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Special days Annual Lei Day Celebration 
 Information about this Hawaiian celebration that takes place on May 1. It "culminates on Monday, May 2, ... when all leis are taken to the Royal Mausoleum (Mauna `Ala) ... and placed on the tombs of the Ali`i." The site features a history of Lei Day, a photo gallery, a schedule of events, and information about the Lei Day queen and her court. From the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation. http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/programs/leiday/ Topics: Photograph Collections: Regional: United States Last updated Apr 27, 2005 Armed Forces Day
In 1949 Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson "announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day [the third Saturday in May] to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days." The site features a history of this "holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country," and photos and posters for each decade. From the U.S. Department of Defense. http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/ Topics: U.S. Military Last updated Apr 3, 2006 Chambers's Book of Days
"A Miscellany of Popular Antiquities in connection with the Calendar." Browse this electronic reprint of the original book (published in 1879) page by page, or select a date from a calendar to see who was born and died on that date and other significant events. From the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries. http://www.library.wisc.edu/etext/BookofDays/ Topics: Ready Reference & Quick Facts, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Mar 16, 2005 The Christopher Columbus Controversy: Western Civilization vs. Primitivism
Brief essay claiming that it is proper to honor Columbus with a Columbus Day holiday "for in so doing, we honor Western civilization." It is asserted that not to celebrate his contribution as an individual is to uphold the "racism of political correctness." Written by the senior advisor to the Ayn Rand Archives. From Capitalism Magazine. http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=149 Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, Nonfiction by Genre, Social Issues, Society & Social Science Last updated Aug 1, 2004 Constitution Day
Constitution Day is celebrated annually in September "to perpetuate the Constitution, to Promote the simultaneous recitation of the preamble by all the schools of America, from sea to shining sea." This site includes information about being a part of the celebration and a list of participating politicians and schools. http://www.constitutionday.com/ Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Federal (U.S.) Government, Government, Holidays and Observances Individually, International Governments, Nonfiction by Genre, United States History Last updated Sep 18, 2005 Earth Day
This site provides numerous ideas for children celebrating Earth day, celebrated annually on April 22. Includes online games, coloring activities, clip art, word searches, language and science activities, and much more. http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/ Topics: Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually, Internet Guides & Search Tools Last updated Apr 16, 2009 Earth Day
Information for children and teachers about the annual celebration of Earth Day on April 22. The site features a history of the day (including information about U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who introduced the idea in 1969), classroom study materials and activity suggestions, and information about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Also includes a bibliography and links to related sites. Searchable. From the Wilderness Society. http://earthday.wilderness.org Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Apr 16, 2009 Earth Day Canada (EDC)
Information about Earth Day in Canada, observed every April 22. Includes history, events, resources, links to children's activities and other related resources, information for volunteers, and more. EDC is a national organization "mandated to improve the state of the environment by empowering Canadians to take action and achieve local solutions." http://www.earthday.ca/pub/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Apr 16, 2009 Earth Day Network (EDN)
Suggestions, tips, and other resources for planning environmental programs. Includes information about the programs, campaigns, and concerns of this worldwide alliance"working to promote a healthy environment and a peaceful, just, sustainable world." "About Our Network" has a searchable directory of local, regional, and international groups that organize Earth Day and other environmental activities. In English, with some information also available in Spanish and French. http://www.earthday.net/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Apr 16, 2009 Earth Day Online
"This website compiles a comprehensive list of Earth Day events [for the current year], regardless of size, geographic location or organizational affiliation." Includes the history of Earth Day, an organizer's guide, and a searchable calendar of events (almost all in the United States but some are listed for a few other countries). http://earthday.envirolink.org/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Mar 28, 2007 EarthDay.gov
