All - Leep Calendar

First Foot Day, Scottish in origin, celebrates the first foot to cross the threshold of a home on New Year’s Day. This person is the bringer of good fortune for the coming year. According to tradition, not every first foot can be the harbinger of fortune. He must be a tall, dark-haired gentleman. And the fair-haired gentlemen among us? Wait until the next day to venture out. The superstition considers his arrival as the first, lousy luck for the new year. Hey, it’s a superstition. It doesn’t have to make sense or be politically correct!

Africa

Jan

Foundation Days, (TW)(1912): January 1-2

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FOUNDATION DAYS IN TAIWAN THE ISLAND'S UNIQUE HISTORY Foundations Day in Taiwan marks a moment of reflection on the island's storied past and its development into the vibrant democracy it is today. While Taiwan does not have a national holiday explicitly called "Foundations Day," it often looks to January 1, 1912, as a significant historical marker. On that day, the Republic of China (ROC) was established following the Xinhai Revolution, overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and ending more than two millennia of imperial rule in China. This event set the stage for the ROC to become one of the earliest republics in Asia. THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen, often hailed as the "Father of the Nation" in Taiwan, proclaimed the founding of the Republic of China in Nanjing. The establishment of the ROC was a bold statement of modernity and reform in the early 20th century. It aimed to replace the monarchy with a government based on democratic principles inspired by Western ideals. However, the early years of the ROC were marred by internal strife, warlordism, and external conflicts, delaying its consolidation as a unified government. Taiwan's unique and contested status arose from the complex geopolitics of World War II and the Chinese Civil War. For centuries, Taiwan's Indigenous peoples were governed under various regimes, including Dutch colonists, Qing China, and Japan, which annexed the island in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan remained under Japanese control until 1945, when Japan surrendered in World War II, and the island was handed to the ROC. Following Japan's defeat, the Chinese Civil War resumed between the ROC government and Mao Zedong's communist forces. By 1949, the communists established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the ROC, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan. This split created a long-standing dispute over Taiwan's sovereignty. The PRC claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan sees itself as a self-governing democracy. A DEMOCRATIC ISLAND Today, Taiwan operates under a multi-party democracy with a presidential system. Its government includes an elected president, a legislature, and independent judiciary branches. Taiwan has become a global economic and technological powerhouse, primarily through semiconductor manufacturing. Despite its success, Taiwan faces diplomatic challenges, as only a handful of nations officially recognize it due to pressure from the PRC. PERSISTING CONTROVERSY Taiwan's contested status stems from differing interpretations of its sovereignty. The PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to pursue "reunification," while Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state. The international community remains divided, with many nations adhering to a "One China" policy. However, many maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan. Foundations Day serves as a reminder of the island's turbulent yet inspiring journey. It underscores Taiwan's resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic principles in the face of ongoing political and geopolitical challenges. For its people, the legacy of January 1, 1912, and the formation of the ROC are enduring symbols of a quest for self-determination and modern governance in the region, reassuring them about their country's values.

Africa

Jan

Global Family Day: January 1

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GLOBAL FAMILY DAY OFFERS A FRESH START AND UNITY The United Nations’ Millennium celebration inspired Global Family Day in 2000 and the follow-up initiative “One Day In Peace.” Global Family Day officially launched in 2001 as a grassroots observance rooted in the idea that the world is one large extended family. It calls on individuals to begin each year by fostering goodwill, resolving conflicts, and recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity across cultures, borders, and beliefs. Primarily observed in the United States, the day has slowly gained international traction as advocates encourage people to set aside differences and celebrate what unites rather than divides. Families and communities mark the day with shared meals, charitable acts, and conversations about building a more compassionate, cooperative world. Global Family Day offers a symbolic and practical reminder that collective healing and collaboration must start at the personal level in an era defined by global crises- from climate change to conflict and displacement. As people everywhere commit to individual resolutions and fresh starts, the holiday provides a chance to include peace-building and global kinship on the list. Global Family Day complements the United Nations’ International Day of Families, observed each May 15, which focuses on the importance of family units in social development. Both days remind the world that while families come in many forms, the planet itself may be the most important one we share.

