World Wood Day

World Wood Day, conceived by the International Wood Culture Society, is celebrated on March 21, coinciding with the International Day of Forests, to raise awareness about the importance of wood in a sustainable world and to promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Its inaugural celebration took place in 2013 in Tanzania. The event was coordinated by the World Wood Day Foundation. Specially designated events and activities focus on a particular theme that changes every year. They include (but are not limited to) symposia, woodcraft workshops, activities for children and teenagers, online programs, tree planting, etc.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March since declared by the United Nations in 1966. In South Africa, the country in which the event took place that gave rise to the observance, the Sharpeville Massacre, the day is commemorated as Human Rights Day, and is a public holiday.

Background

On 21 March 1960, police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the pass laws. In the event known as the Sharpeville massacre, 69 people were killed and 180 injured.

Proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

International Fragrance Day

 

International Fragrance Day is celebrated annually on March 21st to promote the art and science of perfumery and encourage appreciation for fragrance in daily life. This day was officially established in 2018 as a project of The Fragrance Foundation in collaboration with brands and retailers.

People have been enjoying fragrances for thousands of years. The world’ first recorded chemist was Tapputi, a perfume maker mentioned on a stone tablet from the second millennium BCE in Mesopotamia. The oldest perfumery was discovered on the island of Cyprus and dated back to the Bronze Age. This perfumery covered an estimated surface area of over 4,000m², meaning that perfume manufacturing was industrial.

In the Book of Exodus, the Bible also describes a particular sacred perfume consisting of liquid myrrh, fragrant cinnamon, fragrant cane, and cassia. Today, France is widely considered the world centre of perfume and cosmetic manufacture.