Good morning, how are you? I wanted to bring you our series celebrating Unique Holidays: April 7th, 2022. I would like to ask you to take a look at the holidays being celebrated today and let me know which Holiday you most want to celebrate and why. Charlie and I said we would like to celebrate free comic book day and visit a comic bookstore. Would you like to come with us?
Birth Mother’s Day – Saturday before Mother’s Day
Birth Mother’s Day recognizes the biological mothers of adopted children. This holiday is celebrated primarily by mothers who for whatever reason, who choose to give up their child to be raised by someone else.
If ever there was a controversial holiday, Birth Mother’s Day is it. The holiday was established by birth mothers to educate, to remember, and to cope. Many mothers who gave up their children have feelings of remorse, and often guilt. Many of these mother’s don’t want a special day and, of those mothers who want to be remembered, they don’t necessarily want a holiday, aside from Mother’s Day. These mother’s feel they should remember, and be remembered, on Mother’s Day.
From the child’s perspective, adopted children understandably have a high level of anxiety over this topic. A fair number of these children don’t want a relationship with their birth mother, adding more controversy to this holiday.
If you do celebrate this holiday, we suggest you use it to promote education of the issues, and to show compassion and understanding to birth mothers.
History and Origin of Birth Mother’s Day:
This holiday was created by birth mothers in Seattle, Washington and the holiday was first celebrated in 1990.
Free Comic Book Day – first Saturday in May
I would like to call all nerds, geeks, and comic book aficionados because today is Free Comic Book Day.
Who says you can’t get something for nothing? On this holiday, comic bookstores all over the Country hand out copies of free comic books. Some comics bookstores take it a step further, setting up shelves of free comic books, with no strings attached. Take one or take several comic books, and you don’t owe the store anything. Of course, the comic bookstores are trying to hook you into the fun world of comic books, so you will back and buy new editions of comic books over and over again. Occasionally, stores will also hand out other freebies, memorabilia, posters, and other goodies.
Free Comic Book Day is taking place on the first Saturday of May, which is an annual promotional effort by the North American Comic Book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic bookstores. At last count, over 2,000 retailers in 30 countries participate in this holiday.
Head on out to your local comic bookstore and get hooked on the world of comics.
History and Origin of Free Comic Book Day:
Retailer Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California brainstormed this event in his “Big Picture” column in the August 2001 issue of Comics & Games Retailer magazine. In 2002, Free Comic Book Day officially began which is coordinated by Diamond Comic Distributors, the industry’s single large distributor.
Herb Day – first Saturday in May
According to the creators of Herb Day, this holiday is an international celebration of Herbs and Herbal products. This covers a whole lot of plants, applications and products. The purpose of this holiday is to encourage us to learn more about Herbs and their uses. Armed with this knowledge, there is a whole lot of things that you can do with Herbs, much more than you ever imagined.
There are hundreds of varieties of Herbs, which can be used in a seemingly unlimited number of uses. The first thing we should do on this holiday, is to learn more about the different types of Herbs existing today. The Herb family consists of the following types: aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, ornamental and medicinal plants.
After learning more about the different kinds of Herbs, we should pick a couple Herbs and grow them. May is the perfect month for planting and growing Herbs which you can grow in an Herb Garden or in the Flower Garden. Many varieties of Herbs are easy to grow in containers on your patio or deck.
Today is a great day to use Herbs in cooking. Try a recipe that uses an Herb you’ve never cooked with before. Did you know Herbs are a great substitute for Salt? Making for healthier meals.
Today is also a good time to select a few Herbal products which you’ll have not shortage of products to choose form. Including Lavender Soaps, Cachets, Dried Flower Arrangements, Medicinal Herbs, and much more.
However, you choose to delve into the world of Herbs today, we hope you have a very Aromatic and tasteful Herb Day!!!
Many cultures worshipped one Herb or another, but I won’t go that far, but I do admit these versatile plants are pretty impressive.
History and Origin of Herb Day:
Herb Day was created in 2006 by the HerbDay Coalition. This group of five non-profit organizations includes: the American Botanical Council, United Plant Savers, the American Herbal Products Association, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and the American Herbalists Guild.
Kentucky Derby Day – first Saturday in May
When is the Kentucky Derby: Always the first Saturday in May
Date: May 1, 2021; May7, 2022; May 6, 2023; May, 4 , 2024; May 3, 2025
The “Running of the Roses” or “The Run for the Roses”, as the Kentucky Derby is called, is America’s premier Horse racing event. Steeped in tradition, the Derby is the first step in the Triple Crown of Horse racing.The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year approximately 155,000 people attend this all-day event, which culminates in a roughly two-minute race.