This site presents actions to take to protect our planet on Earth Day (celebrated annually in April). Provides suggested activities for home, classroom, and work settings, as well as volunteer opportunities and a children's section. Includes links to government information on energy, recycling, green building, commuting, water conservation, and related topics. Also find histories of Earth Day. A cooperative effort of U.S. government agencies. http://www.earthday.gov/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Mar 31, 2005 The End of the War: 60 Years
A discussion of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, observed May 8, 2005. "Our dossier looks into the question of how the culture of commemoration in Germany has developed in recent decades. Authors from Russia, England, France and Poland describe the significance of the end of the war for their countries." Also includes "forms of remembrance in film, literature and the fine arts." Available in several languages. From the Goethe-Institut. http://www.goethe.de/ges/ztg/dos/dos/60j/enindex.htm Topics: History By Place, Holidays and Observances Individually, World War II Last updated Feb 23, 2006 Everything Valentine's
Hundreds of ideas for Valentine's Day crafts, gifts, cards, games, and treats for the classroom, spouses, and others. Includes illustrated instructions. From FamilyFun magazine. http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/ Topics: Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Oct 29, 2009 Family Day
Family day, celebrated on the fourth Monday in September, is a national movement promoting "frequent family dinners [as] an effective tool to help keep America's kids substance free." The site features tips on talking to children about substance abuse issues, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, and suggestions for actions by families, community groups, religious groups, and businesses/unions. From the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA). http://casafamilyday.org/ Topics: Drugs, Mental Conditions Last updated Sep 11, 2008 Food Theme Month Links
A collection of links to materials about various foods, wellness topics, and holiday meals related to specific months of the year. Topics include Oatmeal Month in January, American Heart Month in February, National Barbecue Month in May, National Watermelon Day in August, and Thanksgiving meal tips for November. From the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ciqlinks.htm Topics: Food & Cooking, Holiday Foods, Beverages, and Recipes, Holidays and Observances Individually, Recipes & Food Preparation Last updated May 11, 2005 Free Comic Book Day
On this day (held on May 6 in 2006) "participating comic book shops across North America and around the world are giving away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores." Find a FAQ, a list of participating stores in the U.S. and Canada, details about comic books that will be available, and special appearances by comic book creators. Includes material about this annual event back to 2004. http://www.freecomicbookday.com Topics: Literature: Fiction Last updated May 3, 2006 Friday the 13th
Information about the origins of the superstition about Friday the 13th as an unlucky day in Western culture. "[T]those who suffer from a fear of the number thirteen (triskaidekaphobia) or a fear of Friday the 13th (paraskevidekatriaphobia) may genuinely feel limited by the rumored potential for ill luck connected with the date." Features quotations dating back to the 17th century. From the Urban Legends Reference Pages. http://www.snopes.com/luck/friday13.asp Topics: Religion Last updated May 9, 2005 The Great American Smokeout Challenge
Held each November "to help smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day, in hopes they will quit forever." The site includes information to help smokers prepare and follow through with the decision to quit, and outlines the benefits of quitting. From the American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Smokeout.asp Topics: Diseases & Conditions, Drugs & Medications by Type, Holidays and Observances Individually, Medical Treatments & Devices, Mental Conditions Last updated Oct 28, 2009 Groundhog Day
This site has information about the history and official observance of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Pictures, movies, souvenirs, event calendars, and information about the groundhog club are all available. You can also watch Punxsutawney Phil (the official groundhog) make his prediction live every year over the Internet through this site. http://www.groundhog.org/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jan 19, 2009 Historic Figures: Leif Erikson
This profile of explorer Leif Erikson summarizes the various accounts of his journey to North America, and notes the proclamation by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 of Leif Erikson Day (October 9) "in commemoration of the first arrival of a European on North American soil." Provides related articles and multimedia features about the Vikings. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/erikson_leif.shtml Topics: Agriculture, Geography, History, Notable People, Presidents by Name Last updated Oct 2, 2004 The History of Valentine's Day
Extensive background on why we celebrate this day and who St. Valentine was. There are also sections on the romances of Harry and Bess Truman, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Jackie and Rachel Robinson. From the History Channel. http://www.history.com/content/valentine Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Nov 1, 2009 Holiday Logos and Events: Google Style!
Galleries of Google logos commemorating holidays and events. Use the search tool to rummage for logos for occasions such as Alfred Hitchcock's birthday, Earth Day, and Chinese New Year. Archives back to 1999 include early logos customized for Thanksgiving and the Burning Man festival. http://www.google.com/logos/ Topics: Holidays & Observances, Internet Guides & Search Tools Last updated Oct 26, 2009 Hot Topics: Women's History Month
"Designed to honor women in every walk of life" this site emphasizes government resources "to inform, enlighten and to close the gender gap in American history." It links to information on Women's History Month, International Women's Day, biographies, women's history, and women and defense, education, suffrage, labor, health, science, family, and violence. From the Daniel J. Evans Library of The Evergreen State College (Olympia, Washington state). Note: not updated recently, but still has worthwhile information and links. http://govdocs.evergreen.edu/hotopics/womenshistory/index.html Topics: History, Holidays and Observances Individually, Special Months, Women Last updated May 19, 2009 I'm Dreaming of a White National Cheese Day
Critique of obscure commercial holidays in the U.S. The site notes "that practically every day, every week, and every month has its own name," and that "every one of these holidays has a sponsor." Includes a list of holidays, such as National Hobby Month, National Bowling Week, and Cheese Day, all in January. From Stay Free!, a "magazine that explores the politics and perversions of mass media and American (consumer) culture." http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/13/holidays.html Topics: Humor, Special Months Last updated Mar 7, 2006 Indigenous Peoples' Day & the Pow-wow Highway: A History of the New Holiday & the Pow-wow Tradition
"Every year on the Saturday closest to the traditional date of the arrival of Columbus ... [the Indigenous Peoples' Day Committee] holds a pow-wow and Indian market, to celebrate the survival and revitalization of Indigenous cultures, and to commemorate Native resistance to the forces still threatening to destroy them." The site describes the annual event held in Berkeley, California. http://www.red-coral.net/Pow.html#Art Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Sep 17, 2003 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Materials and ideas for celebrating International Ozone Day (September 16), which commemorates "the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed." Highlights include an audio clip of the song "What's the Ozone Layer," sun protection education materials, and a gallery of children's paintings on ozone layer protection. From the OzonAction Programme of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). http://www.uneptie.org/ozonaction/events/ozoneday/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Aug 17, 2004 International Literacy Day
Ideas for celebrating a day in early September that "focuses attention on worldwide literacy issues and needs." Includes activity and event suggestions, a fact sheet, media tips, a downloadable brochure, and information about the International Reading Association Literacy Award, which is presented on International Literacy Day. From the International Reading Association, a professional membership organization. http://www.reading.org/association/meetings/literacy_day.html Topics: Education, English Language, Librarianship Last updated Aug 18, 2005 John Muir Day, April 21 – Celebration and History
Information about John Muir Day and how to celebrate it. Links to additional resources on the American conservationist, including some of his writings. There are also study guides for K-12 teachers. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/john_muir_day/ Topics: Environment, Holidays and Observances Individually, Nonfiction by Genre, Notable People Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Kaboose: Columbus Day
A collection of annotated links about Columbus Day. Includes links to biographical information for Christopher Columbus, alternative views of Columbus, sites on ship navigation, holiday activities, electronic greeting cards, and clip art. http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day/ Topics: Geography, History, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually, Notable People Last updated Aug 28, 2008 Law Day, May 1
Law Day provides an opportunity to "focus on our heritage of liberty under law and how the rule of law makes our democracy possible." The site includes a brief history of Law Day (which was first proclaimed by President Eisenhower in 1958), selected Law Day themes back to 1969, a listing of events throughout the United States, lesson plans, a quiz, and more. Searchable. From the American Bar Association (ABA). http://www.abanet.org/publiced/lawday/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, Holidays by Region, Law, Lesson Plans Last updated Apr 26, 2005 Leif Ericson Viking Ship
This nonprofit organization is "dedicated to the study, education and promotion of the fact that Leif Ericson was the first European to set foot upon and explore the North American Continent and of Vikings in general, their times and travels throughout the world." This site includes brief historical information about Ericson and the Vikings, and information about Leif Ericson Day (October 9). An interactive drawing shows elements of a Viking ship. http://www.vikingship.org Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Transportation Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Mother Goose Society
This group was "founded in 1987 to encourage a love for the warm tradition of Mother Goose rhymes and Mother Goose's comforting embrace and to promote the annual celebration of Mother Goose Day (May 1st)." The site features information about the real Mother Goose, tips for celebrating Mother Goose Day, rhymes and related recipes, costume ideas for portraying Mother Goose, and links to related sites. From an author of a book about Mother Goose. http://www.librarysupport.net/mothergoosesociety/ Topics: English Language, Families, Holidays & Observances Last updated Apr 26, 2005 Mothering Sunday
Brief information about this British holiday celebrated on "the fourth Sunday of Lent. ... Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home made cards to their mothers." From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/motheringsunday_1.shtml Topics: Families, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Sep 23, 2006 Mother's Day: What You Need to Know
Offers historical facts and figures about Mother's Day, links to information about famous mothers, and several ideas for celebrating the holiday. http://womenshistory.about.com/od/mothersday/a/early.htm Topics: Families, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Feb 26, 2005 National Agriculture Day
Celebrated annually on the first day of spring, National Agriculture Day honors the abundance provided by U.S. agriculture and promotes public awareness about the agriculture industry. Site includes information about planning a local Agriculture Day celebration, "Fun Facts" about selected agricultural products, listings of careers in agriculture and related organizations, and a bibliography. From the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). http://www.agday.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jun 30, 2009 National Arbor Day Foundation
Explains what Arbor Day is, its history, and what the foundation is doing to protect and preserve trees. Also has ideas for celebrating Arbor Day, tips on tree care, and suggestions for children's activities. http://www.arborday.org/ Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, Plants Last updated Mar 25, 2003 National Coming Out Project
This project from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) "promotes honesty and openness about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender on campus, in the workplace and in the community. It is an extension of HRC's National Coming Out Day [observed annually on October 11] founded by activists who believed that GLBT people needed to be visible and that equality could not be achieved from the closet." Includes testimonials, advice, a FAQ, and related links. http://www.hrc.org/issues/coming_out.asp Topics: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered People, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually, Society & Social Science Last updated Oct 14, 2009 National Flag Day of Canada, February 15 /Jour du Drapeau du Canada, Le 15 Février
The maple leaf flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965, as the national flag of Canada. Includes a history of the flag, flag facts, a quiz, and PDF versions of the Proclamation of the National Flag of Canada and the Declaration of National Flag Day ("suitable for display and/or framing"). In English and French. From Canadian Heritage. http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/flag-drapeau/ Topics: Government, Government, Holidays and Observances Individually, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Jan 27, 2005 National KidsDay
This site provides numerous ideas for celebrating the annual National Kids Day, observed on the first Sunday in August. The purpose of National KidsDay is "to provide a reminder of children's year-round need for meaningful time and interactions with adults." From KidsPeace, the National Center for Kids Overcoming Crisis. http://www.kidspeace.org/aboutkidspeace.aspx?id=2060 Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jun 30, 2009 National Teacher Day
Overview of this unofficial observance in May honoring public school teachers for "the contributions they make to our lives." The site includes suggested activities for parents and students (such as cards and receptions), quotes about teaching, and downloadable posters. Includes information about joining the teaching profession. From the National Education Association (NEA). http://www.nea.org/teacherday/ Topics: Education Last updated May 7, 2006 Patriot Day
The U.S. Congress designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." This resolution requests that the president issue a yearly proclamation for its annual observance that includes displaying the flag at half-staff and observing a moment of silence honoring those whose lives were lost. Also includes a link to the text of the congressional resolution and to related material. From a service that allows you to add holidays to your online calendar. http://www.calendar-updates.com/Holidays/US/patriot.htm Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, September 11 & Beyond Last updated Sep 1, 2005 Pi Day Resources
