All - Leep Calendar

World Friendship Day is officially recognized on March 1 each year by the United States Senate and other governing bodies worldwide. It encourages people to get to know one another better because, as former US President Jimmy Carter once observed, "International friendship is a powerful antidote to war." On World Friendship Day, Friendship Force International also invites you to make a difference in your community by taking part in special initiatives in the name of global friendship.

Africa

Mar

Friday the 13th: March 13

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Friday the 13th is an unlucky day in Western superstition, and it occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday in the Gregorian calendar. The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion in which there were 13 individuals present in the upper room on the 13th of Nisan (Maundy Thursday), the night before his death on Good Friday. While there is evidence of Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two being referred to as incredibly unfortunate before the 19th century. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid doing business, taking flights, or even getting out of bed. An estimated US$800 to $900 million is lost in business on Friday the 13th, although no scientific evidence exists.

Africa

Mar

French Language Day, Intl.(1970): March 20

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French is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. March 20, 1970, marks the day the International Organization of La Francophonie came into existence. Their objective is to promote humanist values and the French language internationally. The other official languages of the United Nations are English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.

Africa

Mar

Freelancer's Day, Ntl.: March 13

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FREELANCERS GET ANOTHER DAY NATIONAL FREELANCERS DAY Robinhood in March 2023 declared National Freelancers Day on the second Friday in March. The initiative was part of the fintech company's broader effort to design financial products tailored to the self-employed, including a new IRA with a one percent annual match on eligible contributions. Robinhood stated its reason for the event as "there hasn't been a day dedicated to the United States freelance community, until now." "Hasn't been..." isn't entirely true. Boutique advertising agency Madison Worldwide LLC created International Freelancer Awareness Day on September 15 in 2018. Dorothy Zjawin's Freelance Writers Appreciation Week has been a February tradition since the aughts. Finally, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed in the United Kingdom has been holding its annual National Freelance Day in June for over 10 years. There are also several small business owner and entrepreneur days throughout the year. Why not have one more freelancer day in the year? Robinhood states its purpose is to raise awareness of the economic importance of gig workers, highlight their challenges—like lack of paid leave and retirement plans—and promote their new financial tools built for this segment of the workforce. Freelancers collectively contribute about $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy and typically lack recognition and benefits associated with traditional employment, such as paid time off and employer‑matched retirement savings. Becoming a Freelancer Freelancers are self‑employed individuals who contract out their skills or services—with no employment relationship. Common fields include writing, graphic design, programming, rideshare driving, consulting, and creative or technical services. Becoming a freelancer typically involves identifying your skill or service, marketing it via freelancing platforms or direct outreach, setting your rates, and managing your scheduling, client relationships, and business logistics. Advantages and Disadvantages of Freelancing ON THE PLUS SIDE —Flexibility in schedule and location —Autonomy over projects and rates —Ability to follow a passion or niche —Potential for higher hourly rewards ON THE MINUS SIDE —Income instability—no guaranteed pay —Isolation or inconsistent workload —Administrative burden—taxes, marketing, invoicing —Lack of benefits—no health insurance, PTO, employer‑matched retirement Freelancers enjoy professional freedom and flexible hours, and they may earn more per hour in some fields. However, they must navigate unpredictable income and manage their own benefits, taxes and client acquisition. National Freelancers Day boosts awareness and appreciation of the work done by freelancers. Freelancing offers independence and the chance to pursue passion projects—but it also carries risks and demands careful planning.

Africa

Mar

French Bread Day: March 21

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French language, French style, French food, French fries, French bread - what is there not to love about anything French? French Bread Day celebrates one of the world's favorite styles of bread. French bread is defined by its lack of fats and strict adherence to old-world craftsmanship, and it uses no fats in its baking. It is simple: flour, yeast, salt, and water. In 1993 the government of France passed the French Bread Law to ensure French bread never includes anything you don't want in it, like preservatives, chemicals, and fat. Celebrate today by picking up a fresh loaf of traditional French bread.

Africa

Mar

Freedom of Information Day, Ntl. (1751): March 16

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Freedom of Information (FOI) Day is an annual event on or near March 16, the birthday of James Madison. Madison is widely regarded as the Father of the US Constitution and the foremost advocate for government transparency. Freedom of Information Day is hosted annually by the First Amendment Center. It includes a conference in partnership with the American Library Association, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, OMB Watch, OpenTheGovernment.org, and the National Security Archive at George Washington University. The event is also part of the annual Sunshine Week Initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee.

