All - Leep Calendar

"Okay," often abbreviated as "OK," is one of the most universally recognized and used words globally. Its journey from obscure to global acceptance touches upon linguistic evolution, cultural integration, and the nuances of non-verbal communication across different societies.

The etymology of "okay" first appeared on March 23, 1839, in the Boston Morning Herald as an editing abbreviation of "oll korrect," a deliberate misspelling of "all correct." This usage was part of a broader fad for playful abbreviations and misspellings. The term gained popularity and became cemented in American English during the 1840 presidential campaign of Martin Van Buren. His nickname, "Old Kinderhook," after his hometown in New York, was shortened by his supporters to "OK Club," which helped to popularize the term.

From its American origins, "okay" began spreading across the globe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facilitated by the expansion of American influence and the rise of English as a global lingua franca. Its simplicity, versatility, and ease of pronunciation made it an attractive addition to other languages, often retaining its positive affirmation meaning. Today, "okay" is understood and used in nearly every prominent language, serving as a testament to its remarkable adaptability and universal appeal.

However, the word's journey has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the associated "OK" hand gesture, where the thumb and forefinger form a circle while the other fingers remain extended. This gesture, widely recognized as a symbol for "okay" or "all is well," has different meanings and interpretations worldwide.

In some cultures, it is a positive sign of agreement or satisfaction. In others, like Brazil, it means "asshole" and can have offensive connotations or be considered a vulgar gesture. Furthermore, with the rise of MAGA and Christian nationalism in North America, the "OK" hand sign has been co-opted by white supremacists as a symbol of hate, leading to a reevaluation of its use and meaning. The three fingers lifted or pointed down symbolize KKK in their circles, the abbreviation of the hate group Ku Klux Klan. Because of this, the use of the gesture is diminishing.

Today, learn more about the history behind the word OK or call a loved one, a friend, or a family member you haven't heard from in a while and ask them if they are OK.

"Okay" and its associated gestures underscore the dynamic nature of language and communication. They reflect how words and symbols can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries and the complexities inherent in their interpretation.

Africa

Mar

Pakistan Day, (PK)(1940/1956): March 23

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Pakistan Day (formerly Republic Day) in Pakistan marks two anniversaries: March 23, 1940, when the All-India-Muslim League ratified the resolution to carve out an Islamic country from India. The second is March 23, 1956, when Pakistan declared its republic. Pakistan Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Mar

Solidarity Week Against Racism & Discrimination: March 21-27

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The United Nations have organized solidarity Week Against Racism and Discrimination since 1979. The program of activities is based partly on the successful awareness campaign Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination during that decade.

Africa

Mar

Ta'anit Esther (J): March 21

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Ta'anit Esther is the fast of Esther, which occurs from sunrise to sunset on the eve of the Purim holiday in the Jewish faith. It commemorates the fasting of the Hebrews under Persian exile.

Africa

Mar

Tree Planting Day (LS): March 21

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The southern African mountain nation of Lesotho greets each spring with its National Tree Planting Day. The nation itself is high in the mountains and has few trees. A barren land of savanna and alpine shrubs, the first colonial settlers began planting trees in the country in 1833. Currently, the Forestry Department aims to achieve five percent tree cover by planting hundreds of thousands of trees yearly.

Africa

Mar

Twitter Day (2006): March 21

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On March 21, 2006, it started with the saying, "just setting up my twttr." Its author, Jack Dorsey. It would be another three months before Twitter would be known to the world when it officially launched on July 15, 2006. Though not very long ago, Twitter, for better or worse, has heavily impacted every nation it touches. Today, it is hard to imagine the world without it or what those five little words would come to mean in the years that followed. Twitter was purchased by Elon Musk in October 2022.

Africa

Mar

Wood Day, World: March 21

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World Wood Day focuses on the eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial we all know as wood. This day seeks to raise awareness of its sustainability role via biodiversity and forest conservation. Annually on March 21.

Africa

Mar

Be as Young as You Feel Day: March 22

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Why would anyone want to act their age if they didn't have to? Whether you're 50, feeling 30, or 13 going on 31, today is the day to show your actual age by acting as young as you feel! OK, don't talk back as when you were 11 or tease someone you liked back in middle school, but if you feel like eating ice cream for dinner instead of greens—go for it! Today is the Be as Young as You Feel Day!

Africa

May

Cape Town International Jazz Festival (ZA): May 3-4

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Sub-Saharan Africa basks in a fantastic mix of artists from all over the globe—the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is fondly known as "Africa's Grandest Gathering" for good reason. The festival began in 2000, so it's relatively young compared to other jazz festivals. But don't let its age fool you; it has rapidly grown to become the fourth-largest jazz festival worldwide, a real testament to its quality and the hard work of the organizers.

The festival is held annually, usually around the last weekend of March or the first weekend of April, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The festival is an eclectic mix of jazz from across the spectrum, so there's something for everyone. The diversity is incredible, from the more traditional jazz styles to African jazz, hip-hop, and funk elements.

The festival typically features over 40 artists performing on multiple stages over two days, so you're spoilt for choice. But it's not just about the music. The festival also includes a free community concert in Greenmarket Square, right in the heart of the city, which allows everyone to enjoy the music, even if they can't attend the main festival. And then there's the Jazz Festival's Sustainable Training & Development program that offers workshops, photojournalism projects, and music business classes for young talents, which is fantastic for promoting and nurturing local talent.

PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Apr

Dietitians Day, (AU): April 12

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Dietitians Day in Australia and the South Pacific is supported by accredited practicing dietitians and focuses on APD achievements and the services they offer. Hashtags include #Dietitians Day; #Inspiring.

Africa

Mar

Earth Echo Challenge, Intl.: March 22 - December 31

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The Earth Echo Water Challenge (formerly World Water Monitoring Challenge) is an international program that runs annually from March 22 (the United Nations World Water Day) through December and equips anyone to protect the water resources we depend on daily. The EarthEcho Water Challenge builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources worldwide by engaging citizens to monitor their local reservoirs and wells.

Africa

Mar

Emancipation Day (PR)(1873): March 22

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In 1873, Puerto Rico was still under the control of Spain. On March 22 of that year, the Spanish National Assembly officially abolished slavery, compensating slave owners for each slave and requiring the slaves to continue to work for another three years to ease the transition. Slavery formally ended on the island in 1876.

Africa

Mar

Goof-off Day, Intl.: March 22

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International Goof-off Day exists to remind people to live life. After all, nobody says they didn’t work enough on their deathbed, but rather that they worked too much! Monica Dufour started this event in 1976 as a day of relaxation and good humor.

Africa

Mar

Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day, Ntl.: March 22

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RESOLUTION Designating March 22, 2019, as “National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day.” Whereas rehabilitation counselors support individuals with disabilities by— (1) conducting assessments (2) providing counseling (3) supporting families, and (4) assisting in the development of individualized plans for employment for individuals with disabilities who need rehabilitation. Whereas the purpose of professional organizations for rehabilitation counseling and education is to promote the improvement of rehabilitation services available to individuals with disabilities through— (1) quality education for counselors, and (2) rehabilitation research Whereas various professional organizations have vigorously advocated for up-to-date education and training and the maintenance of professional standards in the field of rehabilitation counseling and education, including— (1) the National Rehabilitation Association (2) the Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Association (3) the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (4) the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (5) the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (6) the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (7) the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, and (8) the Council on Rehabilitation Education Whereas, in March of 1983, the president of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education testified before the Subcommittee on Select Education of the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and was instrumental in bringing to the attention of Congress, the need for qualified rehabilitation counselors; and Whereas credentialed rehabilitation counselors provide a higher quality of service to individuals in need of rehabilitation, and the development of an accreditation system for rehabilitation counselors supports the continued education of rehabilitation counselors: Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate— (1) designates March 22, 2019, as “National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day”; and (2) commends— (A) rehabilitation counselors for their dedication and hard work in providing counseling to individuals with disabilities who need rehabilitation, and (B) professional organizations for their efforts in assisting individuals with disabilities who need rehabilitation.

Africa

Mar

Seal Day, Intl: March 22*

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International Day of the Seal is recognized by zoos and aquariums worldwide. Types of seals include Crabeater, Elephant, Fur, Leopard, Ross, Weddell, and Sea Lions. In total, there are 18 known species of seals. International Day of the Seal is rumored to have been created by a congressional declaration in 1982. We went through all the public laws originating in the 97th Congress for 1981 and 1982, and there is no such declaration. That doesn't mean it isn't an event worthy of recognition. Seals are essential to marine ecosystems around the world.

Africa