Monday, August 15, 2011

Hello Day, Relaxation Day, Failure Day, more

August 15th, 2011, is Hello Day, Chauvin Day, National Relaxation Day, National Failure Day, Feast of the Assumption, Independence Day (South Korea), Independence Day (India), Constitution Day (Equatorial Guinea), Flooding the Nile, Cupcake Day for the RSPCA, and National Lemon Meringue Pie Day.

On this date in 1877, Thomas Edison suggested the word "hello" as the standard telephone greeting, rather than Alexander Graham Bell's suggestion, "ahoy." Happy Hello Day.

Chauvin Day honors (or dishonors) Nicholas Chauvin, a French soldier who idolized Napoleon and anything French. He became an object of ridicule because of his blind devotion, inspiring the word chauvinism. According to Merriam-Webster, chauvinism means:

  1. excessive or blind patriotism
  2. undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs or has belonged
  3. an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex; behavior expressive of such an attitude
Before today I only knew about the third definition. There's always something new to learn.

Today is National Relaxation Day. Does that mean I should take the day off and not finish this blog post? Nah. But I will find a few moments to sit back, chill, and simply be. So should you. De-stressing is healthy.

Take a chance on something outside of your comfort zone today, perhaps something you've never tried before. Even if your attempt is a complete bust you'll be successful, because today is National Failure Day.

The Feast of the Assumption celebrates the happy departure of the Virgin Mary from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.

South Korea observes Independence Day on August 15th, even though the country gained independence on August 13th, 1948.

India observes Independence Day on August 15th, the date in 1947 when India gained independence from Britain.

Equatorial Guinea observes Constitution Day today, commemorating the revision of their constitution in 1968.

Egypt observes Flooding the Nile or Wafaa El-Nil on August 15th. The three stages of Egypt's flood cycle are Akhet, Peret, and Shemu.

August 15th is Cupcake Day for the RSPCA, benefiting Australia's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. People purchase cupcakes for the benefit of the organization. Cupcake competitions are also featured.

Today is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. What's better than a cool, sweet-and-sour treat on a hot summer day?

Posted by The Holiday Whiz, at
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