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3-14 representing the beginning digits of the infinite, nonrepeating decimal expansion of the number pi). March 14 is also Albert Einstein's birthday. This site provides a compilation of Pi Day resources and links to information about the number pi and this holiday celebrating it and mathematics in general. From the Mathematics Educators of Greater St. Louis. http://www.mobot.org/education/megsl/pi.html Topics: Mathematics Last updated Feb 9, 2005 Re: Indigenous People's Opposition to Celebration and Glorification of Colonial Pirate Christopher Columbus
This site contains a 2000 press release from the American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council opposing the celebration of Columbus Day on the claimed basis that "Columbus was the beginning of the American holocaust, ethnic cleansing characterized by murder, torture, raping, pillaging, robbery, slavery, kidnapping, and forced removals of Indian people from their homelands." http://www.aimovement.org/moipr/columbus-oct00.html Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Holidays and Observances Individually, Labor, Native Americans Last updated Sep 18, 2003 Sadie Hawkins Day
The site tells the history of this celebration introduced by cartoonist Al Capp in his Li'l Abner comic strip on November 15, 1937. Hekzebiah Hawkins of Dogpatch, USA, "decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence." It was featured every November in the comic strip and the fictional holiday became a national craze observed on high school and college campuses. http://www.lil-abner.com/sadiehawk.html Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually, Literature: Fiction Last updated Nov 4, 2002 Sinkie: The International Association of People Who Dine Over the Kitchen Sink
The day after Thanksgiving is designated as Sinkie Day (Standing In Nutritious Kitchens Ingesting Everything). With tongue in cheek, the author shares letters from guilt-free Sinkies, lists ways to spot other Sinkies, and provides other useful information to free us from the guilt, shame, and embarrassment of being discovered eating with fingers over the kitchen sink. http://www.sinkie.com/ Topics: Holiday Foods, Beverages, and Recipes, Holidays and Observances Individually, Nonfiction by Genre, Sports, Recreation, & Entertainment Last updated Nov 17, 2005 St. Patrick's Day Fast Facts: Beyond the Blarney
A compilation of facts about this holiday celebrated on March 17, which "marks the Roman Catholic feast day for Ireland's patron saint." Includes facts such as that "New York City hosted the first official St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762," and that "Chicago is famous for dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day." From National Geographic News. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/03/0315_050315_stpatricksday.html Topics: Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jan 25, 2006 Staying Alive
"Growing from the tradition of annual documentaries, Staying Alive is expanding to include a multi-tiered campaign to promote awareness about and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the international youth community." The site has video clips of interviews and public service announcements, AIDS and HIV medical information, and details of World AIDS Day broadcasts. Much of the site is also available in several other languages. http://www.staying-alive.org/en Topics: Education, Health, Holidays and Observances Individually, Infectious Diseases, Women's Health Last updated Jan 2, 2009 Take Back Your Time
This is "a nationwide initiative to challenge the epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling, and time famine that now threatens our health, our families and relationships, our communities and our environment." The site provides a handbook, petition forms, reading suggestions, and information about the October 24 observance that "falls nine weeks before the end of the year, symbolizing the nine full weeks more we work each year compared to our trans-Atlantic neighbors." From The Simplicity Forum. http://www.timeday.org/ Topics: Housing, Statistics Last updated Feb 19, 2007 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work
This site provides information about Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day (held the fourth Thursday in April). The program focuses on expanding future opportunities for children in their work and family lives. Includes scheduled activities, press links, gifts, and resources for teachers, parents, and mentors. Sponsored by the Ms. Foundation for Women. http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/ Topics: Families, Holidays and Observances Individually, Jobs & Work Last updated Jun 20, 2007 Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWDay)
Provides details about this annual (June) event that "encourages pet owners to take their well-behaved, well-groomed dogs into the workplace for one day ... in order to encourage dogless co-workers to adopt pets of their own from local animal shelters, humane organizations, and rescue groups." Download of "Action Pack" requires free registration. From Pet Sitters International (PSI). http://www.petsit.com/dogday/ Topics: Animals, Mammals, Pets Last updated Jul 11, 2007 |
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