, Ovid says that hares and goats were released as part of the festivities. Persius writes that crowds were pelted with vetches, beans, and lupins. A ritual called the Florifertum was performed on either 27 April or 3 May, during which a bundle of wheat ears was carried into a shrine, though it is not clear if this devotion was made to Flora or Ceres. Floralia concluded with competitive events and spectacles, and a sacrifice to Flora.[10]
Maiouma was celebrated at least as early as the 2nd century AD, when records show expenses for the month-long festival were appropriated by Emperor Commodus.According to the 6th-century chronicles of John Malalas, the Maiouma was a "nocturnal dramatic festival, held every three years and known as Orgies, that is, the Mysteries of Dionysus and Aphrodite" and that it was "known as the Maioumas because it is celebrated in the month of May-Artemisios". During this time, enough money was set aside by the government for torches, lights, and other expenses to cover a thirty-day festival of "all-night revels." The Maiouma was celebrated with splendorous banquets and offerings. Its reputation for licentiousness caused it to be suppressed during the reign of Emperor Constantine, though a less debauched version of it was briefly restored during the reigns of Arcadius and Honorius, only to be suppressed again during the same period.
A later May festival celebrated in Germanic countries, Walpurgis Night, commemorates the official canonization of Saint Walpurga on 1 May 870.[13] In Gaelic culture, the evening of April 30th was the celebration of Beltane (which translates to "lucky fire") as well as the similar Welsh Calan Mai, and marks the start of the summer season. First attested in 900 AD, the celebration mainly focused on the symbolic use of fire to bless cattle and other livestock as they were moved to summer pastures. This custom continued into the early 19th century, during which time cattle would be made to jump over fires to protect their milk from being stolen by fairies. People would also leap over the fires for luck.
Since the 18th century, many Roman Catholics have observed May – and May Day – with various May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In works of art, school skits, and so forth, Mary's head will often be adorned with flowers in a May crowning. 1 May is also one of two feast days of the Catholic patron saint of workers St Joseph the Worker, a carpenter, husband to Mother Mary, and foster father of Jesus.[16] Replacing another feast to St. Joseph, this date was chosen by Pope Pius XII in 1955 as a counterpoint to the communist International Workers' Day celebrations on May Day.
The best known modern May Day traditions, observed both in Europe and North America, include dancing around the maypole and crowning the Queen of May. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the tradition of giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbours' doorsteps.
In the late 20th century, many neopagans began reconstructing some of the older pagan festivals and combining them with more recently developed European secular and Catholic traditions, and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival.
National Arbor Day: April 29, 2022
Broadleaf. Evergreen. Conifer. How well do you really know your trees? Now you have a goal for National Arbor Day.
America’s first Arbor Day took place toward the start of the 1870s — right around the time Congress established Yellowstone National Park. Celebrate nothing less than humanity’s endearment toward nature on April 29, just after Earth Day.
Note: National Arbor Day always falls on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on their best tree planting times. That varies widely. For example:
Florida — Third Friday in January
Alaska — Third Monday in May
Hawaii — First Friday in November
Find your state’s date here.
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY ACTIVITIES
Plant a tree
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to plant your very own tree? It's an incredible experience watching a tree grow over the years, and it's an unbelievable feeling knowing that you made it happen.
Don't print this!
Deforestation is a huge problem with many implications, and cutting down on our paper usage is the most immediate way to make a difference. You can go a step further by seeking out brands with sustainable business practices, and by adopting strong composting and recycling habits.
Take a hike
The good kind! Hiking is a great escape from the doldrums of everyday life, and it's an activity that's great for people across a wide age range.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL ARBOR DAY
Natural beauty
With so much of our population living in big cities, it's easy to lose sight of nature's greatness and splendor.
Our planet needs love
Despite some disagreement about global warming, there's no debating that keeping our planet healthy helps to keep us healthy. There's a lot to love about a holiday that helps make our planet a better place.
A global movement
With over 40 nations having their own version of Arbor Day, it's safe to say that this holiday is global. We've got a lot to be thankful for when it comes to trees, so it's only natural that so many cultures have their own day to celebrate.
Do you have a tree planting ceremony in your area?
10 Facts About Blueberries for National Blueberry Pie Day
We love Michigan blueberries! From blueberry apple sauce, blueberry muffins, and blueberry turnovers to blueberries on salads, and blueberries on oatmeal, we love them every which way. However, it’s no secret that our favorite way to enjoy them is in Blueberry Pie!
For the fellow Blueberry Pie lovers out there, there’s a whole day dedicated to you. National Blueberry Pie Day is celebrated annually on April 28th! To celebrate the holiday, we gathered a few fun facts about blueberries and blueberry pie to please hearts and appetites.
Stop in and celebrate with a slice of our homemade Blueberry Pie made with Michigan Rubel Blueberries (and maybe even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream).
10 Delicious Facts About Blueberries
1. Grand Traverse Pie Company sources all of its Michigan-grown Rubel blueberries from True Blue Farms in Grand Junction, Michigan.
2. Michigan blueberry growers produce over 110 million pounds of blueberries every year, making Michigan the leader in blueberry production.
3. Most of Michigan’s blueberry farms are in West Michigan in the Lower Peninsula along Lake Michigan. The sandy soil and climate, moderated by the lake, are perfect for growing berries.
4. Michigan has about 21,000 acres dedicated to growing blueberries.
5. People have been eating blueberries for more than 13,000 years.
6. Blueberries were called “star fruits” by North American indigenous peoples because of the five-pointed star shape that is formed at the blossom end of the berry.
7. The blueberry is one of the only foods that is truly naturally blue in color. The pigment that gives blueberries their distinctive color—called anthocyanin—is the same compound that provides the blueberry’s amazing health benefits.
8. Blueberry Pie was brought to the United States by settlers from northern Europe and Scandinavia. The first blueberry pie recipe was documented in the Appledore Cook Book in 1872.
9. Between our 15 Grand Traverse Pie Company shops, we used an astonishing total of 134,520 pounds of blueberries last year.
10. National Blueberry Pie Day is celebrated each year on April 28th to honor one of America’s favorite desserts. YUM!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE
Be Part of Earth Day Global Celebrations
Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22. This is an important day that raises awareness about the environment and the global commitment to make the planet better. Understanding how this day was established and how it helps connect people across the globe in a shared mission is key to celebrating this day. After all, this home belongs to all of us, and we should strive to take care of it to create a healthy and sustainable future.
History of Earth Day
The first Earth Day celebration occurred on March 21, 1970, which was the first day of spring that year. It was proposed by John McConnell, a newspaper publisher who proposed the idea at a UNESCO Conference on the Environment the year before. He suggested that the holiday be celebrated every year as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to help protect the environment. The following year the United Nations Secretary-General at the time signed a proclamation written by McConnell that the United Nations would celebrate this holiday each year on the first day of spring
Another environmental activist and United States Senator, Gaylord Nelson organized an event on April 22, 1970, to show other politicians the wide support for environmental issues. The event was successful and led to Earth Day celebrations across thousands of colleges, universities, schools, and communities, making it the second Earth Day celebration.
