All - Leep Calendar

Created to promote energy conservation and prevent global warming and climate change, World Energy Conservation Day is observed in over 150 countries worldwide.

Africa

Dec

Epidemic Preparedness Day, Intl.: December 27

06:20 AM | -

The United Nations General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the eradication of poverty. It expresses concern over the devastating impacts of major infectious diseases, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for resilient health systems. Recognizing the importance of epidemic prevention, preparedness, and response, the Assembly proclaims December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. It calls upon Member States, UN organizations, and other stakeholders to observe the day through education and awareness activities. The World Health Organization is invited to facilitate the observance of the day, and the resolution emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in tackling global health challenges. The costs associated with implementing the resolution are expected to be met through voluntary contributions. The Secretary-General is requested to bring the resolution to the attention of all Member States and UN organizations.

Africa

Dec

Evergreen Day: December 19

06:20 AM | -

Evergreen Day pays tribute to the iconic Christmas Tree, which is usually a conifer in the genus Pinus (pine tree). Evergreen is a lay term used to describe trees and shrubs that do not lose their leaves in the fall and stay green year around. These include conifers (Hemlock, Redwood), tropical hardwoods (Mahogany, Eucalyptus), and temperate broadleaf trees (Holly, Rhododendron).

Africa

Dec

Falling Needles Family Fest: December 30

06:20 AM | -

Did you celebrate Christmas this year? Did you have a real Christmas tree? If the answer to these questions is YES, consider celebrating National Falling Needles Family Fest! Gather your family, friends, coworkers, or any group of people, and make it a point to collect all the scattered needles from the Christmas tree over some food, drinks, and much laughter! It’s a great way to top off the season and clean the carpet at the same time from the folks at Wellcat.

Africa

Dec

Family Roots Day: December 23

06:20 AM | -

In the days preceding Christmas, families begin to gather. Stories are swapped, legends made, and the inevitable questions from children about where they came from come up. Family Roots Day, an initiative of the Mormon faith, is set aside each year to explore each family's unique genealogy. Please take this opportunity to map your family tree and help your children trace their roots.

Africa

Dec

Farmers' Day, Ntl. (GH): December 5

06:20 AM | -

The African nation of Ghana is well-known for its agriculture. Key crops include cassava, citrus, cocoa, cocoyam, maize, millet, palm oil, plantain, rice, rubber, sorghum, and yams. Each year the nation celebrates the farmers who bring these essential products to market on Farmers' Day. Image: Rberchie, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Africa

Dec

Father’s Rights Day (1955): December 21

06:20 AM | -

Desmond Doyle (1924 - 1986) was an Irishman and father whose wife left him and their children for another man. The state took care of his children when he went abroad for work, then refused to give them back. Poor, single, and alone, Doyle would have to fight tradition, the Irish state, and the Catholic Church for the right to raise his children, regardless of marriage. After years of fighting, he won. At the time, fathers were considered incapable of caring for children alone. Doyle set a legal precedent and led the fight for fathers' rights, changing family law in Ireland by challenging the system and proving that a father could and should be able to raise his children. Over the following decades, his example would influence fathers and family law worldwide. He is a primary reason many fathers now receive partial or full custody of their children in divorce. December 21 is the anniversary of that ruling in 1955. The 2002 film "Evelyn" with Pierce Brosnan celebrates his story and struggle.

