Holiday Calendar

The first of May is a time of great celebration across Europe, as the fields get greener and the flowers decorate the landscape with colorful confusion. Freya turns her kindly face to us after the night of Walburg. Celebrate the birth of Spring and the gifts of Freya on this day.

Copy link to share

The month of May / Merrymoon

Copy link to share

International Scurvy Awareness Day
Observed annually on May 2nd

Copy link to share

National Specially-abled Pets Day
Also known as Disabled Pets Day

Observed annually on May 3rd

Copy link to share

It’s National Two Different Colored Shoes Day! For 364 days a year, most people wear matching footwear, but today is your excuse to step outside the box.

Dr. Arlene Kaiser created National Two Different Colored Shoes Day to recognize and celebrate human diversity. According to Dr. Kaiser, the simple act of wearing two different colored shoes proclaims your individuality. By taking this “positive risk,” you can demonstrate your willingness to be different, and show your appreciation for the unique people in your life.

Wearing two different colored shoes can be as simple as wearing a black shoe and a brown shoe, or as outrageous as wearing a flip-flop and a boot. However you decide to express yourself today, do so with pride! Happy National Two Different Colored Shoes Day!

Copy link to share

May-the-fourth-be-with-you

Casual dress if you wear anything Star-Wars!

Copy link to share

Today is Cinco de Mayo! Send free Cinco de Mayo eCards to friends and family in honor of the occasion! Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. (Mexico declared its independence over 50 years earlier. This battle was over unpaid debts owed to European governments.)

Cinco de Mayo is actually a fairly minor holiday in Mexico. Celebrations are usually limited to the Puebla region and consist mostly of military parades. For Mexican-Americans living in the United States, it is a different matter. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a huge festival that celebrates Mexican culture and heritage. People mark the occasion with elaborate family feasts, parties, mariachi music, and traditional folk dancing.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, mix up a delicious margarita recipe and host a party for friends and family!

Copy link to share

Free Comic Book Day
Observed the first Saturday of May

Copy link to share

National Beverage Day
Observed annually on May 6th

Copy link to share

Today is National Roast Leg of Lamb Day! People have been eating lamb for more than 10,000 years. During the Middle Ages, farmers learned that sheep were the most productive livestock. These animals supplied wool for clothing, skins for parchment, milk for butter and cheese, and hearty flavorful meat.

You can cook lamb a variety of different ways, but roasting is one of the most popular methods. This dish pairs beautifully with seasonings like rosemary, oregano, thyme, or lemon zest. For something extra special, make a stuffed leg of lamb or prepare a succulent sauce to serve on top!

To celebrate National Roast Leg of Lamb Day, cook up a traditional roast dinner tonight with lamb as the main course. Bon appétit!

Copy link to share

Remembrance for Gudrod of Gudbrandsdal, whose tongue was cut out by the Norwegian king 'St. Olaf' (not to be confused with Olaf Tryggvason despite the similarity of names and methods. St. Olaf, otherwise known as 'Olaf the Fat' or 'Olaf the Big-Mouthed', was canonized for his efforts to convert Norway by fear, murder and torture).

This Norwegian martyr spoke out against the tyranny of the Christian fanatic Tryggvason, and urged others to resist him. For this, the king had his tongue cut out.

Copy link to share

I think you can figure out how to celebrate this

This event has a video call.
Join:

Copy link to share

It’s Eat What You Want Day! Today is the day to ignore your diet and indulge in the foods you love most. Spread the word about this unique holiday with a free eCard for the occasion! While junk food is certainly acceptable on Eat What You Want Day, don’t forget to include your favorite meals as well. Perhaps you’d like to recreate Thanksgiving dinner, or a childhood classic like mac and cheese and pigs-in-the-blanket.

Did you know that dieting is a relatively new phenomenon? Our ancestors were concerned with getting more carbohydrates and fats into their systems, not less! The first fad diet programs appeared in the U.S. during the 19th century and today people are still trying all sorts of crazy things to lose a few pounds.

To celebrate Eat What You Want Day, eat all of your favorite healthy and not-so-healthy foods (in moderation). We hope you enjoy every bite!

Copy link to share

Today is Limerick Day! Limerick day celebrates the birthday of Edward Lear (1812-1888), an English writer who made the Limerick popular. In 1846, Lear wrote his Book of Nonsense, which made these poems especially admired. The Limerick is named after the third largest city in Ireland.

Did you know that a Limerick is a five-line poem where the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme, while the third and forth lines rhyme? These short, comical, and musical poems incorporate nonsensical, obscene, and humorous themes. Here is one of Lear’s famous Limericks:

There was a Young Lady whose chin,
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp,
And purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin

To celebrate Limerick Day, read a few funny Limericks, or try writing some of your own. They are guaranteed to make you laugh!