Earth Day Celebrations Around the World
Earth Day is celebrated around the world in different ways, but with the overall theme of creating awareness and educating people about preserving our resources. Here are some of the Earth Day celebrations include the following:
United States
In the United States, Earth Day celebrations have included rallies and teach-ins, including in Washington, D.C. Scientists and civic organizers provide training sessions and others encourage marches. New York has had pop-up shops that feature companies that support sustainability. Many other cities establish separate, local events.
Denmark
Denmark celebrates Earth Day United at the Christiansborg Castle Square in Copenhagen, which includes a celebration of drum-playing pointed at the four corners of the world. The group then participates in the March for Science, which is a march that seeks to hold the elected officials accountable for greener initiatives.
Japan
Tokyo celebrates an annual two-day celebration of Earth Day in Yoyogi Park where approximately 100,000 visitors are expected to participate in family activities and learn about companies that encourage sustainability.
Great Britain
London features an Earth Day celebration, sponsored by a group of activists and musicians. The event raises funds for British charities and groups fighting climate change.
Spain
Granada, Spain holds a 24-hour Global Unity and Regeneration Gathering, which includes presentations and workshops on helping the environment.
India
India has a variety of Earth Day activities and encourages participants to dress in green. Also, the country puts on events that focus exclusively on protecting the Asian elephant, an endangered species.
Switzerland
The International School of Geneva hosts a green sale in which they raise funds to plant trees on school grounds throughout the area. At this event, they play recycling games and supply environmentally-friendly arts and crafts.
Canada
Several cities throughout Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Amherst participate in educational talks, activities and parades.
Australia
Sydney hosts four different nature walks with experts, bike giveaways and storytelling.
Philippines
The Philippines features marathons as part of Earth Day Celebrations, which include 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K options.
South Africa
South Africa hosts Earth Expo, which presents educational forums on sustainable nutrition, technology, entrepreneurship, and fashion.
Moldova
Gutta-Club in Chisinӑu hosts Earth Day activities in 30 villages, including tree planting, clean-ups and building nesting boxes for birds.
Importance of Celebrating Earth Day
Celebrating Earth Day promotes the understanding of important environmental issues and shows that you are part of this global mission. As a result, celebrations focus on thinking globally and acting locally, such as planting trees, cleaning up water sources or helping in a community garden. For a successful Earth Day celebration, it is vital to spread awareness. Translating flyers and educational materials can help further expand the reach of your event. To find out how you can be part of this important celebration, search for Earth Day celebrations near you.
Support Our Pollinators!
Bring native bees and other pollinating creatures to your garden. One way to do this is by selecting the right plants. Need ideas?
- Find a beauty or two from our list of plants that attract butterflies and plants that attract hummingbirds.
- Learn more about native bees (the super-pollinators!) and make a native bee house (much like a bird house!). Or, see how to make a bee-friendly garden habitat including bee-friendly plants.
- Here are more ways you can help pollinators in your backyard.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day is being observed today!
A day with fulfill of Glazed spiral ham is so great that there is a special day for it, called National Glazed Spiral Ham Day.
Traditionally, a machine-cut ham or spiral slice is glazed with sugar, honey, or orange sauce, and then grilled. Spices such as cloves, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce (to taste) may be added to the taste of the eater. On April 15 of every year, there is National Glazed Spiral Ham Day in order to commemorate Glazed Ham’s gourmet dish.
Why National Glazed Spiral Ham Day?
Ham has long been a British favorite for breakfast. In ordinary consumption, this is a relatively thin slice of pork with a thick line of fat (by width) on one of its sides. Of course, you can always choose to have no fat in your ham.
Going into detail, ham is a boneless piece of pork, either machine-processed or cut directly from the meat. It is usually served cold. There are many different forms of ham consumption, mainly eaten with or without bread or used as an ingredient to prepare dishes such as noodles or toppings on pizza.
Spiral hams are made possible thanks to a device invented in the 1940s by Harry J. Hoenselaar. The machine cuts the meat into uniform, continuous spirals. The HoneyBaked Ham Store was born in 1957, in the basement of Hoenselaar. Today, the company has more than 400 stores worldwide and sells glazed spiral hams during the festive seasons. This glaze is what makes the ham so special. The recipe of this particular yeast used by the HoneyBaked Ham Store is still unknown to the general public. The secret recipe is kept in strict secrecy; this is a highly confidential document.
Even after 1981, when the patent on enameled spiral ham owned by Hoenselaar expired, many food companies and eateries continued to serve such ham preparations, thanks to the former inventor figure out the formula.
The event is held in mid-April because the glazed spiral ham is an Easter favorite.
Here are today’s five thing to know about Glazed Ham:
- The Hormel Company of Austin, Minnesota sold the first canned ham in 1926.
- Hams are produced by almost every country in the world.
- Mainz ham is a German ham that is brined, soaked in brandy or wine lees (or a mixture of both) and then smoked for a long period.
- A country ham is much drier than injected-cured hams and has a sharper flavored due to its high salt content.
- A pig scratches himself with his right leg, which uses the muscles more often, so the meat will be tougher. Aim for the left leg if you can.
Fun Fact:
On the Apollo 13 mission, the crew managed to create a functioning CO2 filter out of duct tape and glazed ham.
Chicago artist Dwight Kalb made a statue of Madonna from 180 pounds of ham.
Names of some of the better known hams of the world include: Smithfield, prosciutto, Westphalian, Parma, Virginia, Kentucky, Country, Canned, Bayonne, York, Mainz, Prague, Asturias, Toulouse, Dijon, Black Forest, Bohemian, Serrano, presunto, Bradenham, Estremadura, Prazska sunks, and szynka.
NATIONAL CHERISH AN ANTIQUE DAY
Each year, National Cherish an Antique Day encourages us to seek the deeper story behind treasures and family heirlooms. Observed annually on April 9th, the day reminds us that sometimes there is more to antiques than just a dollar sign.
Do you have something special that was passed down from your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents? The day provides us an opportunity to learn the story and the history behind our treasured antiques. It’s an excellent time to record the provenance and preserve it for safekeeping. Over the years, family members collect items from their travels or that remind them of a moment from their past. They may be cherished because of personal or emotional connections. Often a colorful story tells how it came into the family making it even more valuable as an heirloom.
Homer Laughlin phased out the Wells Art Glaze line in 1935. That same year Frederick Rhead was busy creating a new solid color dinnerware line, eventually named Fiesta.
This is Mary's and my favorite collection which we started after our daughters gave us a place settings many years ago.
