National Milk Bottle & Milkman Day commemorates the first home milk deliveries by a 'milkman' on January 11, 1878, by the New York Dairy Company. The service no longer exists. 'Honey, can you pick up milk on your way home?' is a familiar request in households. So ordinary that supermarkets and convenience stores purposely put milk at the back of their stores, hoping people will have impulse purchases as they browse. One could argue that companies like Fresh Direct and Amazon have become the gig-economy milkmen.

Africa

Jan

Missionary Day (IN-MZ)(1894): January 11

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On January 11, 1894, two Welsh Christian missionaries, Rev JH Lorrain and Rev FW Savidge arrived in the Indian state of Mizoram, where the reverends established India's Presbyterian and Baptist churches. Each year the anniversary of their arrival is celebrated as a state holiday in this predominantly Christian region of India.

Africa

Jan

Mocha Mousse, Pantone Color of the Year: 2025

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PANTONE'S 2025 COLOR OF THE YEAR: MOCHA MOUSSE Pantone revealed Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as its 2025 Color of the Year. This rich, chocolatey brown exudes indulgence and sophistication, encouraging the celebration of personal moments and simple pleasures. Its sensorial richness evokes the warmth of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, appealing to our desire for everyday pleasures. Mocha Mousse is a versatile shade with an intense chromatic foundation, which complements minimalist and richly decorated designs across various industries. It pairs well with materials like wool, leather, and suede and harmonizes with lighter wood tones, honoring the substance of our physical environment. Mocha Mousse's inherent sophistication makes it suitable for various applications: —Interiors: It adds subtle luxury, especially when contrasted with bright whites or used in marbleized textures. —Fashion: Seen on runways and red carpets, it aligns with trends in minimalist fashion and "quiet luxury." —Weddings: Serves as a versatile base, pairing well with muted and bold tones in décor. —Product Design: Enhances items with an earthy refinement, appealing to consumers seeking comfort and elegance. By embracing Mocha Mousse, designers and consumers can curate experiences that boost personal comfort and wellness, indulging in the simple pleasures that enrich our lives. THE TRADITION Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has annually selected a "Color of the Year," a tradition that has significantly influenced design and popular culture. This initiative began forecasting design trends and encapsulating the global zeitgeist through color. The selection process involves an international team of color experts who analyze trends across various industries, including entertainment, fashion, and technology, to identify a hue that reflects the cultural mood. The chosen color often becomes a guiding shade for designers, influencing product development and purchasing decisions in multiple sectors. Pantone's Color of the Year also permeates popular culture, appearing in various media and consumer products. The announcement garners significant media attention, with brands incorporating the color into their offerings to align with current trends. This practice not only reflects societal sentiments but also shapes consumer behavior, demonstrating the profound impact of color on our daily lives. In essence, Pantone's annual color selection serves as both a reflection and an influencer of cultural and design trends, underscoring the importance of color in shaping human experiences.

Africa

Jan

Monstera, Year of the: 2025

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THE PEAK-A-BOO PLANT:

2025 IS THE YEAR OF THE MONSTERA

The National Garden Bureau has designated 2025 as the Year of the Monstera to celebrate this iconic and trendy houseplant. With its dramatic, perforated leaves and robust growth, the Monstera is a unique beauty that captivates plant enthusiasts and gardeners. This designation aims to highlight Monstera plants' unparalleled beauty and versatility, inspiring their cultivation and appreciation.

Monstera is a genus of tropical plants in the Araceae family, commonly known for their large, fenestrated leaves. Depending on the species, Monstera plants can grow quite large, with some reaching up to 10 feet in height. The most popular species within this genus is Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, due to its distinctive leaf holes and splits.

ORIGINS AND IDEAL GROWING CONDITIONS

Monstera plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They grow best in the following conditions:

—Indirect Light: Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, making them versatile for indoor environments.

—Well-Draining Soil: They prefer well-draining, rich soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. A mix designed for aroids or general houseplant soil mixed with perlite works well.

—Humidity and Warmth: As tropical plants, Monsteras prefer high humidity and warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They should be kept away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

MEDICINAL USES

While Monstera plants are not widely known for medicinal uses, they have been traditionally used in some cultures:

—Folk Remedies: In some indigenous cultures of Central and South America, parts of the Monstera plant have been used in folk remedies for their purported healing properties.

—Fruit: Monstera delicious fruit is edible when fully ripe and is said to have medicinal properties, although it must be consumed cautiously due to potential toxicity when unripe.

However, Monstera plants are primarily valued for their ornamental qualities rather than medicinal uses.

POPULARITY AND APPEAL

Monstera plants have become incredibly popular for several reasons:

—Aesthetic Appeal: Monstera plants' dramatic, perforated leaves are visually striking and add a tropical flair to indoor spaces. Their unique leaf patterns make them a favorite among interior designers and plant enthusiasts.

—Easy Care: Monsteras are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for novice and experienced plant owners. They are adaptable to various indoor conditions and can tolerate occasional neglect.

—Air Purification: Monstera plants contribute to a healthier indoor environment. They help improve air quality by removing toxins and increasing humidity, making your home a more pleasant and health-conscious space. This added benefit, along with their unique beauty and ease of care, makes Monstera plants popular among plant enthusiasts.

