All - Leep Calendar

Focused on mental illness, Bell—Let's Talk was created in 2010 to raise awareness about the millions of Canadians struggling with mental illness and remove the stigma of discussing it. Bell—Let's Talk is also a national fundraising event for Bell Canada and its work in mental health.

Africa

Jan

Croissant Day, Ntl.: January 30

06:20 AM | -

National Croissant Day celebrates the airy pastry called the croissant. A popular legend says croissants first appeared in 1683 in Austria. At that time, the Ottoman Empire besieged Vienna, Austria. Austria outlast the siege. Tall tales suggest they celebrated victory over the Islamic empire with crescent-shaped pastries. Why a crescent? It's the symbol of Islam—or is it? Here's the problem with that legend. The crescent and star were not associated with Islam until the late 1700s when the Ottoman Empire emblazoned their flag with the symbol. Before that, there was no universal symbol for Islam like the cross or fish in Christianity. The Star of David, likewise, is not an ancient symbol for Judaism. The star was adopted by the Zionist movement at the turn of the last century and represents a political movement associated with the faith. The star and crescent exist on artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age (3300 BC to 1200 BC). It is found on Roman coins, within the symbols of the Knights Templar, and in various Christian iconography. So if the legend about 17th-century bakers in Austria is incorrect, where did croissants come from? Croissants are the children of a 13th-century bread called the Kipferi, a crusted yeast bread baked in a 3/4 circle. The baking style required to make a croissant incorporates layers of yeast bread with butter folded on each other, then twisted. This technique first appeared in the late 1830s in France at August Zang's Pastry shop in Paris, the Boulangerie Viennoise. Zang was Austrian, so Austria is part of the story. Zang took his light-layered creation and folded its ends toward each other, forming the now iconic crescent shape. By 1869, the croissant made its way to breakfast tables throughout France and had become a staple. The puff pastry received one more boost in popularity when Charles Dickens mentioned it in his periodical "All the Year Round" in 1872. Now you know the brief history of one of the world's favorite carbs, the croissant, and the origins of religious trademarks. With today being Croissant Day, why not indulge in one yourself?

Africa

Jan

Escape Day, Ntl.: January 30

06:20 AM | -

National Escape Day is your license to escape from what you are doing to do whatever you want to do. Situated at the end of January in the doldrums of winter, it is also the perfect time to plan your next vacation. Where would you like to be right now? Skiing down a mountain? Sailing Croatia? Basking in Bali? Today is your day to plan your escape and live it—even if it is only within your mind. There are many ways to celebrate this day, but the most important thing is to have fun.

Africa

Jan

Inane Answering Message Day, Ntl.: January 30

06:20 AM | -

Inane Answering Message Day eradicates the earth of boring electronic greetings and spicing things up—brought to you by the people at Wellcat.

Africa

Jan

Kings Birthday, (JO)(1962): January 30

06:20 AM | -

The King's Birthday in Jordan marks King Abdullah II's birth on January 30, 1962. The King's Birthday is a national holiday.

Africa

Jan

Tropical Diseases Day, World Neglected: January 30

06:20 AM | -

Beginning in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) created World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day to raise awareness and resources to treat and prevent many tropical diseases. From WHO "Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of 20 conditions1 that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they mostly affect impoverished communities and disproportionately affect women and children. These diseases cause devastating health, social and economic consequences to more than one billion people. The epidemiology of NTDs is complex and often related to environmental conditions. Many are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs, and are associated with complex life cycles. All these factors make their public-health control challenging. ------------------------------------- 1. NTDs include: Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, dengue and chikungunya, dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease), echinococcosis, foodborne trematodiases, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), leishmaniasis, leprosy (Hansen’s disease), lymphatic filariasis, mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses, onchocerciasis (river blindness), rabies, scabies and other ectoparasitoses, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, snakebite envenoming, taeniasis/cysticercosis, trachoma, and yaws and other endemic treponematoses."

Africa

Jan

Cape Town Met (ZA): January 31

06:20 AM | -

The Cape Town Met, formerly known as the Sun Met, is one of South Africa's most prestigious horse races and a significant event on the country's sporting calendar. The race was first run in 1883, making it one of the oldest horse racing events in South Africa. Over the years, it has attracted some of the country's best horses and jockeys, becoming a highly anticipated annual event. The Sun Met is held at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, South Africa. Kenilworth is one of the oldest racecourses in the country, with a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Race Details The Sun Met is a thoroughbred horse race run over 2,000 meters (about 1.25 miles) on turf. It's open to horses that are at least three years old. The race is a weight-for-age competition, meaning that horses carry different weights based on age and sex, allowing for a more level playing field. Prize Money The Sun Met is known for its lucrative prize money, making it one of the richest horse races in South Africa. The total prize pool can vary yearly but has reached several million South African Rand in recent editions. Event and Fashion The Sun Met is not only about horse racing; it's a glamorous social event attended by celebrities, socialites, and horse racing enthusiasts. Every year, the event has a different theme, reflected in everything from the décor to the fashion. Attendees dress according to the theme, making it a vibrant and colorful spectacle. Sponsorship The race has seen various sponsors over the years, with Sun International, a prominent hotel and casino entertainment company, being the recent title sponsor. The sponsorship has added to the glitz and glamour of the event, further elevating its status within South Africa's sporting and social scene. Winners and Legacy The Sun Met has been won by some of South Africa's most legendary horses and jockeys. Winning the race is a significant achievement in South African horse racing, often leading to recognition on the international stage. Conclusion The Sun Met is more than just a horse race; it celebrates South African culture, fashion, and sporting excellence. Its rich history and tradition continue to be a highlight of the South African horse racing calendar, attracting attention from horse racing enthusiasts and socialites alike.

Africa

Jan

Idiotarod, (Multiple Dates/Cities): January 31*

06:20 AM | -

Urban Idiotarods or—Idiot-a-rod—are urban shopping cart races that receive their name from the Iditarod, the 1,000-mile dog-sledding race in Alaska. The storied Iditarod wasn't amused and sued, so it became the Idiotarodorama NYC in New York City. Idiotarods are a funny tradition in which five "idiots" are harassed to a grocery shopping cart/trolley and run through the streets of a city. Sabotage is permitted and encouraged, prompting people to trip each other, throw items and topple obstacles. The event is quite amusing. The first Idiotarod took place in San Francisco in 1994. Still, today you can take part in an Idiotarod in Ann Arbor, Asheville, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Iowa City, New York City, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Washington, D.C., with new cities added every year. The actual date in each city may vary. The date posted is for the New York City event. Image by Erin of Oregon City from the 2008 Idiotarod in Portland, Oregon, via https://www.flickr.com/people/49096113@N00

Africa

Jan

Magha Puja (B)(531 BC): January 31

06:20 AM | -

CELEBRATING THE BUDDHA: MAGHA PUJA Magha Puja, also known as Makha Bucha Day, is one of the most significant festivals in the Buddhist calendar, celebrated primarily in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This observance commemorates a pivotal event in the Buddha's life and embodies the Buddhist faith's core principles. The history of Magha Puja dates back over 2,500 years to an auspicious gathering known as the Fourfold Assembly. According to Buddhist tradition, on the full moon day of the third lunar month, 1,250 enlightened monks spontaneously gathered to pay homage to the Buddha at the Veluvana Bamboo Grove in Rajagaha, India. This assembly, remarkable for its size and spontaneity, led the Buddha to deliver the Ovada Patimokkha, a summary of his core teachings, including the essence of Buddhism: to cease from all evil, to do what is good, and to cleanse one's mind. The importance of Magha Puja lies in its reflection of the Buddha's teachings and the principles of harmony and unity within the monastic community. It is a day for Buddhists to reaffirm their commitment to righteousness, ethical conduct, and mental purification. Customs and features of Magha Puja vary, but several vital practices are commonly observed: —Candlelight Processions: One of the most visually striking aspects of Magha Puja is the evening candlelight procession. Devotees gather at temples, holding candles, incense sticks, and flowers, and walk around the main shrine or stupa three times in a clockwise direction. Each circuit represents a fundamental element of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (monastic community). —Offering Alms: In the morning, Buddhists offer alms to monks, including food, robes, and other necessities. This act of generosity, known as Dana, is a crucial practice in Buddhism, reinforcing the principles of charity and detachment from material possessions. —Meditation and Chanting: Devotees engage in meditation sessions and chant Buddhist scriptures, focusing on mindfulness and cultivating inner peace. Temples often hold special ceremonies and prayers, drawing large congregations of monks and laypeople. —Listening to Sermons: Monks deliver sermons that recount the events of the Fourfold Assembly and expound on the Buddha's teachings. These discourses are intended to inspire and guide practitioners in their spiritual journey. Magha Puja's significance extends beyond religious observance. It is a time for Buddhists to reflect on their spiritual progress and renew their commitment to living a life of virtue and mindfulness. The festival fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to honor the Buddha's legacy. In contemporary society, Magha Puja also serves as a cultural touchstone, preserving and promoting Buddhist traditions and values. The celebration's emphasis on peace, compassion, and ethical living resonates deeply in a world often characterized by division and conflict, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Buddha's teachings.

Africa

Jan

Seed Swap Day, Ntl.: January 31

06:20 AM | -

Seed swapping is an ancient tradition going back thousands of years. It allows farmers to diversify their crops and saves money. Throughout the nation, seed swaps take place. See the website for a Seed Swapping Day location near you. The date may vary by location. Seed categories are as follows: woodies, edibles, herbs, perennials, annuals, and exotics.

Africa

Jan

Backward Day: January 31

06:20 AM | -

Backward Day is an organic celebration with no sponsor, celebrated worldwide. The basic concept of today? Do everything in reverse. Eat dessert first. Call people by their last names. Read a book back to front. Back into your parking space. See how many palindromes you can identify (words spelled the same forward and back). You get the idea! Historically there is something called "Backwards Day," but there is no specific reason for designating January 31 to observe it. The original Backwards Day occurred in the Julian Calendar (45BC-1582), the predecessor of the modern Gregorian calendar. Day one of the Gregorian calendar is October 15, 1582 (though it would be the mid-1700s before it became the standard in Europe and the rest of the world). Because the Sun's rotation around the earth is just shy of 365 days, the way the Roman's dealt with this was to shift the calendar backward one day every 128 years. With the rise of Christianity, this became a problem. The vernal equinox determines Easter, and over centuries, the Julian calendar caused the vernal equinox to move backward by ten days. With its leap year every four years, the Gregorian calendar solved this problem. The Gregorian calendar also assured that the vernal equinox would always fall at the same time every year.

Africa

Jan

Bug Busting Day, Ntl. (UK): January 31

06:20 AM | -

National Bug Busting Day occurs three times per year in the United Kingdom: January, June, and October. It is a concentrated effort to stem the tide of lice infections within schools and the general population. Through the registered charity Community Hygiene Concern, the government teaches parents, educators, and pharmacists how to detect and stop the spread of head lice and provides affordable Bug Busting kits. Community Bug Busting Days were started by the late Dr. RJ Donaldson, affectionately known as Paddy. Dr. Donaldson demonstrated in the 1970s that an intensive detection/treatment campaign dramatically cut the prevalence of head lice. He was the tireless mentor of the Bug Busting Days organized by Community Hygiene Concern, taking a personal interest from 1986 in our development of wet detection methods in preference to less effective dry or damp methods. Today Bug Busting Days are organized in partnership with the Department of Health. Lice are a big problem in schools. Once they infect an individual, these parasites can be very difficult to get rid of. The following are some facts: The eggs of head lice usually take seven to ten days to hatch. Combing dry or damp hair with a fine-tooth comb is not a reliable way to detect lice. Metal combs are not suitable for louse detection because these combs are primarily nit combs. Lice caught between the tightly spaced teeth remain unnoticed against the metal and can be combed back into the hair unharmed at subsequent strokes. No studies prove that wet head lice grasp hairs more tightly, thus hampering their removal with a fine-tooth comb. Head-to-head contact is not necessary to catch lice—close contact is enough. Head lice are a community problem. Approximately 20% of head lice cases occur in people over 16 or under four years old.

Africa

Jan

Hot Chocolate Day, Ntl: January 31*

06:20 AM | -

What better way to warm up a cold winter day than with hot chocolate? National Hot Chocolate Day is embraced by many restaurants, confectioners, and fast food restaurants throughout the nation. At many, you'll find free hot chocolate by purchasing something.

Africa

Jan

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day: January 31

06:20 AM | -

Today is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, which celebrates art in all shapes and forms and its effect on our hearts and soul. Take a moment on this day to appreciate your favorite piece of art or create a new one. Look at it, think about it, feel it; that's how we celebrate Inspire Your Heart with Art Day.

Africa

Jan

Lughnasadh, South: January 31 - February 1

06:20 AM | -

Lughnasadh is a pagan festival celebrated during the peak of summer in August in the northern hemisphere and in February in the southern hemisphere. Lughnasadh is Irish Gaelic for "Commemoration of Lugh," which can have two meanings, marriage or the gathering of the crops, both celebrated with feasting and dancing. In contemporary times, the festival of Lughnasadh has also grown to celebrate love and marriage.

Africa