The Birth of Fiesta
Towards the end of 1934 Homer Laughlin was ready to begin production of a solid color dinnerware line. During the first few months of the 1935 Rhead was busy creating shapes and choosing glazes. By April the glazes under consideration were: yellow, bright red, lava red, turquoise, buff, white, green, blue, ochre and rose ebony.
Carafe in the Rose Ebony trial glaze. Image from laurelhollowpark.net
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Carafe in the Rose Ebony trial glaze. Image from laurelhollowpark.net
Homer Laughlin general manager, Joseph Wells chose six colors for limited production on basic table items such as cups and saucers, plates and sugar and creamer. The colors were deep blue, rose ebony, yellow, mandarin red, turquoise and white.
Dinnerware setting at the Collectors Club
Dinner in Milwaukee in2019.
Our original Red collection!
Gold Star Spouses Day
⁶ Star Spouse Day: Honoring The Surviving Spouses of Lost Veterans
Gold Star Spouses Day 2022
The terms Gold Star family, Gold Star Spouses, and Gold Star Wives traditionally refer to the surviving loved ones of military members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Gold Star Spouses Day was created to honor these loved ones.
Gold Star Spouses day will be observed on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
As with many things in American culture, it can take time for our institutions to catch up with society, which is why over time the word “wives” in the name of the remembrance has been replaced by the word “spouses” many use the terms Gold Star Wives Day and Gold Star Spouses Day interchangeably.
This recognition of the sacrifices made by military spouses is all at once a memorial for the fallen, a remembrance day for the survivors, and an appreciation for those who are sometimes in danger of being overlooked for their support and service to the country.
Home » Gold Star Spouses Day 2022
Gold Star Spouses Day 2022
The terms Gold Star family, Gold Star Spouses, and Gold Star Wives traditionally refer to the surviving loved ones of military members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Gold Star Spouses Day was created to honor these loved ones.
Gold Star Spouses day will be observed on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
As with many things in American culture, it can take time for our institutions to catch up with society, which is why over time the word “wives” in the name of the remembrance has been replaced by the word “spouses” many use the terms Gold Star Wives Day and Gold Star Spouses Day interchangeably.
This recognition of the sacrifices made by military spouses is all at once a memorial for the fallen, a remembrance day for the survivors, and an appreciation for those who are sometimes in danger of being overlooked for their support and service to the country.
What Is The Gold Star?
The U.S. Army official site explains that the Gold Star is a tradition that begin during World War One. Service flags were flown by military families during this time, with blue stars for every family member serving in uniform.
Home » Gold Star Spouses Day 2022
Gold Star Spouses Day 2022
The terms Gold Star family, Gold Star Spouses, and Gold Star Wives traditionally refer to the surviving loved ones of military members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Gold Star Spouses Day was created to honor these loved ones.
Gold Star Spouses day will be observed on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
As with many things in American culture, it can take time for our institutions to catch up with society, which is why over time the word “wives” in the name of the remembrance has been replaced by the word “spouses” many use the terms Gold Star Wives Day and Gold Star Spouses Day interchangeably.
This recognition of the sacrifices made by military spouses is all at once a memorial for the fallen, a remembrance day for the survivors, and an appreciation for those who are sometimes in danger of being overlooked for their support and service to the country.
What Is The Gold Star?
The U.S. Army official site explains that the Gold Star is a tradition that begin during World War One. Service flags were flown by military families during this time, with blue stars for every family member serving in uniform.
“If that loved one died,” Army.mil reports, “the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.” Later, the tradition evolved to include the wearing of a Gold Star lapel button, awarded by the military to surviving family members.
In 1947 Congress approved the design of the official Gold Star Lapel Button, allowing it to formally recognize service members who lost their lives in combat. The official Gold Star pin has a gold star on a purple background.
The Gold Star lapel button for next-of-kin was created in 1973 to “symbolize active duty service members who lost their lives in non-combat operations” according to Navy.mil. The design of the next-of-kin Gold Star button is slightly different with a gold star with laurel leaves against a gold background.
Who Awards The Gold Star?
Gold Star pins and colors are traditionally presented by an officer to the next-of-kin during funeral honors for the fallen military member.
A Brief History Of Gold Star Spouses Day
This tradition began in the early part of the 20th century as Gold Star Mother’s Day, observed on the last Sunday of September beginning in 1936. An organization known as Gold Star Wives began operating before the end of the Second World War, and the Gold Star lapel button tradition was established in the summer of 1947.
All of this set the stage for Gold Star Spouses Day, which began as Gold Star Wives Day-the first of which occurred in December 2010. Two years later a Senate resolution codified Gold Star Wives Day, observed on April 5 each year. Later guidance changed the recognition to be more inclusive.
Today the event is known as Gold Star Spouses Day, though (as mentioned earlier) many still use “Gold Star Wives Day” interchangeably with Gold Star Spouses Day.
The organization Gold Star Wives welcomes all Gold Star spouses, for example, but retains the original name. The organization welcomes membership applications from “Any surviving spouse of any person of the United States military who died while a member of the armed forces of our country, or who died subsequent to such service as a result of an injury or disability incurred during such service.”
How Gold Star Spouses Day Is Observed
Gold Star Spouses Day is not a national holiday. Banks do not close, markets remain open, and it’s business as usual on most military installations in terms of the day-to-day mission. But many installations have their own special observances of the day.
Some events are directly associated with military fitness and lifestyle. A variety of 5K memorial runs on and off-base happen close to April 5th. And there are remembrance efforts online and social media.
One grassroots Facebook campaign urged Gold Star families to post photos and remembrances of fallen loved ones on April 5. Other events focus more on remembrance and support of local Gold Star spouses in the community
Gold Star Spouse Day: Honoring The Surviving Spouses of Lost Veterans
National Chocolate Mousse Day (April 3rd) Messages, Quotes
National Chocolate Mousse Day is celebrated around the United States on April 3 of every year. Chocolate Mousse is light yet plentiful food that is beaten until airy. Mousse can be sweet or savoury. Sweet Mouses are often flavoured with chocolate, coffee, caramel, or various herbs and spices, such as mint or vanilla. The mouse can be served as both hot or cold. Chocolate mousse is made by adding beaten egg yolks into melted chocolate and are always served cold. Savory mousses are mostly made from meat, fish, shellfish, foie gras, cheese, or vegetables. National Chocolate Mousse Day is to celebrate the divine dessert, i.e., chocolate mousse.
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz
History of National Chocolate Mousse Day
The origin of this day is not known so far. Mousse is believed to be originated in France, because of its name. Chocolate mousse came into the United States in 1892 when the Boston Daily Globe published one of the first recipes for the mousse. In 1930, after the invention of the electric mixers, the egg was made more comfortable to whip resulting in the modern mousse. But the recipe attained its popularity after world war II, along with the growth of French cuisine in the country.
