All - Leep Calendar

Last Bell Day in Russia signals the end of the school learning year and usually occurs on May 25 each year, before final exams. Children dress in traditional Soviet-era uniforms, and a first grader is given the honor of ringing the last bell of the school year.

Africa

May

Law Day: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Law Day is a national event in the United States created to focus on the founding laws and ideals of the United States, beginning with the Constitution. It is observed on May 1.

Africa

May

Learn About Composting Day: May 29

06:20 AM | -

Compost is humus—not hummus, the chickpea paste so popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, but a mixture of organic matter created from the decomposition of food, plants, and soil rich in nutrients and mixed in with the dirt. A rich compost significantly adds to the quality of the soil and the quality of the plants grown in it. Today is a day to learn about composting and make it a part of your gardening endeavors.

Africa

May

Learn to Ride a Bike Day: May 2

06:20 AM | -

May is National Bike Month in the United States. The first Saturday in May has been set aside as Learn to Ride a Bike Day since 2018, and adults and children are encouraged to give bike riding a spin.

Africa

May

Learn to Swim Day, Intl.: May 16

06:20 AM | -

Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14. International Learn to Swim Day, created in 2012, aims to change that by encouraging every parent to ensure their children know how to swim. Check with pools in your city for lessons and activities on this day.

Africa

May

Lei Day, (US-HI): May 1

06:20 AM | -

Lei Day is a big celebration in Hawaii with local music, hula dancing, and of course, lei contests. The lei is a Hawaiian necklace made of flowers, worn around the neck, and Lei Day is one day when everyone gets lei'd.

Africa

May

Leopard Day, World: May 3

06:20 AM | -

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

Leprechaun Day, World: May 13

06:20 AM | -

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

Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: May 9

06:20 AM | -

The Food Drive is held each year on the second Saturday in May. “With kids out of school and the departure of our winter guests, our food needs increase greatly during the summer months. Without school-supported programs, our clients’ food budgets are stretched to the breaking point.” Arizona’s Apache Junction Food Bank’s Sharon Brown When the national food drive started in 1993, food banks suggested that it be held in the spring, when the stocks of food donated during the winter holidays began running low. “Without the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, it would be very difficult for the food pantry to have enough food throughout the year,” Jason Schaff of Santa Clarita, CA’s Valley Food Pantry told The Signal. The NALC provided critically needed goods to local food distribution centers in every state. Carriers have collected nearly two billion pounds. Read the full article here: https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive

Africa

May

Limerick Day (1812): May 12

06:20 AM | -

Limerick Day marks the writer's birthday, who popularized the whimsical poetry called the limerick. Edward Lear was born May 12, 1812, in Holloway, England, and became a prominent writer and illustrator. One of his most famous works is "The Owl and the Pussycat." (Listen to it here via Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/e-books/23897) His first book was entitled "A Book of Nonsense." You can access all of his nonsense books via Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/e-books/13650 Lear passed away on January 29, 1888, at 75.

