National Apricot Day (U.S.)

 

National Apricot Day is celebrated annually on January 9 to honour the delicious and nutritious apricot, a fruit beloved for its vibrant flavour and versatile uses. This day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the cultural, culinary, and health benefits of apricots while raising awareness about their significance worldwide.

The origins of National Apricot Day remain unclear, but the fruit's history is well-documented. Apricots are believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago before travelling to the Mediterranean along the Silk Road. Eventually, Spanish explorers introduced apricots to the Americas in the 18th century.

Robert Baden-Powell's Death Anniversary

 

Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, who passed away on 8 January 1941, in Nyeri, Kenya, was a British army officer who became a national hero for his 217-day defense of Mafeking (now Mahikeng) in the South African War of 1899–1902. He later became famous as the founder in 1908 of the Boy Scouts and as cofounder in 1910 of a parallel organization for girls, the Girl Guides. The American Girl Guide organization was founded in 1912 and soon changed its name to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

In 1884–85 Baden-Powell became noted for his use of observation balloons in warfare in Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and the Sudan. From October 12, 1899, to May 17, 1900, he defended Mafeking, holding off a much larger Boer force until the siege was lifted. After the war he recruited and trained the South African constabulary. On returning to England in 1903, he was appointed inspector general of cavalry, and the following year he established the Cavalry School, Netheravon, Wiltshire. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1907.

Having learned that his military textbook Aids to Scouting (1899) was being used for training boys in woodcraft, Baden-Powell ran a trial camp on Brownsea Island, off Poole, Dorset, in 1907, and he wrote an outline for the proposed Boy Scout movement. Scout troops sprang up all over Britain, and for their use Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys was issued in 1908. He retired from the army in 1910 to devote all his time to the Boy Scouts, and in the same year he and his sister Agnes Baden-Powell (1858–1945) founded the Girl Guides. His wife, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889–1977), also did much to promote the Girl Guides. In 1916 he organized the Wolf Cubs in Great Britain (known as Cub Scouts in the United States) for boys under the age of 11. At the first international Boy Scout Jamboree (London, 1920), he was acclaimed chief scout of the world.

A baronet from 1922, Baden-Powell was created a baron in 1929. He spent his last years in Kenya for his health. His autobiography, Lessons of a Lifetime (1933), was followed by Baden-Powell (1942, 2nd ed. 1957), by Ernest Edwin Reynolds, and The Boy-Man: The Life of Lord Baden-Powell (1989), by Tim Jeal.

Old Rock Day

 

Old Rock Day is celebrated annually on January 7th to honour and appreciate the significance of rocks in our world. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the geological wonders, historical landmarks, and unique beauty of rocks, encouraging people to explore their diverse characteristics and contributions to our planet.

National Bean Day (U.S.)

Because National Bean Day on January 6 falls in the middle of winter, it’s the perfect excuse to cook a favourite comfort food. Wondering why National Bean Day is held on January 6? That’s the same day as the famous geneticist, Gregor Mendel, died in 1884. Mendel used bean plants and pea plants to develop theories on genetics in plants. So the formation of National Bean Day has more to do with scientific development than how good bean recipes taste. But don’t let that deter you from enjoying eating beans on this holiday!

Apple Tree Day (U.S.)

Apple Tree Day on January 6 honours the great tradition of growing and cultivating apples across North America. Introduced to the region by colonists in the 17th century, apple farming has been leading the fruit production industry in the U.S. for a century. From cider to pies, the apple is a greatly versatile fruit with tremendous health benefits and a mouthwatering taste. Although they don’t need any extra marketing, apples still deserve this annual recognition for being the quintessential American fruit, found in our homes throughout the year. So mull that cider and fill your homes with that sweet aroma as we come together to celebrate this great holiday. 

National Day of Dialogue (U.S.)

 

Founded by the Ideos Institute, National Day of Dialogue is an annual event held on January 5 to promote open dialogue. There’s so much misinformation, political divides are widening, and social and economic inequality continues to grow. Supported by both local and international organizations, the event welcomes all who are seeking to heal a world that’s in turmoil and find common ground through the power of dialogue. It’s a day of peacebuilding, dialogue, empathy, and so much more.

National Screenwriters Day (U.S.)

 

National Screenwriters Day is observed on January 5, to honour and recognize the contributions made by writers who work nonstop to produce the greatest tales, the sharpest jokes, and the most profound messages that influence public opinion. Society's imagination is captured by screenwriters and this day is dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of screenwriters to the world of cinema and television. The works of passionate writers are what provide us with the shows and movies we love. It's a moment to appreciate the artistry, creativity, and sheer dedication that goes into crafting the narratives that capture our hearts, challenge our perspectives, and transport us to different worlds.

National Screenwriters Day is celebrated to pay tribute to screenwriters - often underappreciated but vital members of the entertainment industry. Screenwriting U, a website that provides classes and resources for aspiring screenwriters, developed the occasion sometime in 2015. Since then, the holiday has grown in popularity and is now celebrated across the United States. The celebration began as a grassroots effort within the screenwriting community to acknowledge the remarkable impact these imaginative souls have had on the film and television industries. It has evolved into a day that celebrates the creativity, dedication and storytelling skills of the screenwriters who have been instrumental in bringing our favourite stories to life over the years.

The importance of National Screenwriters Day lies in its ability to provide a forum for the recognition and celebration of screenwriters, the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role these imaginative individuals play in creating the stories that captivate audiences around the world. It not only celebrates the creative achievements of screenwriters but also promotes a deeper understanding of the skill, dedication and creativity required to create compelling stories on the big screen. This day highlights the crucial role these storytellers play in the filmmaking process and promotes a deeper appreciation of the enormous impact their work has on shaping our cultural environment by dedicating a day to honouring them.