Best Chocolate Mousse Day Messages, Quotes
There is nothing as delicious and as smooth as a chocolate mousse. Make sure that you enjoy it all on the occasion of National Chocolate Mousse Day.
Wishing everyone a very Happy National Chocolate Mousse Day. You don’t really need anything else if you have chocolate mousse to enjoy.
The best thing about National Chocolate Mousse Day is that you can have lots of chocolate mousse without feeling guilty about it.
The perfect way to celebrate National Chocolate Mousse Day is by indulging in this delightful dessert that is truly amazing. Warm greetings on this day to all.
Wishing a very Happy National Chocolate Mousse Day to all. Make the most of this day by enjoying the mousse made with love.
Don’t forget to make chocolate mousse at home and invite your favorite people to treat. Warm wishes on the occasion of National Chocolate Mousse Day to you.
You can never say no to chocolate mousse because it is loaded with love and lots of chocolate. Wishing a very Happy National Chocolate Mousse Day to you my dear.
There is something so amazing about chocolate mousse that you can eat it in various forms and always love it. Happy National Chocolate Mousse Day.
Wishing a very Happy National Chocolate Mousse Day to you. There is no reason for you to say a no to chocolate mousse because it is pure delight.
April Fools’ tradition popularized
Although the day, also called All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery.
Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes.
These pranks included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as poisson d’avril (April fish), said to symbolize a young, “easily hooked” fish and a gullible person.
April Fools’ Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk,” in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and followed by Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on people’s derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them.
April Fools' Day or April Fool's Day is an annual custom on 1 April consisting of practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting "April Fools!" at the recipient. Mass media can be involved in these pranks, which may be revealed as such the following day. April 1 is not a public holiday in any country except Cyprus which is a national holiday (though not for April Fools' Day but instead for a holiday called "Cyprus National Day") and Odessa, Ukraine where the first of April is an official city holiday. The custom of setting aside a day for playing harmless pranks upon one's neighbour has been relatively common in the world historically.
An April Fools' Day prank marking the construction of the Copenhagen Metro in 2001
March 29 is National Chiffon Cake Day
Lemon Chiffon Cake Day, celebrated on March 29 every year, commemorates the sweetness of the flavorful light lemon cake that was invented by Harry Baker in 1927. Is there someone who doesn’t love the very soft, spongy, yummy layer of cake? Probably not. Cake is the most cherished dessert by everyone of every age from everywhere, and with so many different types and flavors, cakes fill the hearts of many with yummy warmth.
Lemon Chiffon Cake is one of the most refreshing, fluffy spring cakes loved by people globally. That bright yellowish look and the blissful taste of lemon would certainly make your taste buds fall in love. This amazing Lemon Chiffon Cake has a dedicated to it, and it’s March 29. So the next time life gives you lemons, make a Lemon Chiffon Cake.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LEMON CHIFFON CAKE DAY
The history of Lemon Chiffon Cake Day began with Harry Baker, who was a Los Angeles insurance agent but eventually became a caterer for Brown Derby Restaurant in Los Angeles, which catered to Hollywood’s finest. He was the person who first baked the Chiffon cake. He kept the recipe a secured secret for years, until (probably after many appeals), he finally sold it to Betty Crocker in 1947. And the delightful packet-mix came to be the best-selling favorite that is well-known and loved all over the world today.
Barker came up with the recipe in 1927; he found the excellent mixture and methods to achieve the airy richness he was looking for. Mixing both egg whites and baking powder to gain an incomparable lightness. Back then in the 1920s, the angel food cake was famous, but it contained no butter, fat, or shortening of any sort, and so Baker added vegetable oil. Today adding vegetable oil to cake recipes is normal. It wasn’t so back in 1927. His cakes grew in popularity, and he went on to make a variety of chiffon cakes. He sold his recipe for an undisclosed amount. But we assume it was worth a lot, and we’re happy he did, as we all can get to taste the slices of joy in these chiffon cakes.
That fluffy, light, and airy texture of a lemon chiffon cake are accomplished by using stiffened egg whites that are folded into the batter and replacing butter. This makes Chiffon cakes lower in saturated fat than butter cakes, potentially making them healthier than their butter-heavy counterparts. The egg whites in the cake make the cake remain appreciably moist, and the lack of butter flavoring is tastefully replaced by the juicy lemon zest. A true treat for all to enjoy!
NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY
National French Bread Day bakes up a delicious celebration enjoyed by millions across the United States each year on March 21st.
French bread, also known as a baguette, is a long thin loaf made from basic lean dough. Its length and its crisp crust define it. Over time, French law has established what is and what is not a baguette. In 1920, a labor law prevented bakers from starting their day before 4 a.m. Bread makers know that breadmaking is a tactile industry. The kneading and resting of the dough are just as important as the ingredients. When the law limited their day, the bakers knew their product so well they adjusted by re-shaping their loaves of bread. The long, narrow loaves baked more quickly and evenly. As a result, patrons found the new loaves more convenient for slicing and storing.
These sturdy loaves make delicious sandwiches, but they also go well with any soup. Any leftover bread makes delicious French toast, too!
The French are known for their high standards where culinary arts are concerned. To preserve quality in their bread, laws were passed requiring minimum quantities of certain quality ingredients in each loaf of bread.
Why a long thin shape for French bread?
The shape of a baguette allows for the maximum amount of dough to gain exposure directly to the heat in the oven.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFrenchBreadDay
- Spend some time in the kitchen and fill your home with the smell of homemade French bread.
- Try this French bread recipe and share it with others.
- If the task seems a little daunting, be sure to visit your local bakery and pick up a loaf or two.
- Make some bruschetta or serve it with your favorite pasta dish.
- Use #NationalFrenchBreadDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this yeasty food holiday.
Celebrate the Vernal Equinox and the Start of Spring!
Spring 2022 begins on Sunday, March 20! This date marks the spring equinox and the astronomical first day of spring around the Northern Hemisphere. What IS the spring equinox and what happens on this day? Before you try to balance that egg, read on to learn more—including ideas on how to spend the first days of spring.
What Is the Spring Equinox?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox (aka spring equinox or vernal equinox) occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north. This event marks the start of the spring season in the northern half of the globe. After this date, the Northern Hemisphere begins to be tilted more toward the Sun, resulting in increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: the March equinox marks the start of autumn, as the Southern Hemisphere begins to be tilted away from the Sun.)
→ What sort of weather will spring bring? Check out our Spring Forecast and new April Forecast to find out!
When Is the First Day of Spring?
In 2022, the March equinox happens on Sunday, March 20, at 11:33 A.M. EDT. This marks the return of spring to the Northern Hemisphere.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox marks the start of autumn, while the September equinox marks the start of spring.
