All - Leep Calendar

Plant Health Week in the United Kingdom focuses on identifying foliage in distress. Grey squirrels bark strip trees during spring and summer, damaging, stressing, and killing trees. Their actions impact biodiversity, the absorption of carbon, and timber production. #PlantHealthWeek

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May

Bird Day, United Nations World Migratory: May 11-13

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The United Nations hosts World Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday in May (previously May 10) to focus on the impact of migratory birds on the health of people and the planet. CMS and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) – two intergovernmental wildlife treaties administered by UN Environment Program (UNEP) – organize the campaign in cooperation with several partners.

Africa

May

Yom HaZikaron (IL): May 12/13

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Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day honoring all members of its military who have given their lives for the state. Today is a national holiday.

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May

Apple Pie Day, Ntl.: May 13

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"As American as Apple Pie" is a popular saying in the United States, and apple pie is our national dessert. What is the best way to celebrate today? Cut yourself a slice and add some ice cream or cheese, if you please. Whatever you do, enjoy!

Africa

May

Children of Fallen Patriots Day (1864): May 13

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Annually on the anniversary of the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery, May 13, 1864, Children of Fallen Patriots Day pays tribute to all the children who have lost a parent in service to the United States. This event began in 2015.

Africa

May

Frog Jumping Day (1865): May 13

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Today is the anniversary of Mark Twain's "Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog" release in 1865 at age 29. Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog was Mark Twain's first book to draw a broad audience, marking the beginning of one of the most celebrated writing careers in American history and the birth of the Calaveras County jumping frog contest. This popular tourist attraction remains alive to this day. The story of Smiley and his frog is about gambling and having the wool pulled over your eyes, teaching a valuable life lesson everyone can benefit from.

Africa

May

Hummus Day, Intl: May 13

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International Hummus Day began in 2012 to encourage people to gather and eat together while celebrating this humble food. Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean paste made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices. The dish has a rich history going back centuries. The word "hummus" is derived from the Arabic word for chickpeas, "ḥimmaṣ." Chickpea cultivation in West Asia and the Mediterranean stretches back to 7,000 BC. The earliest documented recipes for hummus are in cookbooks from the 13th century in Cairo, Egypt. Falafel, made from fava beans and ground chickpeas, is another classic Arabic dish using several of the same ingredients rumored to have originated in Cairo. One of the essential ingredients in hummus, tahini (sesame seed paste), also has a long history in the region. The use of sesame seeds dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, around 3,000 BC. It is unclear when tahini and chickpeas were first combined. The history of hummus encompasses the cultural and culinary traditions of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean societies, including the Ottomans, the Levantines, the Persians, and the Arabs. As the Ottoman Empire expanded, hummus spread to various parts of the empire, including Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. This expansion led to regional variations in the dish, with different countries and cultures adding their unique twists to the basic recipe. In the 20th century, hummus gained popularity in the Western world, particularly in the United States and Europe, as a healthy and delicious food option. The dish's popularity has grown significantly over the past few decades, with an increasing variety of flavors and ingredients added to cater to diverse tastes. Today, hummus is enjoyed worldwide and recognized as a staple food in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It has become a symbol of culinary cultural exchange and is celebrated for its delicious taste, versatility, and numerous health benefits.

Africa

May

Leprechaun Day, World: May 13

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World Leprechaun Day is a tribute to the colorful Irish pigmies that wreak havoc and endeavor to hide from those seeking their fortune. Honestly, who doesn’t love leprechauns? These pint-size fairies of Irish lore bring good luck and wealth—if you can catch them! Dressed as shoemakers, leprechauns are said to spend their days in solitary making shoes and guarding their pot of gold which is said to appear at the end of rainbows. Leprechauns first appear in the medieval tale Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus son of Léti), an ode to Irish legend and a king of Ulster. The story is believed to have been written sometime in the 14th century.

Africa

May

Webby Awards Broadcast: May 14

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The Webby Awards date is announced a few weeks before it occurs, generally in May. The Webby Awards are the Internet's most respected symbol of success. Created in 1996, the awards are followed in over 70 countries worldwide. Categories awarded include: – Websites – Film & Video – Advertising, Media & PR – Mobile Sites & Apps – Social – Podcasts & Digital Audio – Games 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

May

Women's Check-up Day, Ntl.: May 13

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Sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health, National Women’s Checkup Day occurs during Women’s Health Week each year. Women are encouraged to visit their health care provider for their annual checkup or well-woman visit to: 1) Discuss your health habits, family history, and family planning. 2) Get or schedule necessary screenings and exams. 3) Set health goals, such as weight loss and exercise.

Africa

May

Word Play Day: May 13 (est)

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Dictionary.com celebrates its birthday (May 14, 1995) with a week-long event called #DictionaryWeek. The event includes various themed days: Wordplay Day (Monday): Participants are encouraged to share their favorite puns on Twitter, with the chance to be featured in the Pun Hall of Fame. There are also wordplay quizzes and games to enjoy. Word Love Day (Tuesday): A Word Giveaway takes place on Twitter, featuring favorite words selected by the Dictionary.com team. Limited edition virtual word certificates are available. The Word Love collection, curated for word lovers, is also featured. Word Pain Day (Wednesday): A Misspelling Bee occurs on Twitter, where participants share misspelled words that haunt them. There are spelling quizzes, games, and tips for getting words right. Word Curiosity Day (Thursday): A Twitter event allows users to ask questions about words, dictionary additions, language inclusivity, and more. Experts from Dictionary.com participate in answering the questions. Quizzes and strange-but-true word facts are also featured. Word Inspiration Day (Friday): Participants share the one word they would want their name to appear next to in the dictionary. Dictionary.com chooses one of these words as the Word of the Day, crediting the person who shared it. Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to follow Dictionary.com on Twitter and engage in various activities and events.

Africa

May

Yom HaAtzma'ut (IL)(1948): May 13/14

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Today is the anniversary of the founding of the nation-state of Israel in 1948, as it aligns with the Hebrew calendar. In the country, it is known as Israeli Independence Day, Yom HaAtzma'ut in Hebrew, or the fifth of Iyar. It is a national holiday in Israel. It marks the day in the Jewish calendar when Israel became a state in 1948. It is a secular holiday, not a religious one, and not all persons of the Jewish faith celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut.

Africa

May

Buttermilk Biscuit Day: May 14

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Buttermilk Biscuit Day celebrates the Southern original quick bread made with buttermilk, eggs, flour, and baking powder. Biscuits (American style) were considered a treat before the American Civil War and later an expediency. They were popularized throughout the country via Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1950s. Biscuits and gravy is a traditional American breakfast consisting of buttermilk or flour biscuits drenched in white gravy with pork sausage. It can also be made with other meats; however, pork is the tradition. Relatively inexpensive, this dense, flavorful breakfast provided substantial energy for people during the day. Until recently, large breakfasts were a necessity, and people worked in labor-intensive jobs, and many of the modern conveniences available today replace tasks that required brawn. The dish traces its roots to the Jamestown colony in the United States and became very popular during the American Revolution. It remains a favorite in the United States, especially in the southern region. Today, biscuits and gravy, due to its high energy and fat content, is a "treat" breakfast beloved by millions (including this writer!).

Africa

May

Chicken Dance Day: May 14

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Chicken Dance Day pays homage to the accordion tune popularized by Werner Thomas of Davos, Switzerland, in the 1960s. The song is derived from the Swiss song "Der Ententanz" (The Duck Dance). Essentially it's a drinking song, most commonly played as part of the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Africa

May

Chihuahua Day, Intl.: May 14

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International Chihuahua Day was created in 2010 by proud pet parent Nadia Alteria to celebrate the birthday of Teaka, her beloved Chihuahua, on May 14 each year. There are several theories on the origin of the Chihuahua breed. The first believe it originated in the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua in the early 1800s. The tiny dog was a souvenir for American tourists to take home with them. The second legend ties it to the Mayans and their predecessors, the Toltecs. The small dogs were believed to be guides in the afterlife, sacrificed and buried with their owners. This idea seems to hold merit as European explorer Francisco Hernandez describes the ritual using small tan-colored Techichis (predecessor of the Chihuahua) in sacrifices and burial rituals. A third theory ties the breeding of Techichis with the Chinese Crested. A fourth states the Chihuahua is the evolution of the ancient Xoloitzcuintli, a tiny hairless dog native to Central America for thousands of years. A fifth theory ties in European origins, Malta to be precise, and the aristocratic practice of keeping pocket dogs as companions. But then again, the dogs likely originated in the new world exploration, bringing us back to Mexico. Recent DNA evidence appears to knock out the Euro-Asian origins of Chihuahua, and travel articles by James Watson in the 1870s confirm the purchase of the small dog by tourists at the end of the 19th century. Nobody knows which is the true origin (or a combination thereof). People do know that Chihuahuas are delightful companion dogs that their owners love. Happy International Chihuahua Day! Image: Lemondrop, Melbourne, Australia. Pet Parent Sarah Vellios

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