Africa

Mar

Fraud Prevention Month, Intl.: March

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Fraud Prevention Month began in Canada. Thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life are defrauded yearly. Recognizing fraud is the first step to better protecting yourself. Fraudsters are professional criminals who rely on some basic techniques to be successful. These include: 1) Developing professional-looking marketing materials. 2) Provide believable answers to your challenging questions. 3) Impersonating government agencies, legitimate businesses, websites, charities, and causes. 4) Pretending to be your ordinary supplier. 5) Hiding the valid details in the fine print. 6) Preying on vulnerable people, including those needing help with loans or finding employment. 7) Asking for fees in advance of promised services. 8) Threatening legal action to collect on alleged contracts. 9) Falsely claiming affiliation with reliable sources, including supporting or endorsing their products/services where none exist. These criminals often exchange victim lists with other fraudsters, opening up victims to repeated attempts. During Fraud Prevention Month, Canadians learn how to protect themselves and their families from those seeking to steal. The United States and other countries also have a Fraud Prevention Week in March. In Canada, it is a month-long event, and it is rapidly gaining popularity.

Africa

Mar

Fraternity Day of Service (1904): March 2

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Fraternity Day of Service encourages all chapters and alumnae organizations to host or participate in a literacy service event in their communities. Furthermore, this event always occurs on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Pi Beta Phi holds Fraternity Day of Service with the highest regard and places immense importance on its celebration. Some ways to get involved and spread the cause are donating books, reading with children, and connecting with other chapters and organizations.

Africa

Mar

Francophonie Week, Intl.: March 15-21

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French is the second most studied language in the world with its speakers referred to as Francophonie. Francophonie Day went from a single day to a week in 2017 and changed its name to National French Week or International Francophonie Week. The term 'francophonie' was coined by French essayist Onésime Reclus in 1880 as he was trying to describe the geographic areas of the world where French is spoken. The International Day of Francophonie will be celebrated by about half a billion Francophones worldwide. This event began in 1998 as a way for the then-49 members of La Francophonie to celebrate their bond via the French language. French is often described as the language of love, and there was a time when French was the most widely spoken language on earth, and it continues to be the unofficial second language of diplomacy. Oui, oui!

Africa

Mar

Fragrance Week, Intl.: March 16-22

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International Fragrance Week, organized by The Fragrance Foundation, is a global celebration dedicated to fragrances' art, craft, and history. This week-long event, typically observed in March, brings fragrance enthusiasts, brands, and creators together to honor and explore the diverse world of perfumery. The Fragrance Foundation, established in 1949, has been instrumental in promoting the fragrance industry. The idea for an International Fragrance Week emerged from the Foundation's efforts to educate the public about scent's artistry and recognize the fragrance industry's cultural and economic importance. The week features various events, including new fragrance launches, promotions, and educational content to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of fragrance. MOST POPULAR NOTES IN PERFUMES When discussing notes in fragrances, these can vary widely depending on cultural preferences, trends, and individual tastes. However, some classic notes have remained consistently popular over time. These include: Floral Notes: Like rose, jasmine, and lavender, they are often found at the heart of many perfumes and are beloved for their natural, sweet, and romantic qualities. Citrus Notes: Citrus notes such as lemon, bergamot, and orange are refreshing and uplifting and commonly used in lighter fragrances. Woody Notes: These notes provide a warm and earthy base to many fragrances, including sandalwood and cedarwood. Oriental Notes: Spices like vanilla, musk, and cinnamon, known for their rich and exotic scents, fall under this category. Fragrance use dates back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest recorded use being in Mesopotamia and Egypt. These early fragrances were often made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices and were used in religious rituals, as personal scents, and for medicinal purposes. PERFUME, EAU DE TOILETTE, COLOGNE, AND OUD—WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Understanding the difference between perfume, cologne, eau de toilette, and oud is crucial in the world of fragrances: Perfume (Parfum): This has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically between 20-30%, making it last the longest on the skin. Eau de Toilette: Contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils, usually around 5-15%, and is therefore lighter and suitable for everyday wear. Cologne (Eau de Cologne): Originally a light, citrus-based fragrance from Cologne, Germany, it now refers to fragrances with about 2-4% perfume oils in alcohol and water. It's lighter than eau de toilette and is often used in fragrances marketed to men. Oud: A specific fragrance ingredient derived from the tropical agar tree, known for its rich and complex scent. It is used in various perfume concentrations and is common in Middle Eastern perfumery. International Fragrance Week celebrates the sensory experience of fragrances but also highlights their historical and cultural significance. Through this event, The Fragrance Foundation aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the intricate art of perfumery and its impact on our lives.

