National Violin Day (United States)

National Violin Day is celebrated annually on December 13th. It is a day to honour the rich history, versatility, and cultural contributions of the violin, an instrument known for its expressive capabilities across various music genres, from classical to folk, jazz, and rock.

Background

The name "violin" comes from the Medieval Latin word "vitula," meaning stringed instrument. Its modern characteristics were primarily developed by Italian instrument makers (luthiers) in the 16th century, with the oldest documented four-string violin credited to Andrea Amati around 1555. Prized instruments by master luthiers like Amati, Guarneri, and Antonio Stradivari are still sought after today.

 

How to Observe National Violin Day

Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious listener, there are many ways to celebrate National Violin Day: 

• Listen to music: Explore a wide range of music genres, from Paganini compositions to bluegrass, that feature the violin.
• Attend a performance: Look for local school, orchestra, or chamber music concerts and experience the instrument live.
• Watch violin-themed movies: Indulge in films that revolve around the instrument, such as The Red Violin or The Devil's Violinist.
• Learn to play: Fulfil a lifelong goal by signing up for a violin lesson or dusting off your own instrument to practice.
• Learn about its history: Read about the origins of the instrument, its evolution, and the famous luthiers who crafted masterworks.
• Share on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalViolinDay to share how you are celebrating. 

The day is a perfect opportunity to appreciate an instrument that has profoundly influenced music history and continues to inspire creativity across the globe. 

 

 

Universal Health Coverage Day

Universal Health Coverage Day is an annual, official United Nations-designated observance held every year on December 12. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the goal of ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can access quality and affordable healthcare without suffering financial hardship. 

History and Significance

The day commemorates the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's unanimous endorsement of a resolution in 2012 that urged countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) as an essential development priority. The official UN designation occurred in 2017. 

UHC Day serves as a global rallying point for advocates to: 

• Share stories of the millions who still lack access to health services.
• Call on leaders to make smarter investments in resilient health systems.
• Remind the world that "Health for All" is a human right and an imperative for equitable societies. 

National Tango Day (Argentina)/ International Tango Day

 

National Tango Day (also known as International Tango Day) is celebrated annually on December 11. The date was chosen to commemorate the shared birthday of two prominent figures in the history of tango: singer Carlos Gardel and composer Julio de Caro.

Key Details

• Date: December 11
• Significance: Honors the rich cultural legacy of the tango music and dance form.
• Origin: The idea was proposed by Argentine composer Ben Molar in the 1960s, and it was officially made a national day in Argentina in 1977. It has since gained worldwide recognition.
• UNESCO Status: In 2009, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) added the tango to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity lists, recognizing it as a high art form that originated in the Río de la Plata region between Argentina and Uruguay.
• Celebrations: The day is celebrated globally with various events, including concerts, dance festivals, workshops, and social gatherings known as milongas. 

International Animal Rights Day

 

International Animal Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th, coinciding with Human Rights Day, to advocate for animals' rights to respect, freedom from exploitation, and ethical treatment, highlighting that non-human beings deserve compassion and protection, similar to humans. Founded by the group Uncaged in 1998, the day calls for recognizing animals as sentient beings and promoting kindness, conservation, and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

 

The date for the international observance related to genocide is December 9, officially known as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

About the Observance

• Date: December 9th annually.
• Purpose: This day commemorates victims of past genocides and raises awareness of the 1948 Genocide Convention and the commitment to preventing future atrocities.
• Significance: Established by the UN General Assembly on September 29, 2015, the date honours the adoption of the Genocide Convention on December 9, 1948.
• Focus: It underscores the responsibility of states to protect their populations from genocide and the need to combat impunity for this crime.

Dharmendra's Birth Anniversary

 

Dharmendra, born on 8 December 1935, was an Indian actor, producer and politician, primarily known for his work in Hindi films. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most commercially successful megastars in the history of Indian cinema. In a career spanning 65 years, he worked in over 300 films, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Birth Anniversary

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, born on 7 December 1921, was a highly influential Hindu spiritual leader and the fifth guru of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. He was revered by his followers as a manifestation of Akshar, the eternal abode of Swaminarayan. 

Born Shantilal Patel in Chansad, Gujarat, India, he was initiated as a swami in 1940 and appointed president (Pramukh) of BAPS in 1950 at the young age of 28. He dedicated his life to selfless service and inspired millions globally through his simple, humble, and peaceful personality.