National Sweet Potato Month focuses on the nutritional values of sweet potatoes as part of a healthy diet. Fresh sweet potatoes (the United States grown, orange flesh varieties) have been certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) to be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

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Feb

Sweethearts Day, National (AU): February 14

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Valentine's Day is a day of love. What better time to focus on the benefits of condom use in helping to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies? Each year Sexual Health Quarters, a family planning organization in Weste

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Feb

Switzerland Freezes Russian Assets (CH/RU/UA)(2022): February 28

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On February 28, 2022, the nation of Switzerland, typically neutral in all international conflicts, officially froze the accounts of Russian individuals and businesses in response to Russia's invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

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Feb

Sword Swallowers Day, Intl.: February 22

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FOCUSING ON SWALLOWING DISORDERS

INTERNATIONAL SWORD SWALLOWERS DAY

Sponsored by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI), President Dan Meyer noted the purpose of the day is to raise awareness of sword swallowers worldwide. It is co-sponsored by Ripley Entertainment and observed in conjunction with February's National Swallowing Disorders Month.

WHAT IT IS

Under carnival lights in the 19th century, audiences looked on in awe as a performer calmly tilted his head back and slid a gleaming steel blade down his throat. The spectacle, known as sword swallowing, was both mesmerizing and terrifying, earning it a lasting place in the annals of extreme entertainment.

BORN IN ANTIQUITY

The origins of sword swallowing date back more than 2,000 years, primarily to the Indian subcontinent, where it was practiced as a spiritual ritual. Ancient accounts and oral traditions suggest that religious mystics used the practice to demonstrate their supernatural control over the human body. Over centuries, the skill traveled through Asia to Europe, where it became woven into the tapestry of street performances, side shows, and fairs.

By the late Middle Ages, wandering minstrels and circus troupes introduced sword swallowing to Western audiences, capitalizing on its shock value. During the Victorian era, science and curiosity collided when doctors and medical researchers began to study the phenomenon, intrigued by the performers' ability to suppress reflexes that most people cannot voluntarily control.

A CAREFULLY CULTIVATED SKILL

The secret to sword swallowing lies in meticulous training that involves suppressing the gag reflex and carefully aligning the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Practitioners start by learning to relax their throat muscles, often through exercises that gradually help them overcome the body's natural defenses.

"Sword swallowers train their muscles to the point where they can keep their throats open and allow a rigid object to pass safely," said Dr. Sanjay Rao, a gastroenterologist who has studied the performance art. "It's not magic—just extremely disciplined physiology."

When the performer inhales, they align the steel blade with the esophagus, bypassing the epiglottis, which normally closes to protect the airway. They maintain a straight posture and extend the neck to ensure no flexing or bending occurs once the blade enters. The dull edges of the sword and complete stillness on stage (no sudden movements or twists) are critical to prevent injury.

DANGER AND ENDURANCE

Despite the controlled process, sword swallowing remains fraught with danger. Lacerations, perforated organs, and even life-threatening infections can occur. Historically, some performers found themselves used as medical curiosities, undergoing early forms of endoscopy and X-ray observation to teach scientists about the esophagus.

In modern times, the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) tracks and recognizes practitioners who continue the centuries-old tradition. They acknowledge the artistry and the peril that come with each performance.

BEYOND THE SHOCK FACTOR

Today, sword swallowing is a spectacle at festivals, variety shows, and special events—an enduring testament to human courage and physical control. Yet, for every crowd that gasps in wonder, there is a cautionary tale.

"The risk is always there, no matter how experienced you are," said SSAI performer Amy Saunders, who has practiced sword swallowing for nearly a decade. "We do this because it's a part of our heritage as entertainers and because it pushes the limits of what we think we're capable of."

Sword swallowing's longevity comes down to more than just showmanship. Its combination of mystique, history, and real peril gives it an enduring grip on popular culture. Whether it first captivated an ancient temple crowd or a modern-day audience, the spectacle continues to blur the line between spiritual discipline, scientific curiosity, and pure, edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

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Feb

Tailor Day, World: February 28

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World Tailor Day is rumored to mark the birthday of Elias Howe, Jr., the man who invented the first sewing machine. At least, that is what LEEP's competitors say. There's a problem with that. Mr. Howe was born on July 9, 1819, and died on October 3, 1867. His machine received a patent on September 10, 1846. Sadly, there is no way to tie February 28 to Mr. Howe. It's still a great day to honor these meticulous craftsmen and women worldwide, whether in London, Hong Kong, Milan, or Bahrain. The word "tailor" appears in the 1297 Oxford dictionary for the first time. It is a derivative of the French word for cut, "tailler." Tailors were essential to royalty during the eleventh century, and the profession gained significant popularity during the Renaissance. The wealthy would go to professionals who styled clothes based on their shape. Before this, most clothing draped on a body was not constructed for it. Today, elite tailors are referred to as bespoke. These custom artisans create one-of-a-kind fashions for their elite clientele. When you find a good one, hang on tight. There is nothing finer than well-fitting clothes.