Africa

Mar

Fragrance Day, Ntl (UK/US): March 21

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The English word "perfume" comes from the Latin term "per fumus," meaning "through the smoke." The name may have something to do with incense, burning dried matter to scent the air, which was and is a part of many religious rituals. Perfume has existed since around 2000 BC, receiving attribution in the book of Exodus in The Bible. Cleopatra, a queen of Egypt, was reported to bathe in aromatic oils. Deodorant and antiperspirants would not exist until the eighth century AD; perfumes often masqued unpleasant smells, chased away evil spirits, or were dabbed on to attract a mate. The first perfume factory is believed to have existed in Cyprus approximately 4000 years ago. During the golden age of Islam (800-1200s AD), perfuming oneself with oud (scented oils) was elevated. The Qur'an instructs men of the Islamic faith to fully bathe each Friday and apply scent if available. When the Qur'an was written in the seventh century, bathing regularly was a luxury for most people. With this instruction, scenting spaces and people became an art. Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, in 1370 AD, had the first modern perfume created by combining alcohol, oils, and fragrance for personal use. The Christian world would need to wait until the Renaissance to discover the potential of the fragrance world. It would arrive through Arabic traders and become an industry through Catherine de Medici in the 16th century. France became the center of scents in the 17th century. A luxury, typically only the wealthy and nobility could afford to purchase perfumes. Americans would create a less expensive version in the 19th century, mixing scents in water and calling it Cologne. Eu de Parfum and Eu de Toilette are additional iterations, with toilette being the lowest quality and concentration of the actual scent. The addition of water makes the scent affordable. National Fragrance Day is observed in the United Kingdom (sponsored there by the Fragrance Foundation) and in the United States (no sponsor). It falls on the most fragrant day of the year, the first day of spring.

Africa

Mar

Forgive Your Parents Day: March 18

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This day reflects on whether it's worth continuing a strained relationship with one's parents or instead 'letting it go' and enjoy as much time we have with them as possible. Is there a parent alive who has not made mistakes? We're all human, even our parents. Today is the day to let go and let live.

Africa

Mar

Forests Day, Intl. Day of: March 21

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International Day of the Forests first ran in 2013. From the United Nations: "Forests cover one-third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions worldwide. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food, and shelter. Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects. Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The International Day of Forests is held annually on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security. Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations." To read the whole background, go to: http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/background.shtml.

Africa

Mar

Folklife Festival, San Antonio (US-TX): March 28-29 (est)

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Located on the grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures on the UTSA Hemisfair Campus, the three-day event showcases the Lone Star State's diversity and rich heritage through a wide variety of ethnic food, music, dance, arts, and crafts. 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

Mar

Food Waste Action Week (UK): March 9-13

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Food Waste Action Week in the United Kingdom is a significant campaign aimed at tackling the issue of food waste, a growing concern with substantial environmental implications. Launched by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK-based charity and advisory body, this initiative seeks to raise awareness about the impact of food waste and encourage actions to reduce it. The history of Food Waste Action Week began with WRAP's commitment to environmental and sustainability issues. Recognizing that household food waste contributes significantly to carbon emissions, WRAP initiated this annual event to educate the public and promote change. The week focuses on providing practical tips and strategies for households to minimize food waste, thereby reducing their environmental footprint. During Food Waste Action Week, homeowners are encouraged to focus on key areas in their homes where food waste commonly occurs: Refrigerator: Often the primary site for food waste, the fridge should be regularly monitored. Keeping it organized, understanding how to store different foods properly, and regular checks for items nearing expiration dates can significantly reduce waste. Pantry and Cupboards: Arrange dry goods and canned items in pantries and cupboards so that older items are used first. Clear labeling can prevent overbuying and waste. Freezer: Freezing food can extend its life, but it's important to label and date frozen items and rotate them to ensure they are used before becoming freezer-burned. Meal Planning and Shopping Lists: Planning meals in advance and creating shopping lists can reduce impulsive buys that often lead to excess and unconsumed food. Portion Control: Cooking and serving appropriate portion sizes helps reduce leftovers. Composting: For unavoidable waste like vegetable peelings and eggshells, composting is an effective way to recycle these items back into the garden instead of sending them to landfills. Understanding Expiration Dates: Educating about the difference between 'use-by,' 'sell-by,' and 'best before' dates can help make informed food safety and usability decisions. Food Waste Action Week is about raising awareness and driving real change in behaviors at the household level. By focusing on these key areas, homeowners can play a crucial role in reducing food waste, contributing to the broader goal of environmental conservation and sustainability. This initiative underscores the importance of individual action in tackling global issues like food waste and climate change.

Africa