All - Leep Calendar

Created in 1981 by Joan White, Joygerm Day is a play on words (Joy + Germ). The holidays are over, and it's time to "infect the world with kindness, courtesy, civility, encouragement, respect and responsibility," in other words, spread the joy. It is infectious!

Africa

Jan

JRR Tolkien Day (1892): January 3

06:20 AM | -

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Tolkien is the father of modern fantasy literature. The professor's most famous works are the Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion, and all are still read and loved worldwide. Celebrate each January 3 at 9 pm by raising a toast for the professor.

Africa

Jan

Juan Pablo Duarte Day, (DO)(1813): January 26

06:20 AM | -

Juan Pablo Duarte, born on January 26, 1813, in Santo Domingo, is a revered figure in Dominican history, often hailed as the father of Dominican independence. He was known for his fervent dedication to liberating his homeland from Haitian rule, which he achieved through establishing the Dominican Republic in 1844. Duarte's early years were tumultuous in Hispaniola, an island shared by the modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti. The eastern part of the island was under Haitian occupation following its unification by Haiti in 1822. This political climate profoundly influenced Duarte, who sought an education in Europe and thrived on the liberal and nationalist ideologies sweeping the continent. Completing his education, he returned to Hispaniola in the 1830s and discovered a society yearning for autonomy. He became the driving force behind a secret society named La Trinitaria, established in 1838. La Trinitaria attracted like-minded young nationalists who aimed to overthrow the Haitian government and proclaim a sovereign Dominican state. Duarte's leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in unifying the factions opposing Haitian rule. The movement faced numerous challenges, including internal dissent and the Haitian army. However, with dogged determination, the Trinitarians ultimately prevailed and declared the Dominican Republic independent on February 27, 1844. This historic event marked the culmination of Duarte's lifelong dream and efforts. Despite his pivotal role in the country's independence, Duarte's life after 1844 was anything but easy. Political rivalries and turmoil led to his exile, and he spent many years abroad, primarily in Venezuela. A sense of disappointment and detachment from the political affairs of the Dominican Republic marked Duarte's later years. Juan Pablo Duarte died on July 15, 1876, in Caracas, Venezuela. His legacy is celebrated in the Dominican Republic, where he is remembered as a national hero and the architect of the nation's independence annually on Duarte Day, a national holiday in the Dominican Republic.

Africa

Jan

Judgment Day: January 17

06:20 AM | -

It's Judgement Day. Don't panic! This Judgement Day is created by Wellcat.com, not the ethereal day of the same name before Saint Peter. Breathe. The folks at Wellcat created Judgement Day to remind us that we don't need to die to face judgment for our actions. Instead, use today to reflect on your deeds and judge them accordingly. And after that? Change what needs changing.

Africa

Jan

Kakizome (JP): January 2

06:20 AM | -

The Japanese have a tradition of greeting the change of calendar with Kakizome, or the first writing of the year in Japanese calligraphy. These can be poetry, words of wisdom, hopes, or dreams. The tradition of writing on the second day of the new year symbolizes a return to work.

Africa

Jan

Kazoo Day, Ntl. (1852): January 28

06:20 AM | -

National Kazoo Day celebrates an instrument created during the nineteenth century in the United States. Celebrated on January 28th (or on the fourth Thursday in January), National Kazoo Day was founded by Chaplin Willard Rahn of the Joyful Noise Kazoo Band located at the Homewood Retirement Home in Williamsport, Maryland. The campaign to make the kazoo the national musical instrument of the United States continues to this day. The kazoo is an American musical instrument first developed in the 1840s and introduced to the world in 1852 by Alabama Vest and Thaddeus Von Clegg, a German clockmaker, during the Georgia State Fair. Often referred to as the Down South Submarine, the kazoo creates music via vibrations through the instrument. Changing the humming style of the musician changes the vibration. On this day, kazoo enthusiasts would be delighted to know that kazoos go on sale. It is also when kazoo players meet up, play and share their music.

Africa

Jan

Keto Day, Ntl: January 5

06:20 AM | -

First held in 2019, National Keto Day educates the public on the benefits of low carb, high protein diets. Throughout the week of this event, National Keto Day sponsor The Vitamin Shoppe® hosts several promotions and educational venues in-store and online.

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

Kiss a Ginger (Redhead) Day: January 12

06:20 AM | -

International Kiss a Ginger Day began on Facebook in 2008 as a protest against a mean-spirited holiday urging people to kick redheads (which the LEEP calendar refuses to post). Only 1.5% of the world’s population are natural redheads, the rarest hair color for human beings, with adult natural blonds being the second at 2.5%. International Kiss a Ginger Day is a grassroots-supported event.

Africa

Jan

Kombucha Day, Ntl: January 15

06:20 AM | -

Kombucha or 'Booch' is a fermented tea that has become to millennials what the martini is to the Great Generation and coolers to GenX. It's the 'it' alcoholic beverage. And like all things millennial, it's organic, has low-cal options, and includes various other things like herbs and probiotics, depending on flavor. Kombucha Day began in 2019.

Africa

Jan

Korean American Day (1903): January 13

06:20 AM | -

Korean American Day honors the first 102 Korean immigrants to arrive in the United States on January 13, 1903. The US congress set aside this day in 2005 with a resolution. The Korea Economic Institute of America annually sponsors a highly anticipated luncheon in Washington, DC, in honor of the anniversary. Members of the Korean-American community throughout the United States celebrate this day.

Africa

Jan

Laba Festival (CN): January 7

06:20 AM | -

Initially, the celebration of the new harvest, known as the Laba Festival, was a national event in China and other Buddhist countries. With the spread of Buddhism throughout the region, it became a celebration marking the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha at the age of 35. Laba congee, a porridge of several types of rice, beans, peanuts, dried fruit, and lotus seeds, is the official dish of the day. Modern versions often incorporate tofu, potato, and meat.

Africa

Jan

Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi (H): January 17

06:20 AM | -

In the Hindu faith, Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (the dark lunar phase or the waning phase of the moon). If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees observe strict fasting during daylight until darshan (the sight of the moon). Prayers precede the breaking of the fast to Lord Ganesha. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Jan

Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Day, Ntl: January 9

06:20 AM | -

In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, we need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the complex and sometimes impossible career they have chosen in public service to us all. On January 9 of each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged by the negative attention are encouraged to take time on January 9 to show their support. This event first ran in 2015.

Africa

Jan

Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day (1838): January 11

06:20 AM | -

On January 11, 1838, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail made their first public demonstration of the electric telegraph using a dot and dash language known today as Morse Code.

Africa