Africa

Jan

Hangover Day: January 1

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After drinking a lot of alcohol on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day is traditionally considered "Hangover Day." A hangover is experienced after excessive alcohol consumption and includes a range of symptoms: 1. Headache 2. Fatigue 3. Nausea 4. Dizziness 5. Sensitivity to light and sound 6. Mood disturbances 7, Depression 8. Anxiety The severity and duration of a hangover can vary greatly depending on the individual and the amount and type of alcohol consumed. WHY WE GET HANGOVERS Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes the production of urine, leading to dehydration, one of the primary causes of hangover symptoms. Additionally, the liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that contributes to the feeling of nausea and headache. As the body works to metabolize and eliminate these substances, the individual experiences the unpleasant symptoms associated with a hangover. Finally, congeners, a chemical by-product found in dark liquors, including whiskey and red wine, can exacerbate hangover symptoms. HOW TO GET RID OF A HANGOVER To alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, experts recommend several strategies. Rehydration combats the diuretic effects of alcohol. Drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages can help restore the body's fluid balance. Consuming food can also assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels disrupted by alcohol consumption. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, treat headaches and muscle aches; acetaminophen should be avoided as it can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, so allowing the body extra rest can aid in the healing process. Ginger tea for nausea or honey, with its fructose content, helps metabolize alcohol more quickly. Essentially, alleviating a hangover involves rehydration, eating, taking certain pain relievers, getting plenty of rest, and considering natural remedies. Though January 1 is traditionally a hangover day since Julius Cesar declared the first New Year's Day in 45 BC, patrons of the Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas, Keegan Calligar and Marlo Anderson claimed the day and moniker in 2015.

Africa

Jan

Independence Day, (HT)(1804): January 1

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Independence Day in Haiti marks the anniversary of January 1, 1804, when the people declared their independence from France. Independence Da is a national holiday.

Africa

Jan

Independence Day, (SU)(1956): January 1

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INDEPENDENCE DAY IN SUDAN Sudan’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on January 1, marks the day in 1956 when the country officially gained its sovereignty from British and Egyptian rule. The historic event came after decades of colonial administration and a growing nationalist movement that sought to unite Sudan's diverse population under an independent government. The roots of Sudan's independence can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the fall of the Mahdist State in 1898, Sudan became a condominium governed jointly by Britain and Egypt. Despite this dual authority, Britain held the dominant role in the administration of the territory. The colonial government implemented policies that emphasized regional and ethnic divisions, particularly between the northern and southern parts of the country.By the 1940s, Sudanese leaders began to organize politically, advocating for greater autonomy and eventual independence. The formation of political parties such as the Umma Party and the National Unionist Party (NUP) reflected the growing desire for self-rule. These movements gained momentum after World War II, as global decolonization efforts inspired Sudanese activists.Negotiations for independence began in earnest in the early 1950s, culminating in an agreement for self-determination. In December 1955, the Sudanese parliament unanimously passed a resolution declaring independence. On January 1, 1956, the Republic of Sudan was formally established, and the Sudanese flag was raised in Khartoum, replacing the Union Jack.The first years of independence were marked by challenges, including managing the country's vast ethnic and cultural diversity and addressing inequalities between the north and south. These issues would later contribute to prolonged periods of civil conflict. Nevertheless, Sudanese Independence Day remains a symbol of national pride and a testament to the resilience and determination of its people.Each year, the day is commemorated with parades, cultural performances, and public gatherings, celebrating the rich heritage of Sudan and its journey to self-rule. It serves as both a reflection of the country’s historical struggles and a reminder of the ongoing efforts to build unity and progress.

Africa

Jan

Liberation Day, (CU)(1899/1959): January 1

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Liberation Day in Cuba marks the anniversary of January 1, 1959, the day the government of Batista was overthrown by rebels headed by Fidel Castro. It also marks January 1, 1899, the anniversary of the end of Spanish rule over the island, and liberation Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jan

Mummers Parade (US-PA): January 1

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Attracting over 100,000 people annually, the Mummers Parade is a 120-year-old+ tradition featuring over 10,000 men, women, and children dressed in ostentatious costumes twirling, sashaying, pirouetting, and strutting down the city's main streets. Mummers are men and women of all ages who belong to more than 40 organized clubs that make up the parade participants. The clubs split into five categories — Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and the Fancy Brigades — function mainly to stage their lively performances on New Year's Day and at other events throughout the year. Mummery is a Philadelphia tradition spanning generations and originated in ancient Rome. Then laborers celebrated Saturnalia by marching in masks, exchanging gifts, and making light of the day's issues. Read more at: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/the-mummers-parade.

Africa

Jan

New Year's Day: January 1

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Today is the first day of the year worldwide, and it is a national holiday in most countries. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year's foods, making resolutions for the New Year, and watching fireworks displays. The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. Emperor Julius Caesar (July 13, 100 BC - March 15, 44 BC) instituted January 1 as the first day of the year to honor the month's namesake, Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. Janus is depicted with two faces, allowing him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Caesar developed the Julian Calendar, which became the calendar of commerce until 1752, when the Gregorian Calendar, created by Pope Gregory XIII, was adopted by the British Empire as the international standard. Up until then, March 25 had been its New Year's Day. The difference in the two calendars is 11 minutes and 14 seconds, which eventually puts summer in winter and winter in summer over decades. Pope Gregory added a leap day every four years to compensate for the additional time it takes the sun to go around the earth. Why change? Predominantly, Easter didn't fall in the middle of winter and would always occur in the spring. Fun fact: When Britain instituted the calendar in 1752, they had a problem. There were 11 too many days in the calendar. How did they solve this? In 1752 the month of September lost 11 days, going from September 2 to September 14 in twenty-four hours. Imagine the number of people who over-indulged in alcohol the night of the 2nd and suddenly woke up 11 days later the next morning! Oh my!

Africa

Jan

New Years Celebration (RU): January 1-2

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Es Novim Godom! Russians celebrate the new year in style with a two-day national holiday. Hey, it's a big country! One day is not enough. Traditions include: Family gatherings. Dancing. Special foods to mark the new year. The erection of the annual New Year's Tree in homes and public buildings throughout the nation. This tradition grew from the communist ban on Christmas trees beginning in 1935.

Africa

Jan

Peace, World Day of: January 1

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World Day of Peace falls on the first of the year and encourages all of humanity to pause and think about a world entirely at peace. Each of us can contribute on a personal level, such as making peace with a friend or relative, ending a potentially violent quarrel in a non-violent way, or simply teaching a child to treat others with respect.

Africa

Jan

Polar Bear Plunge Day: January 1

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Using New Year's Day to engage in Polar Bear Plunge Day plays on an international tradition, where (brave?) people wade into or dive into icy waters on the first day of the year. It symbolizes starting anew, washing off the old year, and braving the new one with resilience, a physically challenging act and a communal celebration of endurance. The quirky ritual is popular worldwide. Plunging began as a joke to cure hangovers; now, the event is a significant charity fundraiser. The first official Polar Bear Plunge began with the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in the United States. The organization was founded in 1903 by Bernarr Macfadden, a health enthusiast who believed that cold water is a tonic for one's vitality, virility, and immunity. The club started the New Year's Day swim tradition, which has continued for over a century, drawing crowds of enthusiastic participants each year. In Scotland, the tradition is called Loony Dook; in The Netherlands, the tradition is Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year's Dive) at Scheveningen Beach in The Hague. The Dutch started this tradition in the 1960s, and in Canada, people have been plunging into the chilly waters of the River Forth on January 1 since 1986.

Africa

Jan

Pray for Peace, World Day to (C): January 1

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On New Year's Day, Catholics come together and pray for world peace, and the Pope sets the topic of the annual prayer in December.

Africa

Jan

Public Domain Day (1790): January 1

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Public Domain Day celebrates intellectual property such as copyrighted works by legendary authors and other creatives who have passed on or donated their artistry to the creative commons. Public domain works are available to anyone who wants to use or read them, free of charge. These classic works often become the building blocks for new art and creations while inspiring the hearts and minds of each new generation. Copyrights are annual. January 1 each year is the day when new blocks of the world's knowledge, information, and beauty become freely available as copyright protection expires on the works of those who have passed on. President George Washington signed the Copyright Act on May 31, 1790.

Africa

Jan

Saint Basil's Day (C) (379 AD): January 1

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January 1 is recognized as Saint Basil's Day by several Christian denominations. St. Basil is said to have been born in central Turkey and is famous for his intellectual brilliance, care for the poor, and rules he created for monastic life. St. Basil's Day is celebrated with gifts, carols, and other customs intended to bring good fortune in the new year. The event marks the anniversary of his death, January 1, 379AD.

Africa