Astronomical and Meteorological Spring
Astronomical Spring is determined by the changing positions of the earth relative to the sun giving us the solstices and equinoxes. Seasons are caused by the tilt of the earth on its axis by 23.5 degrees. The tilt of the earth does not change as it goes around the sun so in the Northern Hemisphere the earth is tilted toward the sun in June and away from the sun in December[2]. When the sun is over the equator you have the equinoxes and when the sun is over the Tropic of Cancer in the most northern position you have the Summer solstice and conversely when the sun is over the most southern position over the Tropic of Capricorn you have the Winter solstice. The March equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere between the dates of March 19 to 21 followed by the Summer solstice - June 20 to 22 and then the September equinox - September 21 to 23 and finally the Winter solstice - December 20 to 23. The United States, most of North America, Europe and many countries in the Northern Hemisphere use astronomical spring to determine when spring season officially starts and ends.
Meteorological Spring is determined by the annual temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar. Meteorological spring starts March 1st in the Northern Hemisphere and lasts 3 months (March, April, and May) with Summer Season (June, July, and August) and Autumn Season (September, October, and November) and finally Winter Season (December, January, and February). Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere use meteorological spring thus the months of September, October, and November to determine their spring season.
Many countries around the world depending on their latitude will use different methods to determine the start of spring. Some of these methods are dependent on the average daily/night temperatures, animal and plant behaviors, soil temperatures and their traditional calendar systems. More of these ecological methods to determine spring can be found on Wikipedia.org.
Spring Started: Sunday, Mar 20 10:33 am CDT
Spring Ends: Tuesday, Jun 21 4:13 am CDT
Region: Wisconsin/United States
Change
NATIONAL CORN DOG DAY
In March every year, National Corn Dog Day gives sports fans, concert and fairgoers another chance to dunk.
The corn dog started out as a sausage or hot dog baked or deep-fried in a cornmeal breading and served as a sandwich. In the late 1930s or early 1940s, this sandwich became a convenient fair food when the whole meal was put on a stick before being deep-fried. Fairgoers could then eat their corn dog while taking in the exhibits.
The popular convenience food is often enjoyed with mustard, ketchup, and other dipping sauces. Adding utility of a stick carried to other fried foods as well and the practice continues today. From sports arenas to amusement parks, state fairs and concerts, Americans can get their corn dogs and dipping sauces to go and not miss out on a moment of the game.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCornDogDay
Grab a corn dog and get back to the game. Don’t forget the sauces, either. You can also make homemade corn dogs. We even have some dipping sauce recipes for you to try. Be sure to get the whole family involved.
Use #NationalCornDogDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL CORN DOG DAY HISTORY
Brady Sahnow and Henry Otley created the observance in 1992 in honor of the saving grace of corn dogs and the March Madness that is basketball.
DATES:
1st Saturday of March Madness
National Corndog Day is a celebration concerning basketball, the corn dog (A corn dog is usually a hot dog sausage coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter), Tater Tots, and American beer that occurs in March of every year on the first Saturday of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.
St. Patrick's Day 2022
Who Was St. Patrick? Why Do We Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Unless you’ve been living under the Blarney Stone you already know that March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Also affectionately known as St. Paddy’s Day or St. Patty’s Day, it’s the one day each year that everyone and anyone can call themselves Irish – if not by birthright, then in spirit. If you have been living under the Blarney Stone, lucky you! We bet you can share a thing or two about how a religious feast day commemorating the famed Irish patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland ended up being a day celebrated almost globally, usually involving copious amounts of green beer and whisky shooters.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other single-day national festival, largely due to America’s enthusiasm for what many consider a holiday, although it is not an official holiday in America.
Parades are the heartbeat of St. Patrick Day festivities in America. This is not surprising, since the first parade held in St. Patrick’s honor took place in America, not Ireland, in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. And the first actual St. Patrick’s Day parade also took place in America, in 1737, although it was pretty much just a stroll down the middle of a street in Boston by a few Irish Protestants to honor the patron saint of their motherland. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City was held in 1762, 14 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was organized by Irish troops serving in British colonies. Today the world’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the annual parade in New York City, where more than two million spectators line the parade route, all claiming to be Irish, at least for the day.
St. Patrick's Day – March 17, 2022
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Unless you’ve been living under the Blarney Stone you already know that March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Also affectionately known as St. Paddy’s Day or St. Patty’s Day, it’s the one day each year that everyone and anyone can call themselves Irish – if not by birthright, then in spirit. If you have been living under the Blarney Stone, lucky you! We bet you can share a thing or two about how a religious feast day commemorating the famed Irish patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland ended up being a day celebrated almost globally, usually involving copious amounts of green beer and whisky shooters.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other single-day national festival, largely due to America’s enthusiasm for what many consider a holiday, although it is not an official holiday in America.
Parades are the heartbeat of St. Patrick Day festivities in America. This is not surprising, since the first parade held in St. Patrick’s honor took place in America, not Ireland, in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. And the first actual St. Patrick’s Day parade also took place in America, in 1737, although it was pretty much just a stroll down the middle of a street in Boston by a few Irish Protestants to honor the patron saint of their motherland. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City was held in 1762, 14 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was organized by Irish troops serving in British colonies. Today the world’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the annual parade in New York City, where more than two million spectators line the parade route, all claiming to be Irish, at least for the day.
WHEN IS ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2022?
The luck of the Irish and all things green are celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day, which is on March 17 every year. Initially, a day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, over time the holiday has evolved into a fun and festive celebration of Irish culture.
HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY
The Catholic Church first recognized March 17 as a feast day commemorating Ireland’s best-known and most beloved patron saint, Saint Patrick, in 1631. With rare exceptions, March 17 always fell during the Christian holy season of Lent, when alcohol consumption was prohibited by the Church. But on Saint Patrick’s feast day, the ban on alcohol was lifted, presumably because it was a feast day, and feasting usually included alcohol.
Saint Patrick’s feast day in Ireland remained a traditionally pious religious day. Irish laws eventually curtailed the use of alcohol during the feast on March 17 by mandating that all pubs remain closed on that day. This was Irish law until it was repealed in the 1970s. The day continued to be and still is observed as a feast day by the Church of Ireland, the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. However, when the Irish government became aware of a growing interest in St. Patrick’s Day by American tourists in the mid-1990s, they launched a national campaign to convert America’s fascination with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture into tourist dollars.
Meanwhile, in America, more than one million Irish men, women, and children were immigrating through Ellis Island in the 1800s. They faced oppressive discrimination in America, leaving most unemployed and living in severe poverty in New York City tenements. As their numbers grew, the Irish discovered strength in unity and rallied together to celebrate their beloved patron saint with a parade every March 17. The practice of St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals followed Irish immigrants as they made their way across America’s heartland and into the deep south, seeking cheap farmland and job opportunities.