Copy link to share

Apple pie is the quintessential American dessert! However, apple pie wasn't even invented in the U.S. Rather it was invented in Europe sometime during the 14th century. The first apple pie recipe was printed by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381 in England. The ingredients in the recipe included apples, spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn (a casing of pastry).

Dutch apple pie recipes date back to the late 15th century. These recipes were similar to the English recipes except they included a scoop of ice cream placed on top of the pie before it was served. This tradition—apple pie à la mode—was eventually brought to America where most people continue to enjoy their apple pie topped with ice cream.

To celebrate National Apple Pie Day, bake a delicious apple pie or pick one up at your local bakery to share with your family. Just don't forget the ice cream!

Copy link to share

Today is National Dance Like a Chicken Day! Although we may not like to admit it, we all have rocked the Chicken Dance at least once or twice in our lives. This silly dance is a perennial favorite at birthday parties, bat mitzvahs, weddings, and other family gatherings.

A Swiss accordion player named Werner Thomas wrote the melody for the Chicken Dance song in the late 1950s. In 1963, he began performing it at his restaurant. The people who bravely stood up and danced along to the tune often used sporadic movements that reminded Thomas of ducks and chickens. By the time the Chicken Dance arrived in America in the 1970s, it had acquired set choreography with repetitive beak, wing, and tail motions.

Today, the Chicken Dance has earned a permanent place in the pantheon of cheesy party dances. Other favorites include the Hokey Pokey, the Electric Slide, and the Macarena. To celebrate National Dance Like a Chicken Day, turn on this familiar tune and dance like a chicken!

Copy link to share

Today is Armed Forces Day! This holiday honors all of the men and women who serve our country and protect our freedom! In 1949, Louis Johnson (the Secretary of Defense) suggested that the United States should have a day to celebrate all of its military branches. On February 9, 1950, President Truman proclaimed the first ever Armed Forces Day.

Communities all across the country celebrate Armed Forces Day with parades, receptions, and air shows. There is a different theme for the event every year. Some examples of past themes include liberty, freedom, professionalism, and security.

To celebrate Armed Forces Day, attend a local parade or reception and thank service men and women for their dedication!

Copy link to share

National Coquilles St. Jacques Day
Observed annually on May 16th

Copy link to share

National Mushroom Hunting Day
Observed annually on May 17th

Copy link to share

It's Be a Millionaire Day! Today is the perfect opportunity to dream big and imagine what life would be like as a millionaire! While a million dollars may not be what it used to be, seeing a seven-figure number in your bank account is still considered a major financial milestone.

The first multi-millionaire in the United States was John Jacob Astor (1763 – 1848). Astor made his fortune in trade and later established the first trust in American history. His great-grandson, John Jacob Astor IV, was the wealthiest person aboard the Titanic.

There are many different ways to celebrate Be a Millionaire Day. Invest money in a savings account or stock portfolio, or purchase a lottery ticket to try your luck!

Copy link to share

Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred campout, perform blot to honor the AllMother and thank her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.

Copy link to share

Today is National Strawberries and Cream Day! The simple combination of fresh sliced strawberries and homemade whipped cream has been a popular dish for centuries. In fact, in medieval England it was customary for newlyweds to enjoy strawberries and soured cream for their wedding breakfast.

The strawberry is the first fruit to ripen every spring and each refreshing bite contains high levels of Vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium. If you’re feeling experimental, there are many interesting variations on the classic strawberries and cream recipe. Try flavoring your whipped cream with amaretto liqueur or substituting a combination of fat-free sour cream and brown sugar instead. For a more elaborate dessert, put together a trifle with alternating layers of fruit, cream, and a sweet pastry such as ladyfinger cookies. For more ideas, check out these recipes for stuffed strawberries.

To celebrate National Strawberries and Cream Day, head to a local farm and pick your own fresh strawberries as a fun spring activity for the whole family. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious snack of strawberries and cream at home!

Copy link to share

May 22 is World Goth Day. The Official World Goth Day site defines it as "a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world."

Gothic girl.jpg
World Goth Day originated in the United Kingdom in 2009. BBC Radio 6 was looking at a number of music subcultures throughout a week in May, including Goth music. Goth DJs Cruel Britannia and martin oldgoth got an event up and running. It was decided that May 22 would be the day when this event would be held regularly.

Copy link to share

The purpose of World Turtle Day, May 23, sponsored yearly since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, is to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive.

Copy link to share

Happy Taffy Day!

Impress your friends and Learn More

Copy link to share

Asparagus, from the genus family Asparagaceae, is made up of more than 200 species. The most common and economically important is garden asparagus, which is cultivated to be eaten, and is celebrated today! It is usually green with a purple-tinged top, but white asparagus is another common variety and is often grown in Europe. In particular, in France's Argenteuil, asparagus is grown underground so that chlorophyll does not develop. This white asparagus is thick, is smoother than green types, and is known for its tenderness and delicate flavor. There is also a purple variety of asparagus called viola.

Celebrate the day by eating asparagus! Eat it raw, steamed, boiled, or in a soup. There are many recipes you could try. You could grow your own—there are many varieties of asparagus you could cultivate. One of the most popular is called Mary Washington. Asparagus also grows in the wild, and you could go searching for some. If purchasing fresh asparagus at a store, pick out firm stalks that are bright green or pale ivory, with light tips. If you can't eat the asparagus right away, you can extend its life by about four days by wrapping it tightly in a plastic bag and placing it in a refrigerator, or by standing the stalks up in a container with about an inch of water, and covering the container with a plastic bag.

Copy link to share

Celebrate the day by calling or meeting up with your brother or brothers, or those who have been like a brother to you, and let them know what they mean to you. It's possible you usually spend a lot of time with your brother anyway, but if not, perhaps the day can be used to reconnect with a brother you haven't talked to in a very long time. Maybe you can convince your brother or brothers to recreate an old photo with you. You could also learn about famous brothers, and share what you've learned with your brothers.

Copy link to share

Happy Scavenger Hunting!

Impress your friends and Learn More

Copy link to share

Towel Day is observed next on Friday, May 25th, 2018. It has been observed annually on May 25th since 2001.

A towel is just about the most massively useful thing any interstellar Hitchhiker can carry. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapours; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (a mind-bogglingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you — daft as a brush, but very very ravenous); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course you can dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.

Copy link to share

Today is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day! Although cheesecake recipes can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece, the flavored versions we know and love today are a fairly recent innovation. People have come up with all sorts of interesting and unique cheesecake flavors, but today is a celebration of the classic blueberry variety.

The type of cheese used to make cheesecake has a huge impact on the flavor and texture of this delicious dessert. American cheesecakes are made with cream cheese, Italian cheesecakes are made with ricotta, and German and Polish cheesecakes are made with “quark” cheese, which is a type of curd cheese.

Blueberry cheesecake is one of the most popular cheesecake flavors. Enjoy a heavenly slice (or two) today to celebrate National Blueberry Cheesecake Day!

Copy link to share

Happy Grape Popsicle Day!

Impress your friends and Learn More

Copy link to share

Today is National Hamburger Day! Nothing is more American than a big, juicy hamburger. Hamburgers and cheeseburgers have been a staple of the American diet for decades. In 2001, over 8.2 billion burgers were served in commercial restaurants in the United States. This number doesn't even take into account the number of burgers people eat at home, which is another 15 billion!

Although hamburgers originated in Hamburg, Germany, eating the burger in a bun is actually an American innovation. The hamburger sandwich was most likely invented in Seymour, Wisconsin. Each year the city hosts a hamburger festival called Burger Fest. That is where the world's largest hamburger made its debut in 2001. It weighed 8,266 pounds!

To celebrate National Hamburger Day, host a backyard barbeque with your friends and grill up some tasty burgers. Don't forget about all the delicious ways you can customize your burger — add bacon, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and your other favorite fixings!

Copy link to share

Happy Mint Julep Day!

Impress your friends and Learn More

National Mint Julep Day is observed next on Wednesday, May 30th, 2018. It has always been observed annually on May 30th.

There’s nothin’ more invitin’ than whilin’ away a hot summer day on your porch swing while sippin’ a frosty mint julep.

We’ve dropped the gs because that first line should be read with a pronounced southern drawl. After all, the birthplace of the mint julep was below the Mason-Dixon Line. While the cocktail has been around for at least two centuries, mint juleps today are more commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby, a two-day horse racing event in which nearly 120,000 mint juleps are quaffed each year during the first weekend of May.
So as we raise our glasses to toast National Mint Julep Day on May 30, let’s honor the drink for its longevity, good taste and as a fine symbol of southern hospitality.
 Mint Julep in ice, clear glass
94

The Mint Julep Recipe
For a drink with arguably only 3 ingredients, the number and range of recipes seems limitless. How to make a true Mint Julep remains a hotly debated topic in the world of bartending and mixology. However, we don't think anyone would argue with this "how to" video from Chris McMillian, the bartender at the The Library Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Ideally he would be from Kentucky but it's hard to argue with his passion and knowledge.

Copy link to share

Mark your calendar and celebrate in your own way.

Copy link to share