Africa

Feb

Take a Cruise Day: February 3

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Take a Cruise Day is an unofficial holiday that allows the cruise industry to showcase the unique aspects of cruise vacations and for travelers to explore or reminisce about their cruise experiences. The event likely emerged as a marketing initiative by cruise lines or travel agencies to encourage people to consider cruises as a vacation option. February is the most popular time of year to book a cruise. The purpose of Take a Cruise Day is to highlight the diverse offerings of cruise travel, from luxury and relaxation to adventure and cultural exploration. Cruise lines often use this day to promote new routes, ships, and deals, while travel enthusiasts share their experiences and plans for future cruise vacations. Cruises have become a preferred form of travel for several reasons. They offer a unique combination of convenience and variety, allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations while unpacking only once. Cruises provide all-inclusive options, encompassing accommodation, dining, entertainment, and sometimes even shore excursions in one package. Additionally, cruises cater to a wide range of interests and ages, making them suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. The popularity of taking a cruise for vacation began to rise significantly in the latter half of the 20th century. The concept of leisure cruising began in the early 1900s with wealthy families. The idea originated from transatlantic passenger ships, which were the primary means of long-distance travel before the advent of commercial flights. These ships slowly evolved to offer more leisure-focused amenities and activities. However, it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that cruising became more accessible and popular among the general public. This change was partly due to the decline of ocean liners for transatlantic travel and the subsequent repurposing of these ships for pleasure cruises. The industry continued to grow with the introduction of purpose-built cruise ships and the expansion of destinations and itineraries. The popular television late 1970s-early 80s series, "The Love Boat," significantly contributed to the appeal and popularity of cruising as well. Today, the cruise industry is a significant segment of the travel sector, offering journeys to various global destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and even remote locations like Antarctica. Cruises are celebrated for their convenience, the opportunity to explore multiple destinations, and the vast array of onboard amenities and activities.

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Feb

Take Your Child to the Library Day, Ntl.: February 1

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Take Your Child to the Library Day is a Connecticut-based, grass-roots project created by Nadine Lipman. Lipman is the retired Head of Children's Services at the Waterford (CT) Public Library. This event began in 2012. Take Your Child to the Library (without 'Day') is now a featured product line and promotion from Upstart. It continues to spread nationwide, with local libraries often holding special events. Photo by Amber Katrina, Monrovia Family Photography

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Feb

Tater Tot Day, Ntl.: February 2

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National Tater Tot Day celebrates the bite-sized molded hash browns that are deep-fried. An invention of the Or-Ida food company in the early 1950s, Tater Tots have been a school lunch favorite for decades. This event first ran in 2009 and was created by the food blog Foodimentary.

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Feb

Teal Ribbon Day (AU): February 26

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Teal Ribbon Day supports Australians living with ovarian cancer, honors those who have succumbed, and raises awareness of this deadly disease to change the story for future generations. Every day in Australia, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and three will die. Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of any women’s cancer.

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Feb

Teddy Bear Day, Intl. (1903): February 15

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On February 15, 1903, the first two Teddy Bears ever produced went on sale at 404 Tompkins Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The bears were the invention of Morris Michtom's wife, Rose. Michtom petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname, Teddy, as the bear's name. The president agreed The Michtoms, a Jewish family, immigrated to the United States in 1887 to escape religious persecution in Russia. The inspiration for the toy came from a 1902 political cartoon in the Washington Post featuring then-President Theodore Roosevelt demonstrating compassion for a bear cub he was hunting. The toy was so successful that the Michtom's soon incorporated, and the Ideal Toy & Novelty Company was born. Today, most children in the United States grow up with at least one teddy bear, one of the most popular toys ever produced.

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Feb

Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Month, Ntl.: February

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Break the Cycle's Teen DV Month (National Resource Center for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month) began in 2010 Break the Cycle is a leading national voice for the prevention of dating violence among teens and young adults and partners with several prestigious organizations, including MTV and the White House. One goal of Break the Cycle is to create programming that empowers teens and young adults to end violence. Break the Cycle's Teen DV Month reaches more than one million youth and adults annually.

Africa

Feb

Television Safety Day, Ntl.: February 1

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Television Safety Day is a joint promotion of Safe Kids Worldwide and The Consumer Electronics Association. It focuses on removing hazards from your home that are a danger to children. Approximately 17 children die each year in the United States (and many more are injured) from heavy televisions tipping over and falling on them. Television Safety Day teaches how to secure televisions in the house and also where to recycle older televisions. Families with flat-panel televisions should mount these to the wall to reduce the risk of TV tip-overs. If you have a CRT TV, place it on a low, stable piece of furniture. When it is no longer in use, recycle it.

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Feb

Tennis Day, Ntl. Play (1874): February 23

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On February 23, 1874, Walter Wingfield (October 16, 1833 – April 18, 1912) of England patented a “New and Improved Court for Playing the Ancient Game of Tennis.” These are the same balls, rackets, nets, and posts currently used in tennis today. He called it lawn tennis and packaged the various elements with an instruction book. Before this, tennis had been an indoor sport that the gentry could only enjoy during Christmastide. An example of the original game can be seen in the Showtime Series “The Tudors,” Season one, Episode 1. Wingfield took the game outdoors and made it something that anyone could play on any large grassy area. Today celebrates that patent and the game.

Africa

Feb

Tennis Pro Day, (1919): February 17

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Howdy! We're working on the description for this event. It's one of over two thousand events added to the calendar this year. We have verified it is an authentic event and have included the organization behind it for our members. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you were able to include it in your search for events this month and in this category. We appreciate your patience!

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Feb

Tet Nguyen Dan (VN): February 10

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Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is Vietnam's most important festival, marking the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Its history is deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore and traditions, dating back thousands of years. Tet is a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and community festivities with traditional foods, fireworks, lion dances, and the giving of lucky money. The festival symbolizes renewal and hopes for prosperity. Tet's rich cultural significance embodies the Vietnamese spirit of resilience and the importance of family and community values.

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