As for our obsession with heavy drinking on St. Patrick’s Day? This appears to be a modern American phenomenon not firmly rooted in Irish tradition. But the Irish are not complaining. When they first came to America, the Irish were rejected and despised. Now everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. How great is that? The more Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, the merrier.
“Erin go Bragh!”
National Pi Day 2022 3.14 Pi Symbol T-shirt
Pi is a mathematical constant. The pi was first calculated by Archimedes of Syracuse, who lived from 287-212 BC. The constant pi has got a unique aspect. The national pi day is celebrated to honor this special number in various countries around the world. Pi day is a celebration to honor numbers and mathematics. Pi has got its role in various concepts in mathematics. Pi is a homophone of a delicious dish called the pie. So the pie is also celebrated along with pi on the national pi day March is for all the pi enthusiasts
History of National Pi Day
The national pi day is celebrated annually on day March 14. The day was selected as the value of pie is 3.14… approximately. Opt day to celebrate the constant value is the 14th day of the 3rd month. The pi day was first celebrated in the year 1988 on March 14. Larry Shaw organized the celebration at the San Francisco Exploratorium. The Exploratorium holds the pi day to date. The Exploratorium celebrates the pi holiday with great enthusiasm on March 14.
The national pi day, March 14, was started officially in the year 2009. The U.S House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution to recognize March 14th as the national π day. Celebrate pi day March with your mathematician’s buddies and spread the word on social media. To celebrate pi Exploratorium holiday is a big day for all the pie lovers.
Few Facts About pi
- Pi is an irrational number and is calculated according to the ratio of a circle’s circumference. The exact value of pi isn’t known. Any mathematicians couldn’t find a recognizable pattern about the infinite digits of pi that kept emerging starting from 3.1415626……..
- The digits of pi can be calculated over a trillion times after the decimal point. The first three number is only considered.
- Greek letter π is the ratio of the circle’s circumference to its diameter. The pi value remains the same for all circles, even if they differ in size. It is constant for the circle diameter.
- Pi’s value plays a vital role in measuring natural phenomena such as ocean tides, ebb, and flow. The value of pi also finds its role in the measurement of electromagnetic waves. The word pie is derived from the Greek letter π, and it is the mathematical constant.
- The value of pi is also used to calculate the shape of the rivers, the disc of the sun, and the size of the pupil of our eye. The digits are highly reliable and are used to calculate the circumference of a circle.
What should we do on National Pi Day?
The national pi day celebration should be a serious celebration day on March 14 by mathematician. The holiday is to celebrate the value of pi, especially the first three numbers. The value of pi has trillion digits after the decimal. It would be a wonderful idea to check our memory skills by memorizing as many digits as possible.
We can also celebrate the day by relishing a delicious pie with our family and friends as pi sounds like pie. There is also a nation pie day to enjoy a lot of pie-eating on March 12
National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
When you hear the word waffleare you like many who can see and smell them even if they are nowhere to be seen? Dreams of butter and syrupy wafflesan make most stomach growl. Dream no more! There is a day to give into temptation – National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day. You’ve got to love culinary holidays!
History of National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
For centuries people have been enjoying buttery waffles made on those iconic pans or irons that give the waffle its shape. Also, a much-loved breakfast food is oatmeal. This grain is typically served warm and is a great way to fuel up for the day. It is not hard to imagine these two teaming up to send taste buds dancing.
The traditional flavors of an oatmeal cookie are easily transferred to the waffle making for a heavenly mix of treat and good for you. Oatmeal has been shown when added to a low-fat diet, to help reduce cholesterol. The trick is to make sure you are not undoing all the goodness by adding too much of the fun things people can add, like honey or cream.
How to celebrate National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
As with most culinary holidays, the best way to celebrate is to indulge in what we are honoring! Do you have a favorite recipe for waffles? Grab that and then do the same for your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe. Find the flavors you want to mix and then give it a try! Cinnamon and raisins are easily added and will make your kitchen smell amazing!
If you have never tried to mix recipes don’t fret, the internet is the key to success! Head over to your favorite search engine and cheer the treasure of recipes offered. Pick one that calls to you and see how fast the family jumps out of bed once the aroma fills the house. Not a morning person? That’s ok too. Waffles can be sweet or savory depending on the need. You could make them for dinner and use cream cheese or sour cream to cover them.
Some food favorites would be wonderful to use as toppings. Try peanut butter and bananas or fresh fruit slices with a dab of cream or honey. Your imagination is all that is needed to make this recipe, and holiday, a family favorite.
Did you know that you can make your own frozen waffles? Just make up a batch or two and then place in airtight freezer bags. When you want something quick on busy mornings, pull out what you need and pop them in the toaster! What could be easier, and unlike store bought frozen waffles, you know what the ingredients are because you made them!
Fun Food Holidays™
March 4th, 2022 is National Pound Cake Day
National Pound Cake Day is observed annually on March 4 to celebrate the long history of pound cakes and encourage everyone to put their baking hats on and make them for their loved ones. Pound cakes refer to the type of cake traditionally made with one pound each of four ingredients: butter, eggs, flour, and sugar. It typically makes a much larger cake than most families could consume. On National Pound Cake Day, cake lovers around the world are encouraged to celebrate, bake and eat pound cakes with the people they care about.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY
Every year, Americans and cake lovers around the world observe Pound Cake Day, one of the world’s most versatile cakes. The day is celebrated by bakers and cake lovers alike in a tradition that has lasted over a decade.
In the U.S., pound cake is enjoyed by millions of people who add slight variations of ingredients to the traditional recipe, including vanilla or almond flavoring. Pound cakes are sometimes served with fresh fruit juice or flavored ice cream. For the most part, its sweet, moist, and dense but light taste is eaten plain. The pound cake appears to have originated first in Europe in the 18th century where it is believed that the first recipe to ever call for a pound’s weight of each of the ingredients for making a cake was first seen.
Although the traditional ingredients of the pound cake are well known, there are several variations available that are more often made in today’s America. Each has its distinctive style and recipe and includes the addition of several flavoring agents like vanilla, almond, orange, or lemon extract. Baking soda or baking powder is incorporated to induce leavening during baking to make a less dense pound cake. The cooking oil can also be substituted for butter to produce moisture, but some bakers believe it won’t add any difference to the taste than margarine, which is usually at least 50% cheaper.
NATIONAL MULLED WINE DAY
National Mulled Wine Day on March 3rd warms us up with fruits, spices, and wine. In the lingering days of winter, a hot mug of mulled wine hits the spot and fills the home with pleasant aromas.
Mulled spirits are wine and liquors that have been heated and spiced. Mulled wine is usually made with red wine with various spices, fruits and sometimes slightly sweetened with honey. Popular blends include cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus, vanilla, anise, cloves, raisins, or pears.
Wine was first recorded as spiced and heated in First Century Rome.
The combination of heated spirits and spices is a warm welcome on a cold winter’s day and has long been considered a balm against illness during this time of year.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMulledWineDay
- Make up some mulled wine and invite someone to share it with you.
- Share a recipe for others to try.
- If you’re looking for a recipe, try this one:
- Enjoy some mulled wine (Remember always drink responsibly and never to drink and drive) and use #NationalMulledWineDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MULLED WINE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this spicy beverage day.
Mulled Wine FAQ
Q. Does mulled wine have alcohol in it?
A. Yes. Wine is heated with spices to provide a warm spirit to sip.
Q. What kinds of wines are best to make a mulled wine?
A. Red wines are usually used to make a mulled, spiced wine. Some vintners make wines specifically for mulling and will include a spice packet with the wine for a perfect blend of flavors.
National Pancake Day – March 1, 2022
The key ingredient to the perfect breakfast, this March 1 get yourself a mouth-watering stack toward heaven because it’s National Pancake Day! Celebrated annually in Spring, and since beginning its first celebration in 2006, IHOP restaurants have raised over $24 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate.
2022 National Pancake Day Deals
Wondering where you can get free pancakes? Local restaurants will be offering food deals on National Pancake Day. This year, IHOP is one of the best places to celebrate.
The International House of Pancakes is advertising all-you-can-eat pancakes for $5.99. Even better, IHOP customers can get free pancakes year-round! When you sign up for the MYHOP Club, you’ll receive a free stack of pancakes for signing up as well as every year on your birthday and IHOP anniversary. But IHOP isn’t the only restaurant celebrating Pancake Day. Here’s where you can eat for less on March 1:
Some of these deals are from 2021 while we wait for the 2022 deals to become available!
Bob Evans: If you’re craving hotcakes, look no further than Bob Evans. The popular restaurant chain has family-size breakfast bundles for a discounted price. You can order the Farmer’s Choice Family Breakfast to get scrambled eggs, sausage links, home fries and hotcakes for up to six people.
Cracker Barrel: Nothing beats breakfast at Cracker Barrel. You can sign up for the Cracker Barrel email list to receive updated deals on breakfast items, including pancakes that are served all day.
Denny’s: Currently at Denny’s, you can get a Super Slam meal for just $6.99 at participating locations. The breakfast entree comes with eggs, your choice of meat, hash browns and a sweet stack of buttery pancakes.
Golden Nugget: You can get your pancakes delivered this year! Golden Nugget Pancake House offers delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats. You can get free delivery as a new user.
The Original Pancake House: Visit The Original Pancake House to score a limited-time deal on breakfast. Offers vary by location, so you’ll want to check with a nearby restaurant to see what’s available on this day this year.
Walker Bros.: Located in the Chicago area, Walker Bros. Pancake House is offering this February Special: Buy 3 Entrees, Get a 4th Entree Free! Valid for the entire month, this includes pancakes!
Or support your favorite local Cafe or Breakfast Nook.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY
Also known as Johnnycakes, griddle cakes or hotcakes, this batter-made breakfast item dates back more than 30,000 years. In fact, it may be the oldest breakfast food in history, spanning as far back as the Stone Age and even found in the stomach of Otzi the Iceman, whose human remains are estimated to be 5,300 years old.
The Middle English word ‘pancake’ first appeared in English in the 15th century however, Ancient Greeks and Romans made what were called Alita Dolcia or “another sweet” with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. Greek Poets, Cratinus and Magnes wrote about them in their poetry and Shakespeare mentions them in his famous plays. During the English Renaissance, pancakes were flavored with spices, rosewater, sherry, and apples. This practice of pouring batter on a pan and frying it is common in nearly every culture around the world.
In the UK, they’ve celebrated Shrove Tuesday since 1100 A.D. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, also referred to in other places as Fat Tuesday. This very popular Feast Day is observed through participating in confession, finalizing a lenten sacrifice, as well as consuming pancakes and other sweets.
This year guests from around the country will once again celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation to designated local charities. This is your opportunity to contribute to your community and enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t miss out!
National Strawberry Day Sun Feb 27th, 2022
National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year, adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Devilishly sweet, and also delightfully low in calories, they’re the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Grown both around the U.S. and around the world almost year-round, you’re never far from a supplier of this tasty tongue-tickler to help you celebrate National Strawberry Day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY
There are few things as comforting as a bowl of warm clam chowder on a winter’s day, so it’s wonderful we get to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on February 25. Originally considered a poor man’s food, the first chowders were fish stews made from vegetable and fish stewed in a large pot or cauldron. (The word “chowder” possibly finds its roots in the Latin word “calderia,” or cooking pot.) Clams are thought to have been introduced to the mix by the Native Americans and by the mid 1800’s were considered a main ingredient in what came to be known as clam chowder. Today, there are dozens of regional variations, including San Francisco clam chowder which comes in a sourdough bread bowl!
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn to make clam chowder
Whether you choose a traditional recipe from centuries ago, or decide to try a modern take on a classic, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty soup your whole family can enjoy.
Go clamming
What better way to make the perfect clam chowder than with fresh clams you’ve dug up yourself. All you really need is a bucket, a rake, and a little bit of patience and you’re on your way to a day of fun and a delicious meal.
Find the best local seafood restaurant
Clam chowder is a mainstay of most seafood restaurant menus. So let someone else do all the work while you treat yourself with a meal out on the town.
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn to make clam chowder
Whether you choose a traditional recipe from centuries ago, or decide to try a modern take on a classic, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty soup your whole family can enjoy.
Go clamming
What better way to make the perfect clam chowder than with fresh clams you’ve dug up yourself. All you really need is a bucket, a rake, and a little bit of patience and you’re on your way to a day of fun and a delicious meal.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY
It's carbaliciously awesome comfort food
New England clam chowder is traditionally served with tiny oyster crackers, while in San Francisco, piping hot clam chowder comes to the table in a bowl of hollowed-out sourdough. Clam chowder and carbs, a perfect combination.
Herman Melville wrote a famous ode to chowder
In his epic Moby Dick, Herman Melville wrote an ode to clam chowder that is so delectable, simply reading the words gets us craving a bowl. "Oh, sweet friends! hearken to me. It was made of small juicy clams, scarcely bigger than hazelnuts, mixed with pounded ship biscuit, and salted pork cut up into little flakes; the whole enriched with butter, and plentifully seasoned with pepper and salt." We'll have what he's having.
In the game of chowder, everyone wins
There are many types of clam chowder and everyone thinks their favorite is the best. New England Clam Chowder lovers turn up their noses at the tomatoes in Manhattan Clam Chowder. Meanwhile, Long Island plays the diplomat by including both cream and tomatoes in its clam chowder. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon is often substituted for the more traditional smoked pork, and Florida makes a spicy Minorcan Clam Chowder. Seems like half the fun is figuring out which
one is your favorite
It’s National Margarita Day!
