All - Leep Calendar

National Ding-a-ling Day in the US began in 1972 when Franky Hye started it. Ding-a-ling is British slang for a telephone. In the US, a ding-a-ling is a dim-witted person who has trouble focusing on a specific part of the male anatomy. Today is about the British meaning. The day reminds us to call friends and relatives from whom we haven't heard.

Africa

Dec

Jumhuri Day, (KE)(1963): December 12

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Jumhuri—independence in Swahili marks the anniversary of December 12, 1963, when Kenya declared independence from Britain and became a republic. Jumhuri is a national holiday.

Africa

Dec

Neutrality Day, (TM)(1995): December 12

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Neutrality Day in Turkmenistan marks the anniversary of December 12, 1995, the official day the nation was recognized as a neutral state in South Asia, much like Switzerland in Europe by the United Nations. Neutrality Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Dec

Neutrality Day, Intl. Day of (1995): December 12

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Created on the anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent entry into the world body as a neutral nation on December 12, 1995, International Neutrality Day seeks to support preventive diplomacy. These guiding principles include strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance through the United Nations system. Countries with the status of neutrality play an essential role in providing and delivering humanitarian aid in complex emergencies and natural disasters. International Neutrality Day is a reminder of their importance and the need for neutral nations.

Africa

Dec

Our Lady of Guadeloupe Day (C)(MX)(1531): December 12

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On December 12, Mexico celebrates Our Lady of Guadeloupe Day. Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe and Our Mother of Guadalupe, The Madonna of Tepeyac, Tonantzin) celebrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, December 12, 1531, as witnessed by San Juan Diego. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City now stands on the site and is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. With 20 million visitors a year, it is the world's third most-visited sacred site, right behind the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji-Temple in Tokyo and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India.

Africa

Dec

Poinsettia Day (1851): December 12

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Poinsettia Day in the US celebrates the beautiful red, white or pink plant most people associate with Christmas. Poinsettia Day marks the anniversary of the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett on December 12, 1851. Poinsett was an American botanist, physician, and diplomat who discovered the gorgeous plant in 1828 in Southern Mexico. Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, but its common name since 1828 is Poinsettia. National Poinsettia Day became an official US observance in 2002 via US House of Representatives resolution HR471.

Africa

Dec

Taboo Day/Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts: December 12

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Taboo Day, or the Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts, sheds light on dark thoughts that all of us have and reminds us that they are something inherently human and all of us have them. It is also a day to discuss challenging issues, whether racism, sexuality, or a loved one's addiction or illness. Today provides you the opportunity if you've been looking for an excuse to address something.

Africa

Dec

Twelve-Twelve (CN): December 12

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Whereas 11/11 or Singles Day focuses on significant retailers, Twelve-Twelve is a second initiative of the Chinese government, mega-retailer Alibaba, and other businesses. Twelve-Twelve asks consumers to concentrate on small to mid-size companies rather than the mega brands. It’s an online version, global in scope to American Expresses November Small Business Saturday event in the United States. Twelve-Twelve appears to have begun in 2016.

Africa

Dec

Universal Health Care Coverage Day, Int.: December 12

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On December 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution urging countries to work towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC), which aims to ensure that everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare. In recognition of this goal, December 12 was proclaimed as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by the United Nations on December 12, 2017 (resolution 72/138). UHC Day serves as an annual occasion to raise awareness about the importance of strong and resilient health systems and the need for universal health coverage. It brings together various stakeholders to advocate for UHC, share stories of individuals still awaiting healthcare, celebrate achievements, and call on leaders to invest more in health. The goal is to accelerate progress towards UHC by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of UHC and health security. It emphasizes the importance of having robust health systems that can respond effectively in times of crisis and ensure equitable access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location. Prioritizing the most vulnerable populations, such as women, children, adolescents, and marginalized groups, is essential to achieving UHC and overcoming barriers to essential care. On December 12, people around the world are encouraged to join in demanding action on UHC, urging leaders to invest in health systems and primary healthcare for all. The achievement of UHC is critical for the well-being and future prospects of individuals and communities, and it requires collective commitment and action.

Africa

Dec

Cocoa Day: December 13*

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Cocoa, the base ingredient of chocolate, is truly a family affair. Currently, 90% of all cocoa comes from family farms of fewer than five hectares each. The Mayans were the first to use cocoa beans with peppers for medicine as a beverage and spice. The debate continues as to who, the ancient Olmec or the Mayans, were the first civilization to farm cocoa beans around 1000BC purposely. What we do know is this delicacy of the new world was first encountered by Christopher Columbus when he landed on the island of Guanaja in 1502. However, it would have to wait until Hernan Cortez arrived in Tabasco in 1519 before the world realized its actual culinary value. Cortez was presented with cocoa beans by the ruler of the Aztecs, Montezuma. For the Aztecs, the cocoa plant was sacred. Cortez brought the beans back to Europe, and the customs of drinking and preparing the bitter bean were made heavenly by sweetening. The rest is history. On National Cocoa Day, we appreciate the origins of the cocoa bean and enjoy the delicacies it creates. The most common way to celebrate in the cold months of December is with a cup of hot chocolate. National Cocoa Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor.

Africa

Dec

Friday the 13th: December 13

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Friday the 13th is an unlucky day in Western superstition, and it occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday in the Gregorian calendar. The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion in which there were 13 individuals present in the upper room on the 13th of Nisan (Maundy Thursday), the night before his death on Good Friday.

While there is evidence of Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two being referred to as incredibly unfortunate before the 19th century. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid doing business, taking flights, or even getting out of bed. An estimated US$800 to $900 million is lost in business on Friday the 13th, although no scientific evidence exists.

Africa

Dec

Friday the 13th: December 13

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Friday the 13th is an unlucky day in Western superstition, and it occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday in the Gregorian calendar. The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion in which there were 13 individuals present in the upper room on the 13th of Nisan (Maundy Thursday), the night before his death on Good Friday. While there is evidence of Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two being referred to as incredibly unfortunate before the 19th century. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid doing business, taking flights, or even getting out of bed. An estimated US$800 to $900 million is lost in business on Friday the 13th, although no scientific evidence exists.

Africa

Dec

Lost & Found Day, Official: December 13

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On the second Friday of each December, the world turns its attention to Official Lost and Found Day. This event was initiated in 2012, and it's a day to take another look and try to find something you misplaced, forgotten, or left.

Africa

Dec

Nanking Massacre Memorial Day (CN)(1937): December 13

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One of the most horrific events in Chinese History, the Nanking Massacre (Nanjing Massacre), began on December 13, 1937. Japanese troops invaded the city. For the next six weeks, using torture, executions, rape, and violence, imperial forces murdered the citizens of Nanking in the hundreds of thousands. Many were buried alive. Estimates range from 142,000 to up to 300,000 people perished. This day is remembered each year in China with reverence and solemnity, honoring the dead and assuring it never happens again. Image: Bodies of victims along Qinhuai River out of Nanjing's west gate during Nanjing Massacre, 1937/1938. Photographer Moriyasu Murase.

Africa

Dec

Pathologist Pal Day, Pick a: December 13

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Pick a Pathologist Pal Day is another Wellcat.com event. It is a day encouraging people to overcome their fear of death and make friends with a pathologist or coroner.

Africa