—Versatility: Monsteras can be grown as climbers with the support of a moss pole or trellis or allowed to trail and spread, providing flexibility in their display.

The Year of the Monstera aims to celebrate this popular houseplant's unique beauty and versatility. Through this designation, the National Garden Bureau seeks to educate the public about Monstera care, promote its benefits, and encourage more people to include Monstera plants in their homes and gardens.

Africa

Jan

Moon—First Quarter: January 6

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The first quarter moon occurs when the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Each day forward increases the amount of the moon you can see. The first quarter typically occurs seven days after the New Moon.

Africa

Jan

Moon—Full: January 13

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A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

Africa

Jan

Moon—New: January 29

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The new moon occurs when the moon and the sun have the same elliptical longitude when the moon is at its closest point to the sun in its orbit. From earth, we usually cannot see it. The new moon is considered the first phase.

Africa

Jan

Moon—Third Quarter: January 21

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Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

Africa

Jan

Multicultural Children's Book Day: January 31

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Multicultural Children's Book Day seeks to raise awareness of the diversity in children's literature, allowing all kids to see themselves in books. The Multicultural Children's Book Day mission is to put diverse children's books on shelves and into the hands of children and families across the country. As of 2020, an ideological war rages regarding children's books in the United States. Part of that war silences voices that do not fit a specific racial or theological narrative. The three books in the header, LEEP highly recommends. Doris Pilkington Garimara's "Follow the Rabbit-proof Fence" focuses on the Aboriginal experience of three orphans in 20th-century Australia. There is also a film, "Rabbit-proof Fence," an Australian film from 2002. Erika L. Sánchez's delightful comedic take on growing up as a Mexican-American girl, "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter," takes on the stereotypes within her community and outside of it. And finally, Golbarg Bashi's "P is for Palestine" is a fantastic book that shares the experience of Christian and Muslim children growing up under occupation through the alphabet. Did we mention that "P is for Palestine" continues to be banned by groups interested in maintaining the political status quo? These political interests are TERRIFIED of this book because it humanizes and teaches culture. Who knew children's stories and the alphabet were so powerful? This event first ran in 2014.

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,
—Fancy Brigades

Each 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

Museum Selfie Day: January 15

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Mar Dixon, a social media and audience development consultant in the arts sector, created Museum Selfie Day in 2014 to encourage people to visit and engage with museums. The idea for Museum Selfie Day emerged from Dixon's observations of the evolving role of technology and social media in shaping cultural experiences. Recognizing the growing trend of selfie photography and its potential as a tool for engagement, Dixon proposed a day where visitors visit museums, mark their visit with selfies, and share them on social media platforms using the hashtag #MuseumSelfie. At first, the museums were cautious. Up until this point, photography was limited or prohibited inside of most. However, they also needed to engage younger people. The concept was simple yet innovative, combining the modern selfie phenomenon with the traditional museum setting. Museum Selfie Day's impact extends beyond merely taking photos. It connects the public and museums, encouraging individuals to visit and explore these cultural institutions and share their experiences. It also allows exhibits and artwork to reach a broader audience, sparking interest in art, history, and science. Within two years of its inception, Museum Selfie Day gained traction on social media, with museums and visitors worldwide participating enthusiastically. The day highlights the role of social media in modern-day cultural consumption and the importance of making museums accessible and appealing to a wider, tech-savvy audience.

Africa

Jan

Nanakusa (JP): January 7

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Nanakusa is a Japanese tradition originating during the 600s AD. It features the seven herbs and vegetables given to the emperor at the time for their medicinal value: Aona, Chickweed, Cottonweed, Hotoke-no-za, Parsley, Radish, and Shepherds Purse. These are typically mixed in rice porridge and served on this day as a wish for the family's good health in the coming year.

Africa

Jan

National Day (NR)(1968): January 31

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The island nation of Nauru gained its independence on January 31, 1968, from the trusteeship of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. National Day in Nauru is a celebration of this anniversary.

Africa

Jan

National Unity Day (NP)(1723): January 11

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National Unity Day celebrates the birthday of Prithivi Narayan Shah (1723-1775), the last ruler of the Gorkha kingdom and the first monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal. He is responsible for unifying the tribes into one nation. National Unity Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jan

Neuter Your Ex Month: January 15 - February 14

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The "Neuter Your Ex" fundraiser by Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center is a unique and humorous Valentine's Day campaign in which, for a $50 donation, a feral cat named after an ex-partner is neutered or spayed. The popular fundraiser is increasingly picked up by other animal charities in the United States and worldwide. This initiative supports efforts to control the feral cat population humanely through their trap-neuter-return (TNR) program while engaging the community in a fun way. The idea quickly gained popularity and received a positive response from the public. Like other inventive fundraisers like "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" and "Cry me a Cockroach," this campaign creatively combines fundraising with community engagement, albeit it's not a widespread trend among animal rescue charities. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Finding Shelter's "Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever." They'll put your ex's name on a doo bag and happily fill it on a rescue dog's next walk. Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center's mission focuses on ending companion animal homelessness in Camden County through community awareness and responsible ownership. In collaboration with other animal welfare groups, they are working towards helping New Jersey become a "no-kill" state by 2025. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are estimated to enter US animal shelters annually. This number includes dogs and cats, with a relatively even split. However, these numbers can vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including efforts in spaying/neutering, adoption campaigns, and public awareness programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa