All - Leep Calendar

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 Originally made from the wool of unborn or newborn lambs and later mixed with synthetic fibers, faux fur became increasingly affordable and popular by the 1950s, with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

Trick-shot Day, World: December 5

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World Trick Shot Day, created in 2016, is the inspiration of The Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition basketball team renowned for their remarkable abilities. The Harlem Globetrotters, founded by Abe Saperstein in 1926, have a storied history of entertaining audiences with their basketball prowess and creative antics. Their legacy includes numerous world records and a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, symbolizing their impact on the sport and entertainment industry. Over the decades, they have entertained diverse audiences, including global dignitaries and millions of fans. World Trick-shot Day not only celebrates the awe-inspiring skills of the Globetrotters but also engages fans worldwide. The team encourages fans to create and share their trick-shot videos, fostering a global community of creativity and sportsmanship. As noted by Globetrotter Hammer Harrison, these trick shots are thrilling for the players and their fans, allowing for a unique interaction between the team and its global fanbase.

Africa

Dec

Wreaths Across America Tribute: December 16

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Wreaths Across America is an annual December event dedicated to remembering and honoring United States military veterans during the holiday season. This tribute involves laying wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery and over 1,400 additional locations across the United States and abroad. The tradition began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, found himself with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering a boyhood trip to Arlington National Cemetery, he was inspired to honor the country's veterans. With the help of volunteers and a local trucking company, Worcester arranged to place wreaths at Arlington in one of the cemetery's older sections, which had seen fewer visitors each year. This annual tribute went on quietly until 2005, when a photo of the snow-covered graves at Arlington adorned with wreaths circulated on the internet, drawing national attention. The outpouring of interest and desire to replicate Worcester's tribute in communities across the country led to the formation of Wreaths Across America as a non-profit organization in 2007. The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple yet profound: "Remember, Honor, Teach." It is a mission carried out in December and throughout the year. The organization aims to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations about the sacrifices made for freedom. Each year, on National Wreaths Across America Day, coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies are held at Arlington, veterans' cemeteries, and other locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad. The event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who lay wreaths on veterans' graves and by the trucking companies donating their services to transport them. This tribute has grown to encompass various activities, including parades, ceremonial events, and educational outreach. The act of laying wreaths is symbolic of gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

Africa

Dec

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Ntl.: December 15

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday of December, has become a widely embraced holiday tradition known for its lighthearted and festive spirit. This whimsical celebration encourages people to don their most garish, gaudy, and flamboyant Christmas sweaters, often adorned with bold patterns, bright colors, and over-the-top embellishments. Ugly Christmas Sweater Day originated in popular culture and has gained popularity in recent decades. The "ugly Christmas sweater" concept likely dates back to the 1980s, a time known for its bold fashion statements. These sweaters, designed initially with sincere holiday cheer, featured traditional Christmas motifs like reindeer, snowflakes, and Santa Claus, often with a kitschy twist. The trend started to gain traction in the early 2000s, evolving from a quirky fashion faux pas into a full-fledged holiday trend, complete with parties and social gatherings centered around the theme. The day was officially recognized as Ugly Christmas Sweater Day in 2011, further solidifying its status as a holiday tradition. Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has grown beyond mere fashion fun; it has fostered camaraderie and spread holiday cheer. In workplaces, schools, and communities around the globe, people come together, sporting their most outrageous sweaters, with contests, parties, and events where the most creatively dressed individuals mark the day. In addition to the lighthearted festivities, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is used for charitable causes. Various organizations and groups use the day to raise funds and awareness for different issues, adding a layer of social responsibility to the holiday cheer. Ugly Christmas Sweater Day embodies the joy and playfulness of the holiday season. It encourages people to embrace a sense of humor and community, reminding us that the holidays are not just about how we dress but about coming together to celebrate and give back. This day continues to grow in popularity, spreading warmth and laughter in the chilly month of December.

Africa

Dec

Universal Hour of Peace: December 31 - January 1

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The Universal Hour of Peace is an annual observance held on December 31st, from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM, transcending into the New Year. The event, symbolically placed at a time of transition and new beginnings, invites individuals from all walks of life to contemplate and act towards creating a more peaceful world. It encourages people to take a moment to focus on thoughts, actions, and intentions of peace amidst the celebrations and festivities of New Year's Eve. The Universal Hour of Peace is marked in various ways by participants worldwide. Some engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, focusing on their aspirations for peace and harmony. Others may participate in community events, peace vigils, or concerts. The central theme is cultivating a sense of global solidarity and shared commitment to fostering peace in all aspects of life. The significance of this hour lies in its timing — as one year ends and another begins, it provides a symbolic opportunity for people to collectively let go of past conflicts and look forward to building a more peaceful future. It's a time to reflect on the universal values of compassion, understanding, and coexistence. Over the years, the Universal Hour of Peace has gained recognition and support from various global communities, seeing participation from individuals, civic groups, spiritual and religious organizations, and peace activists. It represents a moment of global unity and hope, a reminder of the power of collective intention, and the potential for positive change as the world steps into a new year.

Africa

Nov

The Booker Prize (UK): November 26

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The Booker Prize, formerly known as the Booker-McConnell Prize and commonly known as the Booker, is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world, recognizing outstanding works of fiction. Established in 1969, the prize is awarded annually to the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize plays a significant role in shaping the modern literary landscape, bringing recognition, compensation, and acclaim to its recipients. The Booker Prize was initially open to authors from the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland, and Zimbabwe. However, in 2014, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include any English-language novel published in the UK or Ireland, regardless of the author's nationality. This change sparked considerable debate in the literary community but has since helped to globalize the prize's reach. The International Booker Prize, established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize, is a related but distinct award. It recognizes the finest works of translated fiction worldwide, highlighting the importance of translation in connecting global audiences with diverse literary voices. Unlike the Booker Prize, which acknowledges a single author, the International Booker Prize is awarded jointly to the author and the translator of the winning book, underscoring the collaborative nature of translated works. The winners of both the Booker Prize and the International Booker Prize receive significant monetary awards and a substantial boost in international recognition and book sales. The prizes are known for their rigorous selection process, with panels of esteemed judges from various literary backgrounds. The Booker Prize is typically announced in the autumn, while the International Booker Prize generally occurs in the late spring or early summer. These events are highly anticipated in the literary community and attract widespread attention from media and readers worldwide. They continue to celebrate and elevate the finest in fiction and translated literature, contributing to the richness and diversity of the global literary landscape.

Africa

May

International Booker Prize (UK): May 23

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Africa

Dec

Cabernet Day (1642): December 4

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Cabernet Day marks the death anniversary of Cardinal Richelieu on December 4, 1642. Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world's most renowned red wine grape varieties, has a rich history steeped in viticulture and winemaking tradition. Contrary to some popular beliefs, Cardinal Richelieu, the 17th-century French statesman, did not play a direct role in creating Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape's history is more scientifically rooted and less tied to specific historical figures than legend might suggest. The origin of Cabernet Sauvignon engenders speculation. Still, DNA profiling at the University of California, Davis, in the 1990s revealed that it is a cross between two older varieties: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This accidental natural crossbreeding likely occurred in the 17th century in southwestern France. Cabernet Sauvignon's rise to prominence began in the Bordeaux region of France, where it quickly became a key component in Bordeaux blends, valued for its robust structure, deep color, and complex flavors. The grape's ability to thrive in various climates and soils allowed it to spread beyond France to other world regions. Cardinal Richelieu, known for his influential role in the politics of his time, was indeed involved in viticulture, particularly in his efforts to improve the quality of French wines. However, his efforts were more focused on Burgundy than Bordeaux, and there needs to be direct historical evidence linking him to the development of Cabernet Sauvignon, only a legend that he delivered the first cuttings to create the hybrid grape. Over time, Cabernet Sauvignon gained a reputation for producing some of the world's finest and most age-worthy wines. Its popularity soared in the 20th century, especially in regions like California's Napa Valley, where it became the star varietal, producing wines of exceptional quality that rivaled those of Bordeaux. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country, from Italy and Spain to Australia and Chile, making it one of the most widely recognized and respected red wine grapes.

Africa

Dec

Sock Day (1954): December 4

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National Sock Day, an initiative founded by the apparel brand Pair of Thieves, is observed annually on December 4. The day was established in 2016 to celebrate the "noble, hardworking sock" and coincides with the date of two significant events in the world of performing arts. On December 4, 1954, the final curtain fell on the first revival of the Broadway musical "On Your Toes," which debuted in 1936. National Sock Day transcends the mere appreciation of socks as a fashion or comfort item; it underscores a broader message of caring and community support. Pair of Thieves has embraced this spirit by focusing on charity work associated with the day. Socks, the most requested yet least donated item at shelters, hold significant importance in this context. Pair of Thieves has substantially contributed to supporting the unhoused community, having donated over 3 million socks. In a noteworthy act of philanthropy, the company teamed up with Los Angeles' KTLA 5 to donate 50,000 pairs of socks on National Sock Day, with half of these going to the Dream Center, a significant step in addressing the needs of those less fortunate. The day encourages not only the celebration of socks but also promotes acts of kindness and giving. Each year, Pair of Thieves pledges to donate a pair of socks for every use of the #nationalsockday hashtag, inspiring people to show off their favorite socks, acquire new ones, give sock gifts, and engage in charitable activities. This combination of celebration and philanthropy encapsulates the essence of National Sock Day, turning a seemingly mundane item into a symbol of warmth, care, and community support.

Africa

Dec

Wildlife Conservation Day, World: December 4

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World Wildlife Conservation Day, commemorated annually on December 4, serves as a global call to action for preserving Earth's endangered flora and fauna. Established in 2012 by then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the day aims to heighten awareness about critical issues like wildlife extinction, endangerment, and the illicit trafficking and poaching of animals. A decade since its inception, the day remains a crucial reminder of the ongoing threats to our planet's biodiversity, primarily driven by human activities. The significance of World Wildlife Conservation Day lies in its mission to address the alarming rate at which species are approaching extinction. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, over 41,000 species are threatened with extinction, comprising 28 percent of all assessed species, including 27 percent of mammals, 13 percent of birds, 41 percent of amphibians, 37 percent of sharks and rays, 21 percent of reptiles, and 28 percent of crustaceans. The plight of well-known species, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. For instance, the Tapanuli orangutan population has dwindled to less than 800, while only around 3,900 tigers and about 1,890 giant pandas remain. Other species like the Amur leopard, the mountain gorilla, and the black rhino face severe threats, with their numbers critically low. In the UK, species including the hedgehog, red squirrel, water vole, beaver, Scottish wildcat, hazel dormouse, and the grey long-eared bat are endangered, primarily due to human-induced factors like settlements, infrastructure development, livestock production, and illegal hunting. World Wildlife Conservation Day emphasizes the irreversible nature of extinction and humans' vital role in contributing to or mitigating this crisis. In her 2012 address, Secretary of State Clinton highlighted the power of individual choices in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species. She urged individuals to refuse products made from endangered wildlife, speak out against criminal networks involved in wildlife trade, and hold governments accountable for their actions in wildlife protection.

Africa

Dec

Violence Against Women, Ntl. Day of Rememberance and Action on (CA)(1989): December 6

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The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is observed in Canada every December 6. This day was established by the Canadian Parliament in 1991, two years after a devastating act of violence that shook the nation and brought to the forefront the issue of gender-based violence. On December 6, 1989, a gunman entered an engineering class at École Polytechnique de Montréal and brutally murdered 14 women, injuring ten more. This act of violent misogyny was explicitly targeted at women pursuing engineering degrees, as the attacker harbored a belief that these professions were for men only. This tragedy, widely known as the École Polytechnique massacre, became a pivotal moment in Canadian history, highlighting the lethal consequences of misogyny and gender-based violence. The women killed in the massacre were primarily engineering students, along with one nursing student and one university employee. Their lives cut tragically short, are commemorated each year on this day. The act of violence profoundly impacted Canadian society, leading to increased awareness and action against violence directed at women. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women serves as a day to honor the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre and all victims of gender-based violence. It is a day for reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to ending violence against women in all its forms.

Africa

Dec

Crossword Solvers Day: December 8

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Crossword puzzle creator Myles Mellor created Crossword Solvers Day in 2022 to celebrate people who enjoy crossword puzzles. The creation of the day is strange, given International Crossword Day is fifteen days later on December 21. It celebrates and marks the anniversary of the first officially published crossword puzzle created by the journalist Arthur Wynne of Liverpool, England, on December 21, 1913. However, Wynne's was not the first crossword puzzle ever created. A simple version of wordplay first appeared in England during the 19th century. Crossword Solvers Day is simply a promotion for a company that creates crossword puzzles. Best practices in creating events focus on historical anniversaries, thereby eliminating redundancies and creating instant authority on an event's origin and purpose.

Africa

Dec

Time Traveler's Day: December 8

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Time Traveler's Day pays homage to the fascinating concept of time travel, a theme that has captivated the imagination of many. The event encourages enthusiasts to delve into stories and discussions about time travel, exploring its possibilities, paradoxes, and the endless what-ifs of moving through different historical or future periods. The topic has fascinated people of all cultures for more than a millennium. Time Traveling focused programs and stories in current popular culture include: "Star Trek" (TV Series) Several episodes of the 1966-1969 original series include time travel episodes. "Quantum Leap" (TV Series) The entire series centers on a quantum physicist traveling back in time to set history right for ordinary people. "Sliders" (TV Series) Another popular series from the 1990s in which a group of friends slide in and out of various eras of history, correcting injustices and witnessing history or the future. "Back to the Future" Series (Movies) This iconic trilogy follows the adventures of Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown as they travel through time in a modified DeLorean. It's known for its humor, memorable characters, and creative approach to time travel. "Doctor Who" (TV Series and Movie) Doctor Who is a long-running British television series featuring the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who explores the universe in the TARDIS accompanied by human companions. "Looper" (Movie) Looper is a film set in a future where a criminal mob uses time travel to send their targets back in time for their assassination. "12 Monkeys" (Movie and TV Series) Originally a film and later adapted into a TV series, it revolves around a time traveler sent back to prevent a deadly plague. "Terminator" Series (Movies) A series of science fiction films where characters travel back in time to prevent or ensure the occurrence of a future dominated by sentient machines. "Outlander" (TV Series and Books) A romantic drama series based on novels by Diana Gabaldon, featuring a World War II nurse who travels to 18th-century Scotland in time. "Interstellar" (Movie) Although not strictly about time travel, this film deals with the relativity of time and its effects as astronauts travel through a wormhole searching for a new habitable planet. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (Book and Movie) The third installment in the Harry Potter series introduces a time-turner used to change past events. "Dark" (TV Series) A German series that explores the implications of time travel in a small town, with a complex narrative that weaves through multiple timelines. Classic literature includes several examples of Time Travel as well going back over 1500 years: "The Book of One Thousand and One Nights" (Arabian Nights) by multiple authors (1100s-1200s) This classic compilation of Middle Eastern folk tales, compiled during the Islamic Golden Age, contains stories that, while not explicitly about time travel in the modern sense, feature elements of magical travel and the manipulation of time. For instance, the story "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor" includes fantastic elements that are precursors to time travel concepts. Al-Tawarikh (The Chronicles)(1200s) by Al-Khwarizmi (1200s) Written by a Persian polymath, this work is a compilation of world history from the creation of Adam to the Islamic era. Some interpretations suggest that it includes elements of time manipulation or visions of different historical periods akin to time travel concepts. "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guanzhong (1300s) A historical novel primarily focusing on the turbulent end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, it includes elements of supernatural occurrences and prophecies considered a form of time manipulation or foresight. "The Governor of Nanke" (南柯太守传) by Li Gongzuo (600s - 900s) A cornerstone of classic Chinese literature, The Governor of Nanke is a short story that includes a dream journey. The protagonist, Chunyu Fen, falls asleep and experiences a different life in his dream, including a career, marriage, and rise to power, only to wake up and realize that only a short time has passed in the real world. The story is an early exploration of alternate realities or time perception, a key element in time travel literature. "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" by Mark Twain (1889) This novel is a seminal work in the time travel genre. It tells the story of a 19th-century American engineer who, after a blow to the head, finds himself transported back to the court of King Arthur. The story explores the clash of medieval and modern ideas as the protagonist uses his knowledge of modern technology to become an influential figure in Arthur's court. "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving (1819) While not involving a time machine or scientific method of time travel, this short story is an early example of time travel in literature through supernatural means. It tells the tale of Rip Van Winkle, a man who falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up 20 years later to find the world has changed significantly, reflecting the transformation of American society post the Revolutionary War. "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells (1895) This classic novel is credited with popularizing the concept of time travel by using a vehicle that allows the operator to travel purposely and selectively forward or backward in time. Time Traveler's Day invites fans to revisit these stories (and others), igniting discussions and debates about the theoretical and fictional aspects of traveling through time. It continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration in popular culture.

Africa

Dec

Lutefisk Day (SE/NO/FI): December 9

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Lutefisk Day pays homage to a centuries-old culinary tradition deeply rooted in Scandinavian culture. It is the traditional day to prepare lutefisk. This traditional Nordic dish exemplifies the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early Scandinavian communities in preserving their food for the long winter months. The preparation of lutefisk begins with drying whitefish, typically cod, and soaking them in cold water for several days. Then, the fish undergoes a treatment process involving lye, made from birch ash, which gives it a jelly-like consistency. The fish is soaked in fresh water to remove the lye and make it edible. The final product, lutefisk, is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, green peas, and melted butter. Lutefisk Day celebrates not only the unique flavors and textures of this dish but also the enduring cultural practices surrounding its preparation. The method of preserving fish using lye dates back to the Viking Age and remains a testament to the Scandinavian ability to adapt to their environment, particularly in harsh winter conditions. This practice ensured a reliable food source throughout the colder months when fishing was not feasible. In Scandinavia, preparing fish for winter has always been more than a culinary necessity; it is a ritual that brings communities together, passing down knowledge and techniques from generation to generation. Lutefisk Day, therefore, is as much a celebration of Swedish heritage and communal spirit as it is of the dish itself. It serves as a reminder of the country's rich history and the resilience of its people, who developed unique ways to thrive in their challenging climate.

Africa

Nov

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Intl: November 25 - December 10

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The "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" is an annual international campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global entities. It starts on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10th, Human Rights Day. This period emphasizes the link between the eradication of gender-based violence and the promotion of human rights.

Each year, the campaign focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing public support, and calling for changes in policy and legal frameworks to address and prevent violence against women and girls. Its significance rests in distressing statistics: globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, mainly by an intimate partner.

The campaign often features a unifying theme guiding the activities and messaging. These activities range from public demonstrations and social media campaigns to educational workshops and lobbying of policymakers. It garners support from governments, NGOs, celebrities, and individuals worldwide.

A critical aspect of the campaign is its emphasis on inclusivity and intersectionality, recognizing that gender-based violence affects women and girls of all ages, races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds differently. There is a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as indigenous women, women with disabilities, and those in conflict zones.

The 16 Days campaign is more than a call to end violence; it's a movement toward creating a global culture of respect, equality, and safety for all women and girls. Its impact is seen not just in heightened awareness but in tangible policy changes and community-level action against gender-based violence.

Africa