Marking the anniversary of the institution of the Japanese Constitution, May 3, 1947. This event is part of Golden Week in Japan, which is a national holiday.

Africa

May

Day of the Holy Cross (MX): May 3

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The construction unions in Mexico chose to defy Pope John XXIII's cancellation of this feast day in the Catholic calendar in 1960. Until then, it was a day when people decorated the crosses of the dead and within the town with flowers and streamers. In later years they and other leaders petitioned the Pope and were able to keep their beloved holiday in Mexico alone. Today it is not just about decorating the crosses in Mexico. It is also about honoring the men and women of the construction industries that helped save their cherished day—with blessings. WHY SO MANY FEAST DAYS? Have you ever noticed that there seem to be feast days for just about everything in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian faiths? There is a reason for that. The church granted feast days to allow all subjects of the Crown to take a day off. As most worked six days a week, feast days provided a break that landowners and nobility couldn't deny. If they tried, they were going against the church, and that you did not do. In medieval times, there were approximately 60 feast days a year. Add this to 52 Sundays, Christmas, and Easter; workers received at least 114 days off a year. Contrast that to today. The average American gets 104 weekend days and seven national holidays off work—three days less than the commoners of the Dark Ages, in case you're feeling overworked.

Africa

May

Foreign Service Workers Day: May 3

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US Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-founders of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, are introducing a resolution designating May 1, 2020, as “United States Foreign Service Day” in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. Foreign Service Day has been celebrated on the first Friday in May for generations; 2020 marks 96 years since the establishment of the Foreign Service in 1924. The Foreign Service, comprising 16,000 US personnel, plus 75,000 locally-engaged personnel who serve at embassies and consulates overseas, are members of the Department of State, the US Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the US Agency for Global Media. “Across the globe, American Foreign Service Officers work tirelessly to protect and promote our country’s best interests. As we’ve faced new challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve worked overtime to help Americans abroad and to bring many home. Your efforts are vital to our nation, and I’m proud to recognize your hard work and immense contributions in celebration of the 96th Foreign Service Day,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I’d like to salute the members of the Foreign Service on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the founding of this crucial diplomatic corps,” said Senator Sullivan. “Your day-in and day-out work—engaging governments, businesses and individuals around the world—strengthens our national security, assists our citizens, and promotes US interests abroad. Additionally, at an unprecedented time for our country, your relentless efforts in assisting thousands of our citizens, including Alaskans, to return home is one more example of the invaluable contributions of our Foreign Service.”

Africa

May

Garden Meditation Day: May 3

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Need an excuse to spend the day in the garden? Welcome to Garden Meditation Day. Today is your day to get out and lose yourself in your favorite hobby. Breathe in the air, focus on the flowers, and be one with nature. Annually on the third of May.

Africa

May

Great Friday (C): May 3

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Great Friday in Orthodox Christianity is its most solemn observance. It is the day Jesus Christ was tortured and crucified. The date is different annually, based on the day of Easter, which is based upon when Passover falls. Great Friday can also occur on different days, depending on which form of Christianity is Orthodox or Western due to which calendar is used: the Julian calendar (created by Julius Cesar 2000 years ago) versus the Gregorian calendar instituted in the 1750s and created by the Roman Catholic Pope, who Orthodox Christians do not follow. Easter and Good/Great Friday usually come a couple of weeks later in the Orthodox faiths compared to Catholicism and mainline Protestant versions of the faith.

Africa

May

Leopard Day, World: May 3

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Leopards (panthers) continue to be vulnerable worldwide, though the most endangered is the Amur leopard of eastern China and Russia. As of 2022, fewer than 100 Amurs remain wild. Leopards face multiple threats to their survival, including poaching, loss of habitat and food scarcity, and being cut off from others of their species due to roads and infrastructure. Native to 62 nations in Eurasia and Africa, leopards are apex predator that requires a large area to roam. Sixty-four percent of Africa's and 84 percent of Eurasia's leopard population has disappeared. Leopards divide into 27 family subspecies within the panther family, which includes five distinct species. Are leopards found in the western hemisphere? No. The puma (including the clouded leopard and mountain lion), a cousin to the leopard, is native to the Americas. Leopards are multi-colored or black and smaller than pumas. Leopards roar. Pumas, the largest big cat, are usually tan and cannot roar. They hiss, shriek, and growl like house cats.

Africa

May

Lumpy Rug Day: May 3

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Lumpy Rug Day is one of the silly little holidays people latch onto yearly. A lumpy rug can be a small floor carpet bunched up and needing a good swat or a lousy wig that doesn’t fit right. Whichever lumpy rug you prefer, today is your day to get it in order, cleaned, or ironed out.

Africa

May

Martin Z Mollusk Day (US-NJ): May 3

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Don't be Crabby. It is Martin Z. Mollusk Day!

Martin Z. Mollusk Day is an actual event based on a fictional character named Martin Z. Mollusk, a hermit crab who serves as the mascot for Ocean City, New Jersey. The character was created by Mark Soifer, the former public relations director of Ocean City, as a part of the city's efforts to promote tourism in a fun and whimsical way.

artin Z. Mollusk Day features the annual "Creep" on the first Saturday of May, where a hermit crab sits on the beach. According to local lore, summer will come a week early to the shore town if it sees its shadow. Martin Z. Mollusk has become a beloved figure in Ocean City, and many visitors and residents look forward to his appearances and antics throughout the year.

Africa

May

Mata Tirtha Aunshi (H)(NP/IN): May 3

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Sometimes referred to as Nepali Mother’s Day, Mata Tirtha Aunshi is an annual festival in Nepal and parts of India that celebrates the love, support, and sacrifices mothers make. It honors mothers living and those who have passed. Like most Hindu observances, the date moves yearly, occurring on Baisakh Krishna Aunsi in the Nepali calendar.

Africa

May

Press Freedom Day, World: May 3

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The UN General Assembly proclaimed World Press Freedom Day in December 1993 after a recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. It celebrates the freedom of the press in the civilized world, aims to defend the media from any attacks on their independence, and pays tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Africa

May

Radio Day, Public (1971): May 3

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Public Radio Day in the United States has been celebrated annually since 1971. It marks the anniversary of the creation of National Public Radio in the United States. Government grants and donations from individuals and corporations support public radio. The very first use of the radio to make a public broadcast occurred on January 13, 1910, in New York City.

Africa

May

Raspberry Popover Day, Ntl.: May 3

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National Raspberry Popover, or Raspberry Tart Day celebrates the breakfast or afternoon treat. Popovers earned their name because they tend to pop over the edge of the pan as they bake. Eat and enjoy!

Africa

May

School Lunch Hero Day, Ntl: May 3

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Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, school nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. Schools throughout the United States celebrate School Lunch Hero Day in May to celebrate their hard work and commitment. Created in 2013, the School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series, designated this event. School Lunch Hero Day allows parents, students, school staff, and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to 30 million of America’s students each school day. All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored with thanks, cards, and recognition from students, school staff, parents, and the community.

Africa

May

Shoes Day, Ntl. Two Different Colored: May 3

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National Two Different Colored Shoes Day in the United States celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of humanity through the simple act of wearing different colored shoes on each foot. Created by Dr. Arlene Kaiser.

Africa

May

Space Day: May 3

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Space Day celebrates the achievements of Earth's space exploration programs and raises awareness of the benefits and opportunities of the space program. It also promotes the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to young people, hoping to inspire children to dream big and pursue a STEM career. This event began as a grassroots initiative in 1997.

Africa