The Kentucky Derby is run on a 1 1/4-mile, 10-furlong, dirt track. The winner of the race receives a garland of Roses and a $2 million purse. The winner has also reached the first step in winning the Triple Crown. The winning Horse goes on to compete against other Horses to hopefully win at the Preakness Stakes and finally at the Belmont Stakes.
20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby. Normally, far fewer Horses race in any other Horse racing event. To qualify for the Derby, the 3-year-old Thoroughbred Horses must travel the “Road to the Kentucky Derby”, which is a series of 35 Horse races at tracks in the U.S. and around the world. Points are awarded and the top 20 Horses proceed to the Kentucky Derby.
This race lasts about 2 minutes, and it is preceded by all day long activities and celebration. The excitement increases in intensity leading up to the opening of the gates, and the “Run for the Roses” begins.
Tradition abounds at the Kentucky Derby. People come dressed to the nines. Ladies wear extravagant hats and participate in a Hat Parade. Mint Juleps are the traditional drink and are consumed in huge quantities. Approximately 120,000 Mint Juleps are drunk during this two-day event.
Triple Crown Winners
Winning the Triple Crown is very difficult. Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown. In 1978, Affirmed became just the 11th horse to win all three races. Which was 37 long years before American Pharaoh accomplished the feat. The latest Triple Crown winner is Justify, in 2018.
Mint Juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Trivia:
- The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually running sporting event in the United States.
- The Kentucky Derby Race is sometimes referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”.
- To win the Triple Crown, a horse needs to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and the Preakness.
- in 1896, Roses were first given to the winner when Jockey Ben Brush received White and Pink Roses.
- In 1904, Red Roses became the official color of the Kentucky Derby.
- Mint Juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
- Approximately 120,000 Mint Juleps are served during the two-day event using 60,000 pounds of Ice.
- As the Horses step onto the track for the post Derby parade, the band plays “My Old Kentucky Home a tradition that began around 1921.
Related Holidays: Mint Julep Day
National Babysitters Day – Saturday before Mother’s Day
Today is National Babysitters Day which is a time to give recognition and appreciation to those whom you entrust your kids. Parents turn to babysitters to go on the occasional date night to dinner and a show, when parents need a break, or when parents have somewhere to go and can’t take the kids. Ask any parent what the most important thing in their lives is. They will tell you, their children. Parents will give anything to assure to the health and welfare of their children. Choosing a reliable babysitter is nothing to be taken lightly this is as important a decision as it gets.
The need for a babysitter can be short notice. A list of potential babysitters should be constructed in advance with care. Babysitters are often grandma and grandpa, a brother or sister who are usually the first “go to” sitters. Neighbors and fellow parents are often good choices, too. Teenagers are also common choices. When it comes to selecting teenagers to watch your kids, you should look for children who have taken childcare classes, and first aid training, including CPR.
Parents are understandably pretty picky when it comes to selecting babysitters. Safety, security and reliability are tops on the list when making a decision about who will watch our children. Babysitters are often called upon to do more than just watch the kids. The babysitter’s tasks may also include changing diapers, being tutors, helping with homework, organizing play time and activities, as well as providing snacks and meals.
The going rate for a babysitter today, ranges from $12.00 – $20.00 per hour!
Because babysitters are such important people in yours and your children’s lives, take some time today to express your appreciation to those on your list of babysitters. If you are a babysitter, we offer our thanks for being responsible individuals, and for taking great care of the kids you sit for.
History and Origin of National Babysitters Day:
National Babysitters Day was created in 2003 by Safetywhys.com, a company that provides baby sitter training programs.
This holiday is called a “National” day but did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations making this a true “National” day. The holiday was created to promote appreciation and recognition of quality childcare.
In compliance with a law passed in the U.S. Congress in 1988, each year the President of the United States issues a statement proclaiming the first Thursday in May to be a National Day of Prayer. But, the first National Day of Prayer was declared hundreds of years earlier. Religious roots in this Country go back to its formation. In 1775, the Continental Congress set aside a time for Prayer. In proclaiming this very first National Day of Prayer, the Founding Fathers asked the Colonists to Pray for our fledgling Country. Many immigrants to America, came here in search of religious freedom. Our God-fearing forefathers felt so strongly about religious liberty, that they wrote the First Amendment to the Constitution, specifically to protect the right to religious freedom.
Each year on the National Day of Prayer, there are over 35,000 Prayer gatherings, by Churches, Temples and Synagogues. Religious leaders across the Country participate in some way. A national Prayer broadcast can be found on GODTV, Facebook Live, and many other media channels.