Africa

May

Lindy Hop Day (Jitterbug), World (1914): May 26

06:20 AM | -

World Lindy Hop Day occurs annually on the birthday of Frankie Manning. Frankie Manning was a pivotal figure in developing and popularizing the Lindy Hop. Born May 26, 1914, in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in Harlem, New York, Manning started dancing at a young age and quickly became a regular at the Savoy Ballroom, the epicenter of the Lindy Hop during the Harlem Renaissance. The Savoy Ballroom was a unique cultural venue because it was one of the first racially integrated public places in the United States. Dancers of different races could share the floor, which was uncommon in many parts of the country then. The Savoy featured nightly battles between top bands and drew the best dancers in New York, helping to cultivate the dance's development and spread in popularity. Manning is credited with many innovations in the dance, most notably the creation of aerial maneuvers or "air steps" that became a hallmark of the Lindy Hop. One of his most famous contributions was the "over-the-back" aerial, which he reportedly first choreographed in 1935 for a performance at the Apollo Theater. This move helped his team win a crucial dance contest and set a new standard for what Lindy Hop could look like, introducing a level of acrobatics and showmanship new to popular dance. Manning and others toured with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, performing in dance sequences integral to the Swing era. By the mid-20th century, the Lindy Hop had evolved into other styles of swing dance in different regions. Beyond his physical contributions to the dance, Manning also shaped Lindy Hop's cultural impact. He worked as a choreographer and dancer with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, a professional dance troupe formed at the Savoy that performed on stage and screen, helping to spread the popularity of the dance internationally during the 1930s and 1940s. Manning and his colleagues showcased the Lindy Hop to a global audience through films, performances, and tours, embedding it within the broader context of Swing music and dance culture. After a period away from the limelight following World War II and the decline of the big band era, Manning and the Lindy Hop experienced a revival in the 1980s and 1990s. He became a beloved teacher and ambassador for the dance, traveling the world to teach workshops, judge dance competitions, and share his passion and knowledge with a new generation of dancers. His teaching emphasized the joy, social interaction, and musicality of the Lindy Hop, influencing countless dancers and ensuring the dance's preservation and continuation. The name Lindy Hop is commonly attributed to George "Shorty" Snowden. During a 1928 dance marathon in New York City, legend says reporters asked Snowden to name his unique style of dance. He reportedly called it "Lindy Hop" in honor of Charles Lindbergh's recent transatlantic flight, famously nicknamed "Lindy's Hop" across the Atlantic. This spontaneous moment helped propel the Lindy Hop into the spotlight. Today, the Lindy Hop enjoys popularity worldwide. It is celebrated for its rich history and its role in advancing social integration through dance. It continues to be a symbol of cultural expression and creativity, taught in dance studios and performed in competitions and social gatherings around the globe.

Africa

May

Living Together in Peace, Day of: May 16

06:20 AM | -

WE CAN ALL GET ALONG: THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE The International Day of Living Together in Peace, a global initiative that originated with the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 through Resolution 72/130, is a testament to our shared commitment to peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity. Here's an overview of its purpose, objectives, history, and participation: PURPOSE The International Day of Living Together in Peace is a call to action, mobilizing the international community's efforts to promote peace and living together in harmony. It underscores the importance of reconciliation, mutual respect, and understanding across cultures and societies. These objectives are not just ideals but the foundation of a better world: Promote Inclusion and Tolerance Encourage societies to embrace diversity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where differences are respected and valued. Support Peacebuilding Highlight the need for collaborative efforts in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Enhance Understanding Increase awareness about the significance of living together peacefully and its benefits to communities and nations. Encourage Solidarity To address common challenges and foster solidarity and cooperation among nations, cultures, and individuals. HISTORY Sheikh Khaled Bentounes, the spiritual leader of the Alawiya Sufi Order in Algeria, proposed the idea of an International Day of Living Together in Peace. He envisioned a day dedicated to promoting a culture of peace and non-violence. On December 8, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 72/130, proclaiming May 16 as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. The resolution acknowledges the need for individuals and communities to live together in peace and harmony, irrespective of their differences. COMMON ACTIVITIES People and organizations worldwide celebrate this day in various ways. Activities are often community-focused and aim to bring people together to share experiences, foster dialogue, and promote understanding. Workshops and Seminars Educational events that focus on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and intercultural understanding. Cultural Events Festivals, performances, and exhibitions showcase communities' cultural diversity and promote mutual respect. Community Gatherings Local events that bring together different groups to engage in dialogue and collaborative projects. Peace Marches and Rallies Public demonstrations advocating for peace and non-violence. Educational Campaigns Initiatives in schools and universities to teach the values of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence. The International Day of Living Together in Peace is a powerful reminder of our role in promoting peace and understanding. It encourages a culture where differences are celebrated and conflicts are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. Individuals and communities contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive world by participating in this day.