Every February 22, we come together for National Margarita Day to pay homage to our favorite celebratory cocktail. The margarita — triple sec, tequila, and lime juice — was created in 1938 in Mexico and is widely considered the official drink of having fun. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, and that’s never truer than on National Margarita Day. So get out a shaker, pull out your frozen margarita machine, or head to your local watering hole and order a margarita. Up, on ice, or on the rocks, you can’t go wrong. Salud!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
The earliest occurrence of the famed cocktail was in 1938 by the father of the drink Carlos “Danny” Herrera. He made it in his restaurant located in Baja California, for a famous customer named Marjorie King, a dancer on the hit American theatrical broadway “Ziegfeld follies” because she was allergic to spirits but not tequila — and just like that our beloved drink was born.
The problem is, Herrera isn’t the only person to claim to be the OG margarita maker. One of them was Francisco “Pancho” Morales who was a bartender in Mexico, who first mixed the cocktail in 1942 in Juárez, Mexico and then left to become a US citizen and work as a milkman for 25 years. He has the backing of the official Mexican newspaper — Notimex.
The wildest story is this last one. Margarita Sames, a Dallas “higher class” citizen, believed she created the drink in her vacation home for her guests in Acapulco, Mexico in 1948. Tommy Hilton (yes… that Hilton) who was friends with Margarita attended the party, and then brought it back to his hotel chains and put it on the menu. But before he could even breath, Jose Cuervo, of the famous tequila brand, claimed he was already running ad campaigns for the drink in 1945, with the catchphrase, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” Regardless of where the drink was first made, one thing is for certain — everyone was having fun.
Thankfully, margaritas come in a ton of different varieties, it’s not a surprise why 76% of Americans enjoy a nice margarita. From strawberry and peach to mango and berry, to slightly stronger drinks with beer, to even having healthier versions like skinny margaritas and sportier cocktails (just swap out the triple sec for a Gatorade). It doesn’t matter if you’re at a bar, at home on the sofa or just finished an important meeting; grab the nearest fruit, tequila, triple sec and mix that baby up to the rhythm of “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”. But do drink responsibly, too much tequila has been known T’kill’ya!
National Margarita Day
All Day, Tuesday, February 22
It happens once per year… To celebrate our favorite made-up holiday, we’re offering every variation of our House Margaritas at special prices all day long! Original or Fruity or Sangria Blurred, frozen or on the rocks, salted or sugared or unadorned.
National Muffin Day 2022 – Sunday, February 20! Is there anything more widely adored than muffins? The much-loved muffin merits its very own day, which happens to fall on February 20. Today is National Muffin Day! English muffins have been made in kitchens in Wales for thousands of years, while American-style muffins have been available since the eighteenth century.
Who doesn’t like a big, tasty muffin to start their day in the morning? Muffins are an essential morning staple for many people (and great in the afternoons and evenings too). National Muffin Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to celebrate everything they might love about muffins with the people all around.
Most people would agree that muffins are fantastic! They come in a variety of flavors, they’re super easy to make, and they’re fun to eat. Some people think they are pretty much like a delicious cupcake without frosting–but eaten for breakfast. But the traditional muffin batter is a bit more dense and they often include fruit in them.
Everyone has their way of eating muffins. Some chew through them in a couple of bites, while others take their time, spreading the butter and jam to make a muffin sandwich. No matter how a person chooses to eat their muffins, they are well worth celebrating on this, and really any other, day.
History of National Muffin Day
National Muffin Day might be a big celebration on this day in modern times, but the concept has humble beginnings. It all started with the work of tech company employee Jacob Kaufman. One morning on the way to work, Kaufman took a bag of muffins with him and handed them out to homeless people in the city in which he worked. It was such a success that he started doing it regularly and making more muffins to meet the demand. Some people even began affectionately referring to him as “The Muffin Man”.
By his own admission, Kaufman says that his eyes were originally trained to be averted to homeless and needy people. But when he started delighting in giving muffins away, he began looking for them wherever he could find them. His awareness of these people as not just “needy”, but as humans who deserved a bit of attention, changed his entire perspective. He wasn’t just doing charity work, but he was excited to connect with them every day over a muffin.
For years, Kaufman was a source of giving and inspiration to those who were less fortunate than him, providing them with delicious food that they could enjoy. For many, it was a highlight and changed the trajectory of the rest of their day.
Kaufman continued doing his work under the radar until blogger Julia Levy picked up on his story. She reported about what he was doing in a blog post on the theme of ordinary philanthropists. After talking with one another, the duo soon realized that they could use the appeal of Kaufman’s muffin experience to help more homeless people who were living in other places.
How to Celebrate National Muffin Day
Most people are pleased to learn that celebrating National Muffin Day is easy and there are lots of things that can be done in observance of the day. Try out some of these ideas to get started, or come up with other creative ways to celebrate this day:
Bake Muffins and Give Them Away
The organizers of National Muffin Day encourage people to bake their own muffins and hand them out to people experiencing homelessness in the communities around them. To sweeten the deal Kaufman and Levy have set up an organization that will donate money to homeless people in a specific city every time participants bake muffins and hand them out to people who need them in their local areas.
The more nutritious and filling the muffins are, the better! So try baking them with hidden nutrition such as zucchini, summer squash, whole wheat flour, blueberries, chai protein powder or other ingredients. Don’t forget that nut allergies can be prevalent, so this might be an ingredient to avoid during baking muffins that are meant to be given away.
Find a Great Muffin Bakery
People can also celebrate National Muffin Day by going out and searching for the best bakery in town. If the bakery isn’t aware of the good deeds that can be done on National Muffin Day, let them know about this excellent opportunity to participate and help in the community.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is observed annually across the nation on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.
The Aztecs and Mayans are given much credit for their ways with chocolate. And while chocolate was brought back to Europeans, they were not fond of the dark, bitter bean, so they used more for medicinal purposes.
As it was mostly consumed as a hot beverage, Europeans mixed mint, cinnamon and other spices to make it more palatable. Over time, they added sugar, and the combination of chocolate and mint became fashionable.
Fast forward to the mid-1800s when inventions and improvements in processes made it possible for confectioners to begin mass-producing chocolates. Even then, small candy shops served a local public. Advertisements for mint chocolates, or chocolate mints, did not start showing up in newspapers until the turn of the century.
The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.
One of the earliest mass-producers of chocolate mints was Huyler’s in New York. Their chain of stores spread across the country.
Today we find mint chocolate in everything from ice cream to brownies, cookies and candies, liquors and sauces. Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mint cookies in 1953 and are still their most popular cookie. Mint chocolate is also the name of an herb with edible leaves that tastes like chocolate and mint.
HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateMintDay
- Eat some chocolate mint.
- Make something using chocolate and mint.
- If you need a recipe, try this one:
Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake
1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.
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