We encourage you to spend a few minutes in Prayer and reflection today. Start by giving thanks to your God. All too often we forget to say thanks to God for what he has provided to us. You could start by expressing your thanks to be living in a Country that values and protects religious freedom. Think about what is going good in your life, your Community and the world. As you pray, let God know you appreciate all he has provided. Then, consider how things are today. What is not going so well in your life? Do others around you need your Prayers? There is always something in the world, that we can Pray for. Including Peace, and an end to disease. There never seems to be a shortage of things to Pray for. There is no established amount of time to spend in Prayer today. Spend whatever amount of time you feel comfortable with. Make certain to select a time to Pray, when you are not pressured to rush through your Prayers.
Personally, I will be Praying for your health, safety and happiness not only today but every day.
History and Origin of National Tourism Day:
The Continental Congress declared the first National Day of Prayer in 1775, when it asked colonists to pray for our new country. In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill into law proclaiming an annual National Day of Prayer. In 1988, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 100-307, instructing the president each year to proclaim the first Thursday in May to be a National Day of Prayer.
This holiday event is a true “National” day and is the very first one officially proclaimed by government decree. It is not a public holiday.
National Fitness Day – first Saturday in May
Do you want to live a longer, healthier life if so then, physical fitness should be one of your top priorities? National Fitness Day in the United States was created as a way to encourage us to get off the couch, turn off the television, and work out. According to the creator, the goal of this day is to “celebrate strength and empowerment through fitness”. Today you are encouraged to “get your sweat on”.
Use today, to establish a regular routine of exercise, and to maintain a regular exercise schedule all your life. So, you think it’s hard to begin a lifetime of regular workouts and physical exercise. You also might feel that it is hard to fit exercise into your already busy schedule. No one will disagree with you. because getting started is the hardest part. Start out slow. Getting started can be painful. In the beginning, your body may immediately disagree with your “no pain, no gain” exercise plan. In the early days of your new workout routine, just remind yourself that you are adding many years onto your life. Then, in a little while some amazing things happen. Aches and pains subside, eventually going away entirely. All of a sudden, you feel better, much better. You are stronger, you have more energy, your endurance goes up, and you can do physical things you haven’t been able to do in years.
On National Fitness Day, we encourage you to begin your new workout and exercise routines for life!
There are two “National Fitness” days one in the U.S. in May. The other is in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in September. It is great to have a day in these two Countries, to promote physical health and wellbeing. However, this is an issue for all human beings all over the planet. We might suggest that the creators of these two holiday events, get together to expand this to an international holiday held annually on a single date. Short of that, we encourage people all over the world to celebrate both of these days by doing things to get healthy and to stay healthy.
Related Holidays:
History and Origin of National Fitness Day:
This holiday was established in 2017. It was created by Kim Bielak of the National Fitness Company in New York, NY.
Did you know today is a great day to be a tourist because it is National Tourism Day/ On this day, municipalities and tourism sites around the Country promote their area or region. Municipalities and entertainment venues big and small, use today to let people know about activities and events in their communities sometimes they will do so in a big way.
A great way to promote your community is to hold activities and events on this Holiday. Ideally, make it a weekend, or a week-long celebration. Along with advertisements, offering discounts and other promotions will work well.
If you are a tourist venue, use this Holiday to really spread the word on what you are all about. As a tourist, use today in search of a new, exciting, and interesting place to go. Look for deals that may be offered today. Don’t just browse and dream get busy and book your travel plans today!
History and Origin of National Tourism Day:
Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this holiday. Most likely, it was a tourist venue or a municipality seeking to promote themselves. The popularity of this holiday to these parties is self-evident. This is referred to as a “National” day. However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.
National Train Day– Saturday closest to May 10th
The year 1869 was a really exciting time in America. The Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads were speeding across the wild, American frontier, laying tracks for what would soon become the first Transcontinental Rail Line. Construction was often done at great peril, as vast areas of the West were truly wild and unsettled. Once completed, train service would be connected from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, making the world a whole lot smaller. Which would also change the face of America.
On May 9, 1869, the tracks of the two railroad companies met up at Promontory Summit, Utah. A golden spike was driven into the final connection of the two tracks. The first Continental Rail Line was 1,776 miles long. Towns, big and small, would soon sprout up along the route.
Here are ways you can celebrate this holiday:
- Take a train ride
- Visit a train museum
- Explore train and railroad history.
- Join a train club
- Watch a movie that has trains in it.
History and Origin of National Train Day:
This holiday was created by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. It was recently created, and first celebrated in 2008. One would think that this holiday would have been created many, many years ago. This is referred to as a “National” day. However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