Africa

May

Living Together in Peace, International Day of: May 16

06:20 AM | -

"Living together in peace" signifies acknowledging and respecting differences, while maintaining a united and harmonious coexistence. The United Nations General Assembly, recognizing the importance of this ideal, designated May 16th as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This day is dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity, while encouraging nations to adopt reconciliatory measures for peace and sustainable development. This declaration is rooted in the historical context of the United Nations, established after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and ensure international cooperation. Over the years, the UN has focused on fostering a culture of peace and non-violence. This includes the 1997 declaration of the year 2000 as the "International Year for a Culture of Peace," and the 1998 proclamation of the period 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World." In 1999, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which became a universal mandate for promoting peace and non-violence. The declaration stems from the belief, encapsulated in the UNESCO Constitution, that peace must be actively constructed in the minds of individuals. It is a dynamic, participatory process necessitating dialogue, conflict resolution through mutual understanding, and cooperation. The Declaration also underscores the need to eradicate all forms of discrimination and intolerance, thereby promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms without any distinction based on race, sex, language, religion, or other factors.

Africa

May

Loomis Day: May 30

06:20 AM | -

Dr. Mahlon Loomis (July 21, 1826 – October 13, 1886) was an American inventor and dentist who tapped into wireless technology with his inventions. Based on the first known wireless aerial communication in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1866, Loomis received Letters Patent No. 129,971 on July 30, 1872. His invention improved telegraphing by allowing for wireless message transmission. This was three decades prior to Marconi's experiments and years before his 1874 birth. Born in Fulton County, NY, in 1826 to an intellectually prominent family, Loomis was a dentist and inventor. His experimentation in Virginia's mountains involved two kites equipped with a vertical antenna and a spark gap transmitter, establishing communication over a distance of 14 to 18 miles. This early success in using radio waves predated and arguably outdid Marconi's initial efforts, who in 1895 managed a wireless signal over just 1.5 miles. Despite his pioneering work, Loomis's contributions to radio are lesser known, primarily due to his financial hardships. Unlike Marconi, who benefitted from robust financial backing in Britain, Loomis struggled economically. His attempts to secure U.S. government funding were thwarted by slow legislative processes and the financial crises of the 1870s, including the Panic of 1873 that triggered a severe depression. This highlights the crucial role of financial support in the advancement and recognition of technological innovation. Loomis's life, dotted with other inventive efforts—from patented porcelain false teeth to electrical thermostat improvements—reflects a spirited pursuit of innovation, albeit without lasting commercial success. His ideas around telegraphy, while not fully realized in his lifetime, laid the necessary groundwork for wireless communication. Contrasting these figures, Lynchburg, where Loomis conducted his experiments, emerged as a hub of innovation in various industries. Post-Loomis, the city was notable for pioneering efforts such as the Bonsack machine for cigarette manufacturing in 1881, innovations in funeral service logistics, and the creation of Chapstick by Dr. Charles Browne Fleet, a local pharmacist. These historical footnotes underscore Lynchburg's role in fostering inventiveness beyond Loomis's work. While Marconi is celebrated with a Nobel Prize for his contributions to wireless telegraphy, remembering Loomis is essential for a complete understanding of the field's early days. His experiments predated and anticipated the technological strides that would later revolutionize communication worldwide. Loomis's story is a poignant reminder of how financial backing can shape the trajectory of technological advancement and public recognition in the annals of history. This event was created by Robert L Birch, who passed away in 2005.

Africa

May

Lost Sock Memorial Day: May 9

06:20 AM | -

Why is it that when you put two socks in the dryer, often only one comes out? This puzzle has baffled man and woman for as long as we’ve worn socks, which is pretty much throughout human history, beginning in 700 BC. That’s a lot of lost socks! Today, honor those orphan socks by finding something to do with them. Some retailers will give discounts on new socks if you bring orphans in. Our favorite use? Stuffing them with catnip and letting the kitties rip! With dogs? Stuff them with an old tennis ball. Balls in bags are much easier to hurl if you’re light on the upper body strength. Plus, this makes for a great tug-of-war. Lost Sock Memorial Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa