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The United Nations was established after World War II to promote international cooperation and respect for human rights. In 1999, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and non-violence. It recognized that peace requires a positive and participatory process, involving dialogue and cooperation. On October 20, 2010, the General Assembly established World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote mutual understanding and dialogue among people of different faiths. It acknowledged the significance of interreligious dialogue in fostering harmony and cooperation. The core principle underlying all faith systems is the recognition of our interconnectedness and the need for love and support to live in harmony. However, conflicts, intolerance, and messages of hate continue to persist in the world. The International Day of Human Fraternity, proclaimed on February 4 by the General Assembly, aims to emphasize the importance of unity and understanding based on our shared humanity. It calls for intensified efforts to promote good neighborliness and mutual respect among all people, guided by the principles of human fraternity.

Africa

Feb

Human Spirit Day, World: February 17

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World Human Spirit Day encourages people worldwide to stop what they are doing and hold a moment of silence for two minutes beginning at 15:00 GMT-5 (3 PM EST). The idea is to raise global consciousness and share a joint solidarity event with millions worldwide.

Africa

Feb

Humpback Whale Awareness Month: February

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Humpback Whale Awareness Month is an environmental observance dedicated to raising awareness about the humpback whale, which has faced numerous threats from human activities. This month-long event highlights the importance of protecting these magnificent marine mammals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) champions the event to support its wildlife conservation, research, outreach, and environmental awareness efforts. Humpback Whale Awareness Month is part of a global effort to educate the public about humpback whales, their role in marine ecosystems, and the challenges they face, including habitat destruction, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impacts of climate change. LIFE OF A HUMPBACK WHALE Humpback whales are one of the most recognizable and well-studied species of whales, known for their impressive size, distinctive behaviors, and widespread distribution. Humpback whales sport bumpy heads covered in tubercles and long pectoral fins measuring up to a third of their body length. These gentle giants live in oceans and seas worldwide and are highly migratory. They're known for traveling great distances between their feeding and breeding grounds. During feeding season, they dwell in polar waters, including the Gulf of Maine and the Antarctic, along Norway and Greenland's coasts. For breeding and calving, humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters near Hawaii, the Caribbean, and along the shores of Australia and Madagascar. Breaching, the act of leaping out of the water and splashing down, is something Humpback whales are famous for. They are also known for their complex and melodic songs. During mating season, male humpbacks produce sounds in patterns that can last for hours. Humpback whales feed on krill and small schooling fish like herring, mackerel, and capelin. They employ unique feeding techniques, such as bubble-net feeding, where a group of whales swims in a shrinking circle, blowing bubbles below a school of prey to concentrate them in a tight ball. Then whales swim through with their mouths open, capturing large amounts of food. A humpback whale typically ranges between 45 and 50 years but can live up to 80 years. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, humpback whales have become a symbol of conservation success stories, with some populations rebounding due to international protection efforts. HUMPBACK WHALE AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES Humpback Whale Awareness Month activities support education and conservation. These can range from informational campaigns and educational programs to fundraising events for whale conservation projects. Organizations and marine conservation groups often use this month to promote responsible whale-watching practices and advocate for policies protecting marine habitats. Social media is significant in spreading awareness, with individuals and organizations sharing information, photographs, and videos of humpback whales. While the observance might have varying degrees of recognition in different countries, the message of Humpback Whale Awareness Month resonates globally. Many countries with coastal communities and active marine conservation programs participate in this observance.

Africa

Feb

Hustle Chicago (US-IL): February 23

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Hustle Chicago fundraiser is a popular fundraising event in Chicago where sponsored participants climb the stairs of a prominent Chicago skyscraper. Funds raised promote lung health, support those with lung disease, and fund research. The annual race to the top of one of Chicago's iconic buildings, such as the Aon Center, John Hancock Center, or Willis Tower. Individuals and teams of climbers scale between 94 to 105 floors (approximately 1,632 to 2,109 steps) to reach the top of the building.

Africa

Feb

I Hate Coriander (Cilantro) Day: February 24

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"I Hate Coriander Day," or "I Hate Cilantro Day," is an unofficial event catering to those who strongly dislike the herb. While many culinary traditions worldwide celebrate coriander for its distinct flavor, this day acknowledges and humorously unites those who vehemently oppose it. Coriander, also known as cilantro in North America, is an aromatic herb with a long history in global cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with references in Sanskrit writings and the Bible. Historically, the Romans and Greeks used it in cooking and medicine. Coriander is unique because its leaves (cilantro) and seeds are used in cooking, offering different flavors and uses. The herb is widely used in various cuisines across the globe. In Latin American cuisine, cilantro is a staple in salsas, guacamole and a fresh topping for multiple dishes. In Asian cooking, particularly in Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines, it's used in soups, curries, and noodle dishes. The seeds, known as coriander seeds, are a vital spice in Indian cooking, used in spice blends such as garam masala and as a seasoning in many dishes. The reason behind the polarization over coriander's taste is rooted in genetics. For some individuals, the herb tastes like soap due to specific genes affecting their sense of smell and taste. This genetic trait is the basis for establishing "I Hate Coriander Day," serving as a light-hearted platform for those who share this taste perception to express their aversion and find camaraderie. "I Hate Coriander Day" is marked by humorous social media posts, memes, and merchandise like T-shirts and stickers. It's a day for those who dislike the herb to share their experiences and recipes that deliberately omit it. The celebration is more about camaraderie and humor than aversion. "I Hate Coriander Day" provides an amusing counterbalance to coriander's widespread culinary use and appreciation. It acknowledges the herb's divisive nature and celebrates individual taste preferences, emphasizing that even in the diverse world of gastronomy, there's room for all opinions, even those in opposition. This event first ran in 2013.

