February 15th, 2013, is Kissing Friday, Nippy Hug Friday, John Frum Day, Lupercalia, Nirvana Day, Vasant Panchami, Thanks for a Great Valentine's Day, Susan B. Anthony Day, Remember the Maine Day, Funding Friday, National Flag of Canada Day, and Gumdrop Day.
Kissing Friday, also known as Nippy Hug Friday in Sileby, Leicestershire, was celebrated in the UK until the 1940s on the Friday following Ash Wednesday.
On this day a schoolboy could demand a kiss from a schoolgirl. If she
agreed, great, but if she refused, the boy was allowed to pinch her on
the bottom! Imagine the lawsuits, if this sort of thing went on today.
John Frum Day is the most intriguing holiday ever encountered by The Holiday Whiz. John Frum isn't actually a person. John Frum seems to be a corruption of "John from America," and he is worshipped as a deity on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu, in the South Pacific. During World War II, American troops landed on the island with food and supplies, to the delight of the natives. Since the war ended, so-called cargo cults have prayed for the return of John Frum. On February 15th they dress as GIs, display the American flag, and build symbolic landing strips! I hope their prayers are answered.
Lupercalia is an ancient Roman festival, no longer celebrated. Men sacrificed goats, then ran about town with the goat skins. Young wives wanted to be touched by the skins, to promote fertility.
Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day, remembering the death of Buddha and his transition into parinirvana, the ultimate nirvana.
Vasant Panchami celebrates the beginning of spring in India. Yellow is the color of the day.
Vasant Panchami celebrates the beginning of spring in India. Yellow is the color of the day.
If you're suffering from withdrawal after yesterday's overload of red and pink hearts, send ecards to celebrate Thanks for a Great Valentine's Day.
Susan B. Anthony Day honors an important activist. She fought for women's rights in the United States, especially the right to vote.
Remember the Maine Day is observed on February 15h, the anniversary of the 1898 event that started the Spanish-American War. The U.S.S. Maine, an American warship, was blown up in Havana, Cuba. After the explosion, 260 men were dead or missing.
Funding Friday is observed in the UK on Friday of Go Green Week.
Funding Friday is observed in the UK on Friday of Go Green Week.
Those in the Great White North celebrate National Flag of Canada Day today.
After yesterday's overload of chocolate, flowers, and hearts, it's nice to enjoy the childlike simplicity of Gumdrop Day.
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