Africa

Dec

Faux Fur Friday: December 5

06:20 AM | -

Faux Fur Friday, on the first Friday of December, encourages using fake fur in fashion as an alternative to real animal fur. It is likely an add-on event created to augment the sponsored Fur Free Friday a week prior. Faux Fur Friday is an unofficial event with no sponsor. The history of fur in human clothing dates back to ancient times, primarily driven by the need for warmth. In various cultures, real fur was a status and power symbol reserved for the elite, like ancient Egyptian royalty and European nobility. The use of fur as a luxury item continued for centuries. Fake fur emerged in the 1800s, initially suggested for children's clothing. By the 1900s, fake fur, or imitation fur, began to gain popularity. Originally made from the wool of unborn or newborn lambs and later mixed with synthetic fibers, faux fur became increasingly affordable and popular by the 1950s, with companies vying to create luxurious synthetic versions. The anti-fur movement, which gained momentum in the 1970s, further boosted the fake fur industry. Notable events in this movement include the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which aligned with anti-fur protests, and PETA's influential "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign in the 1990s, featuring supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. This period saw a significant shift in the fashion industry's attitude toward fur, with more brands and designers exploring cheaper faux fur options. Today, faux fur is widely used in the garment and home fashion industry. It represents a fashion choice for some, affordability for others, and a stance on animal rights and veganism. However, due to its synthetic construction and disposable fast fashion inclusion, most faux fur is neither sustainable nor environmentally friendly.

Africa

Dec

Feast of Staint Stephen (C) (Orthodox): December 27

06:20 AM | -

Saint Stephen is one of the most venerated Christian saints, considered the very first martyr who died for Jesus Christ. He was one of Jesus' most ardent followers, often described as a peaceful, calm, and devoted man. During his lifetime, St. Stephen drew thousands of people to Christianity. Due to the difference in calendars from the 1700s, Orthodox Christian countries celebrate a day later than Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians. In several Christian countries today, his patron day is also considered a public holiday. St. Stephen is the patron saint of Serbia. St. Stephen's Day is popular for visiting family members and gathering in large groups.

Africa

Dec

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (C): December 8

06:20 AM | -

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important Marian feasts in Roman Catholicism, praising the solemn belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is one of the most influential figures in Christianity and Islam. Both faiths believe in the immaculate conception and revere Mary, though only Christians mark it as a holy day. Predominantly Catholic countries celebrate The Feast of the Immaculate Conception as a national holiday, and Panama considers this day Mother's Day. This observance occurs worldwide eight months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary.

Africa

Dec

Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute: December 30

06:20 AM | -

The Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute is observed two days before the beginning of the new calendar year. The symbolism derives from the idea that we all vow or make New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of each year. Today is an extra incentive for those who have yet to reach all their goals to do something about it before the year ends.

Africa

Dec

Festivus: December 23

06:20 AM | -

Festivus originated in a 1997 episode of "Seinfeld," an American television show. It's celebrated within multi-faith cultures and large cities and provides a reason for people of various faiths to celebrate the season together. The episode goes as such: George Costanza's father, Frank, is the exact person to "blame" for Festivus. Jerry says that when George was a kid, Frank got tired of all the commercialism associated with typical holidays, so he decided to create his own. Frank said: "Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way. A new holiday was born: Festivus for the rest of us!" Now, one might ask: what does a Happy Festivus mean? Well, it includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength," and the labeling of easily explainable events as "Festivus miracles." Basically, Festivus is a reason to have a party not associated with a religion or ethnicity in which all are welcome!

Africa

Dec

Flashlight Day, Ntl. : December 21

06:20 AM | -

National Flashlight Day occurs on December 21, the Winter Solstice, the year's longest night. It is a reminder to ensure emergency candles and lighting are ready for the winter. The flashlight was invented by David Misell of the United Kingdom in 1899, three years after the batteries used to power it were created.

Africa

Dec

Food Service Safety Month, Intl.: December

06:20 AM | -

Worldwide Food Service Safety Month encourages food service safety. It reminds cooks, whether at home or on the job, to buy, prepare, serve, and store prepared food properly. Annually in December since 1998.

Africa

Dec

Forefather's Day (1620): December 22

06:20 AM | -

National Forefathers' Day is celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on December 22 and marks the anniversary of the pilgrims' arrival on December 21, 1620. The date was first celebrated in 1769. Why is it on the 22nd instead of the 21st? Somebody didn't count right. Until 1752, the Julian Calendar marked time in America. After 1752, the Gregorian was used. When someone decided to figure out the date in the Gregorian calendar, they miscounted the difference and established the day on December 22 instead of December 21. Oops! That oops continues to this day.

Africa