Africa

Feb

I Love My GSA Day: February 14

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Created in 2023, I Love My GSA Day is an initiative by GLSEN. GSA stands for Gender and Sexuality Alliance, a student-led organization supporting LGBTQ+ students and promoting what has become known as inclusivity and acceptance.

Africa

Feb

I Love to Read Month (CA): February

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Canada's I Love to Read Month is a nationwide event focused on getting K-12 children interested in reading. This Month is a collaboration between the state and schools. Some schools may have a month-long celebration of reading while others may have it for a week or a special day celebration.

Africa

Feb

I Want Butterscotch Day, Ntl.: February 15

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I Want Butterscotch Day is an unofficial event dedicated to the sweet, buttery, and rich butterscotch flavor. The history of butterscotch itself dates back to the 19th century in England. The term "butterscotch" was first recorded in 1817 in Doncaster, a town in Yorkshire, England. The confection was initially a hard candy made from brown sugar and butter, hence the name "butterscotch." However, there are various theories about the origin of the "scotch" part of the name. Some suggest it might refer to "scotched" or "cut" candy, as the pieces were traditionally scored or cut into pieces while still warm. Others believe it may be derived from "Scotch," referring to its Scottish origins, but no evidence supports this theory. The making of butterscotch is a simple yet delicate process. Traditional butterscotch is made by gently heating a mixture of brown sugar and butter. Cream, vanilla, salt, and sometimes lemon juice are added depending on the desired consistency. The ingredients simmer until they reach what's known as the soft-crack stage, where the sugar syrup solidifies into a bendable, taffy-like texture when cooled. The mixture is then poured into a tray to cool and harden before being broken into pieces. The purpose of I Want Butterscotch Day is to honor the rich history and unique flavor of butterscotch, encouraging people to relish its versatility. It's a day for bakers, candy makers, and sweet-toothed individuals to experiment with and enjoy butterscotch in its many forms — from the traditional hard candies to more modern adaptations like butterscotch pudding, ice cream, sauces, and baking ingredients.

Africa

Feb

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, Intl.: February 1

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Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is about defying convention and enjoying one of the most beloved frozen treats out there to start your day. Legend states two parents in New York created this holiday for their daughter Ruth and her brother Joe to give them something to look forward to in mid-winter. Once the children grew up, they carried on the tradition to their family and friends. It eventually became an annual event.

Africa

Feb

Imbolc: February 1/2

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A traditional Gaelic festival continued within the Wiccan faith, Imbolc marks the beginning of spring and commences halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It is considered a great feast day within Wicca.

Africa

Feb

Impotence Day, Ntl. (UK): February 14

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Sixty-four percent of men who have had a heart attack experienced a warning sign up to three years earlier: Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction can be a forewarning of serious health problems or a temporary situation due to increased stress. Whatever the cause, it can be unbearable for men and their partners. National Impotence Day in the United Kingdom seeks to provide men and their partners with the information necessary to treat or overcome impotence. Dozens of resources are available on the charity's website. National Impotency Day (also called Think About Sex Day) is sponsored by the Sexual Advice Association, a non-profit devoted to all aspects of human sexuality.

Africa

Feb

Income Tax Day (1913): February 3

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February 3, 1913, the Federal Income Tax came into existence in the United States when Delaware voted in favor of it. It was the 36th state and achieved the necessary majority. The first income tax was levied in 1861 to pay for the US Civil War. That tax was 3% of total income over $800/year and was repealed in 1872. Prior to an income tax, other taxes supported the nation. These taxes included import/export taxes, taxes on charities, value-added taxes, and inheritance taxes. Many of these were eliminated but have come back. For 1913 the Federal income tax rate was 1% up to $20,000/year, with 0% on the first $3,000 (single) and $4,000 (married). The average individual income was $800/year in 1913, which meant that poor and middle-class families did not pay income tax in 1913. In 1913 the Federal budget was spent on the following: Pensions: <1% Health Care: 12% Education: 63% Defense: 1% Welfare: <1% Protection: 23% Interest: 0% Note: Protection is the police, fire, and other public safety services The 2018 budget is as follows: Pensions: 25% Health Care: 28% Education: 3% Defense: 21% Welfare: 8% Protection: 1% Interest: 7% Transportation: 2% Government: 1% Source: https://www.usgovernmentspending.com

Africa

Feb

Inconvenience Yourself Day: February 26

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Inconvenience Yourself Day is about taking time out to do good for others. Whether donating to a charity, giving time, or diving into a passionate cause, today is a day to think of others.

Africa

Feb

Independence Day (DO)(1844): February 27

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Independence Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Dominican Republic from Haitian occupation, February 27, 1844. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Dec

Independence Day, (LY)(1951): December 24

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Independence Day in Libya marks the anniversary of December 24, 1951, when the nation gained independence from Italy. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa