Bullying No Way National Week of Action in Australia occurs in August (formerly March) and became a full-week event in 2024.

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, or social behavior that causes bodily or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online and can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Africa

Aug

Men's Grooming Day, Ntl. (UK): August 16

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National Men’s Grooming Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of good grooming practices and style in men within the United Kingdom. Created and sponsored by American Crew, this event allows women to pamper their men. Salons and barbershops often hold special events to encourage men to buy essential grooming products. And the press in the UK seems to enjoy covering this topic.

Africa

Aug

Restoration of the Republic Day, (DO)(1863): August 16

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Restoration of the Republic Day marks the anniversary of August 16, 1863, the day the island nation reacquired its independence. Restoration of the Republic Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Roller Coaster Day, Ntl.(1878): August 16

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Roller Coaster Day marks August 16, 1878, the anniversary of the first patent for the roller coaster granted to Richard Knudsen and JG Taylor. Several years later, the first roller coaster built by LaMarcus Thompson opened on the Coney Island boardwalk in New York.

Africa

Aug

Rum Day, Ntl.: August 16

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National Rum Day began as a marketing campaign for Caribbean Rum and became a national celebration. Today, people drink rum straight or mixed with fruit juices.

Africa

Aug

Saint Roch's Day (1327): August 16

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Saint Roch (Rocco) died on August 16, 1327, under the Julian calendar and is known as the Patron Saint of Dogs. Saint Roch's Day is his feast day in the Catholic Calendar. Catholics have many feast days. It was how the church assisted the ruling class in keeping the peace. Feast days are a way to keep serfs and peasants from being disillusioned with life. By providing feast days throughout the year, the common people who worked the land received many days off (far more than the 52 Saturdays and seven national holidays currently allotted in the US). Sundays were a day of rest per The Bible. Feast Days allowed the people to enjoy life and assuaged them from rebellion against the aristocracy. That is why there are so many Catholic feast days.

Africa

Aug

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (H): August 16

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Ekadashi is a sacred observance in the Hindu faith celebrated twice a month. The focus of Ekadashi is the worship of the Lord Vishnu. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Shravan (Sawan). Devotees perform Putrada Ekadashi for salvation from sin. Other activities include fasting and the worship of Vishnu by married couples wishing to have a son. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Aug

Simha Sankranti (H): August 16

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Simha Sankranti marks the day when the sun moves from Karka Rashi to Simha, according to the Zodiac Calendar. Simha Sankranti signals the beginning of the Malayalam calendar in Kerala. Devotees offer prayers to the sun god, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Narsimha Swami throughout Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Simha Sankranti is celebrated primarily in the southern states of India and the Kumaun belt of Uttarakhand. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Aug

Tell a Joke Day (1738): August 16

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Tell a Joke Day marks the anniversary of the death of Joseph Miller, a comedian who lived in England from 1684 until his death on August 16, 1738. A collection of his works can be found in the book Joe Miller's Jests, which he didn't write, but was compiled over two centuries by admirers of his works. The best way to honor Miller's Memory? Tell a joke today!

Africa

Aug

Varalakshmi Vrat (H): August 16

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Varalakshmi Vrata celebrates the reincarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Reincarnation is a central belief in Hinduism. Married women fast on this day, praying for their family's well-being and, specifically, their husbands. They believe worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi today is equal in power to worshiping Ashtalaksmi, the eight goddesses representing wealth, earth, wisdom, love, fame, peace, pleasure, and strength. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Aug

Wave at Surveillance Day, Intl: August 16

06:20 AM | -

Increasingly, the world is becoming one major surveillance state. In cities like London, it is tough to go anywhere and not land on CCTV, and artificial intelligence is making this even more invasive. Today, acknowledge this ever-present Big Brother and wave (or flip the bird if you prefer) to let those watching know you see them seeing you. International Wave at Surveillance Day began in 2010.

Africa

Aug

Elvis Week, Memphis, (US-TN)(1977): August 9-17

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ELVIS PRESLEY: THE UNDISPUTED KING OF ROCK' N' ROLL

Elvis Week is an annual onsite and virtual celebration of Elvis Presley's life and music. The festival draws over 75,000 fans annually to his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. It culminates on the anniversary of his death, August 16, 1977.

More than four decades after his untimely death, Elvis Presley remains an unforgettable icon in the pantheon of American music. Revered as the "King of Rock' n' Roll," Presley revolutionized the music industry with his unique blend of rhythm and blues, country, and gospel influences. His legacy endures through his profound impact on music, culture, and entertainment, connecting generations of fans to his enduring influence.

A CULTURAL REVOLUTION

Elvis Presley entered the national scene in the mid-1950s when America was ripe for a cultural shift. His fusion of diverse musical genres created a new, electrifying sound that captivated a broad audience. His provocative performance style, characterized by gyrating hips and an unmistakable swagger, challenged social norms and helped pave the way for greater freedom of expression in popular music, marking a significant cultural revolution.

A LEGACY IN MUSIC

Presley's contribution to the music industry extends beyond his vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. He instrumentalized rock 'n' roll, a genre dominating global music culture. His success opened doors for future generations of artists, breaking racial barriers in the industry by bringing traditionally African American musical styles to mainstream audiences.

ELVIS' TOP FIVE BEST-KNOWN SONGS

Elvis Presley's discography is vast, but a few songs stand out as his most iconic:

1—"Hound Dog" – Released in 1956, this track became one of Presley's biggest hits and is synonymous with his name. Its energetic beat and rebellious lyrics captured the spirit of the burgeoning rock 'n' roll movement.

2—"Heartbreak Hotel" – This 1956 single was Elvis's first to reach number one on the Billboard pop charts, establishing him as a significant force in the music industry.

3—"Jailhouse Rock" – Featured in the 1957 film of the same name, this song is one of Presley's most famous and showcases his dynamic performance style.

4—"Love Me Tender" – A tender ballad from 1956, this song demonstrated Presley's versatility and ability to convey deep emotion, solidifying his appeal across diverse audiences and showcasing the depth of his artistry.

5—"Can't Help Falling in Love" – Released in 1961, this romantic ballad has endured as one of Elvis's most beloved songs, often played at weddings and other sentimental occasions.

AN ENDURING INFLUENCE

Elvis Presley's influence extends far beyond his musical achievements. He helped shape the cultural landscape of the 20th century, influencing fashion, film, and even social attitudes. His Graceland mansion in Memphis remains a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide, symbolizing his lasting legacy. Presley's life and career are a testament to his extraordinary talent and the enduring power of his music, which continues to inspire and entertain millions around the globe.

Africa

Aug

Resurrect Romance Week, Ntl.: August 11-17

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National Resurrect Romance Week occurs six months after Valentine's Day. National Resurrect Romance Week was established in 1995 by Michael Webb, an author, and romance expert. During this week, Webb suggests that couples should focus on the non-monetary aspects of romance by rekindling romance by giving time and attention to partners.

Africa

Aug

Shabbat Nachamu (J): August 16/17

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Shabbat Nachamu commemorates the comfort experienced during the suffering of the Jewish people in the time of Isaiah. Shabbat is "Sabbath" or Saturday in Hebrew, and it is the first of the seven Sabbaths in which haftarot (readings from the Book of Prophets) are performed leading up to the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. PLEASE NOTE: All Hebrew calendar months begin and end at sundown. LEEP Calendar marks Jewish months starting on their first full day. Observant people of the faith will observe the beginning of the month at sunset the day prior.

Africa

Aug

Black Cat Appreciation Day, Ntl.: August 17

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BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY

Black Cat Appreciation Day is an adoption awareness event. Due to superstition, black cats often have a hard time getting adopted. Islamic and Christian faiths (50% of the world's population) historically attribute black cats to witchcraft and evil. Of course, it is silly. They're just black. But the stereotypes endure.

On August 17, the ASPCA and other animal advocates highlight black (and tuxedo) cats with special adoption incentives each year. Let a black cat cross your path and enter your home as part of the family.

BLACK CAT SUPERSTITIONS

Black cats have been the subject of myths and superstitions across various cultures and throughout history, often seen as either good luck or bad luck, depending on the region. Here are some common superstitions surrounding black cats:

Bad Luck in Western Cultures: A black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck in many Western cultures, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. This superstition dates back to the Middle Ages when black cats were often associated with witchcraft and evil.
Good Luck in the UK and Japan: Conversely, black cats symbolize good luck in the United Kingdom and Japan. In the UK, a black cat crossing your path brings good fortune, while in Japan, black cats attract positive relationships and prosperity.
Witches' Familiars: During witch hunts in some parts of Europe, black cats were believed to be familiars of witches or even witches themselves transformed into animal form. Owning a black cat could lead to accusations of witchcraft.
Sailors' Companions: Sailors used to keep black cats on ships as a talisman against bad luck at sea. Families of sailors also kept black cats at home to protect their loved ones while at sea.
Symbol of Prosperity: A strange black cat's arrival at your home signifies prosperity in Scotland.
Financial Fortune: In France, black cats are referred to as "matagots" or "magician cats" and bring good luck and wealth to owners who feed and treat them well.

The superstitions about black cats illustrate how cultural perspectives can vary dramatically from one place to another, with the same animal seen as either a harbinger of good luck or a bad omen.

Africa