All - Leep Calendar

National Polka Dot Day celebrates the fabric pattern of dots on a solid background. The term "polka dot" first appeared in Godey's Lady's Book in 1857, describing the pattern on a muslin scarf as "for light summer wear, surrounded by a scalloped edge, embroidered in rows of round polka dots." The word "polka" is a descriptor for Polish women. The pattern of dots on fabric hit its height in the 1930s and 1940s following its debut in Minnie Mouse's dress in 1926. Other popular culture references to the pattern include Marilyn Monroe's 1951 bikini, The song by Brian Hyland, "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," and the Marvel comic hero Polka Dot Man. For more on the history of polka dots, see https://www.thehairpin.com/2013/06/a-brief-history-of-polka-dots.

Africa

Jan

Rajab (M): January 22 - February 20

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Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic Calendar. The word 'Rajab' is a derivative of Rajaba, which means "to respect" in Arabic. Rajab is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic Calendar, during which warfare and battles are prohibited and considered blasphemous.

Africa

Jan

Roe-v-Wade Day (1973): January 22

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January 22, 1973, saw the landmark decision by the United States Court on Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. This ruling made abortion legal in the United States and gave women the choice of having a child if pregnant or ending the pregnancy. The ruling passed seven to two, upholding a right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, extending it to a woman's decision to have an abortion. It was a tricky decision because it needed to balance the state's two legitimate interests—protecting women's health and protecting the potentiality of human life. The court decided that a woman has a right to abort a pregnancy until fetal viability. Viability is defined as "potentially able to live outside of the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid." Today this is translated to 23 or 24 weeks, with medical advances making headway to shorten that period even further. Update: In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, forcing over half the women in the United States to live in states where the procedure is either banned or extremely limited. American cities and states will not know the full ramifications of this regression in women's rights for several years. Over the next decade, if it remains struck down, expect universities in states with bans to see a reduction in students applying and attending. Employers in these states will have difficulty attracting young workers, thus forcing a decline in home values and, therefore, the tax base. Reduced taxes impact other public services as younger workers seek states that protect their rights and place the value of a woman's life before the unborn. Those of childbearing age, particularly the educated and those with means, will choose to live where they can control their lives over locations where they cannot.

Africa

Jan

Saint Vincent's Day: January 22

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If the sun is shining today, viticulturists (winegrowers) rejoice. Legend states that if the sun is shining on Saint Vincent's Day, that year's grapes will yield excellent wine. Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a Spanish deacon, is the patron saint of viticulturists. Martyred for his faith on this day in 304 AD, January 22 is his feast day in the Roman Catholic tradition. Orthodox Christians celebrate it on November 11.

Africa

Jan

Sanctity of Human Life Day (1973): January 22

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Sanctity of Human Life Day in the United States symbolizes the sacredness of human life and is meant to fight for the lives of the unborn and against abortion. Today is the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling in the United States legalizing abortion. Sanctity of Human Life Day originated with President Reagan in 1984.

Africa

Jan

School Choice Week, Ntl.: January 22 - 28

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National School Choice Week is part of a movement to promote charter schools, homeschooling, vouchers for religious private schools, and public school privatization under the banner of choice. National School Choice Week first ran in 2011.

Africa

Jan

Snowmobile Safety & Awareness Week: January 22-29

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Snowmobile Safety & Awareness Week raises awareness about snowmobile safety. Promoted by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), snowmobile safety is a pressing issue, with over 1.2 million registered snowmobiles in the United States.

Africa

Jan

Ukrainian Day (UA)(1918): January 22

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On January 22, 1918, Ukraine proclaimed its independence from Russia. Freedom would last until 1921, when the Soviet Union took control of the country. In 1991 it regained its independence again. Beginning in February 2014, the region of Crimea fell under Russian occupation again. Russia invaded Ukraine again in February 2022. That war continues, with several eastern provinces currently occupied by Russia.

Africa

Jan

Us vs. HPV Prevention Week (US/CA): January 22-28

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The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), the American Head & Neck Society (AHNS), the Global Initiative Against HPV & Cervical Cancer, The American Cancer Society, and the World Health Organization are collaborating to educate North Americans about HPV. Us vs. HPV Prevention Week seeks to increase public and practitioner awareness of HPV, HPV-related diseases, and the importance of HPV vaccination. The Thursday of this week is set aside for education on Oropharyngeal Cancer in women. This event first ran in 2019.

Africa

Jan

Babinden (RU/BG): January 23

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Babinden is a traditional Bulgarian observance celebrated in Russia and known as the Day of the Midwives. At dawn, women, and children under three rise and head to the local well, where they draw water and infuse it with basil or geranium. Drinking the infusion, they make their way to the midwife's house, where she is bathed by the mothers and presented with a bouquet of geraniums tied in red and white ribbon. The ribbons symbolize a healthy child with rosy cheeks. The midwife removes the ribbons to secure a silver coin. Each coined ribbon then embellishes each child born with the midwife's help, along with a gift of new socks and shirts. Next, another pitcher of water is drawn, infused with basil or geraniums, and taken to the local church, where it is blessed. Mothers will use the blessed water a little bit each day to bathe for the next forty. At noon, the party returns to the midwife's house, where the mothers and their female relatives prepare a feast exclusively for women. Upon its conclusion, the town's men join the festivities, usually dressed as oxen and pulling a cart. Their job is to parade the midwife through the village. Should the men encounter any women, a fee to pass is paid. Babinden's elaborate customs celebrate motherhood and the essential services of midwifery. It's a celebration of life and an assurance that the midwife blesses each child during its first three years to ensure a long, healthy life.

Africa

Jan

Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championships, Intl. (US-CO): January 23 - February 1

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Organized by Breckenridge Brewery, the Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championships is an annual event in which teams worldwide compete in sculpting giant figures from 20 tons of ice. Attendees witness the fantastic skill and speed of the sculptors and see their majestic works. 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

Jan

Clean Out Your Inbox Weeks: January 23 - 27

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Clean Out Your Inbox Week is about getting rid of the clutter in your inbox, organizing what you need to keep, and starting the year fresh and new. Marsha Egan started this event in 2007.

Africa

Jan

Handwriting Day, Ntl. (1737): January 23

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National Handwriting Day celebrates the art of handwriting, be your script cute, elegant, beautiful, or doctor-like illegible. WIMA sponsors National Handwriting Day every year on the anniversary of John Hancock’s birthday, January 23, 1737. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and is famous for his large, bold signature.

Africa

Jan

Measure Your Feet Day: January 23

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Measure Your Feet Day commemorates how we measure feet, though why it is not on the birthday (May 16, 1903) of the device’s inventor or the day patent US1682366 was approved (August 28, 1928) or filed (November 4, 1925), or even his death (November 22, 1992) is unknown. There seems to be nothing significant about this date, historically. The Brannock Device® was revolutionary, simple to use, and increased the wear and comfort of shoes. Charles F. Brannock invented the device to attract more customers to his store. The US Army took notice in the 1940s, and it became the standard for determining shoe size and fit. We still use his invention today. Brannock was inducted into the Inventor’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Africa

Jan

Pie Day, Ntl.: January 23

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Created in 1975, National Pie Day celebrates the pastry called 'pie.' Cherry, apple, pumpkin, key lime, pecan, or mince; choose your favorite and have a slice today.

Africa