Costume Swap Day, Ashtami, Cookbook Launch Day, more

October 12th, 2013, is Costume Swap Day, Universal Music Day, National Chess Day, International Migratory Bird Day, Ashtami, Columbus Day (actual date), Native American Day, Dia de la Raza (Day of the Race), Dia de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day), Fiesta Nacional de Espana (National Day), Dia de la Resistencia (Day of Indigenous Resistance), Fossil Day, Day of Six Billion, Moment of Frustration Scream Day, Freethought Day, Old Farmer's Day, Feast Day of Our Lady of Aparecida, Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea), Cookbook Launch Day, and National Gumbo Day.

Whoever came up with the idea for Costume Swap Day deserves a round of applause. Why not trade and reuse costumes that have been worn only once or twice? Swapping is both economical and green. Sooo.... what are you going to dress up as this year? Puhleeze don't choose Miley Cyrus twerking.

The theme for this year's Universal Music Day is: "Sing and Play YOUR HeART Song!" This holiday is always celebrated on the second Saturday in October.

Celebrate National Chess Day on the second Saturday in October. It's "the Festivus for the Chess of us."

In southern parts of the Americas, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, the second Saturday in October is International Migratory Bird Day. In the United States and Canada, the event is observed on the second Saturday in May.

This year Ashtami, or Mahashtami, part of the Durga Puja festival, falls on October 12th.

October 12th is the actual date of Columbus Day or Native American Day, when Christopher Columbus first set foot in America, although the United States generally observes the holiday on the second Monday in October. The event is not a celebration for all, as the arrival of Europeans meant loss of land and freedom for many indigenous people. Spanish-speaking countries observe the event today as Dia de la Raza (Day of the Race), Dia de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day), or Fiesta Nacional de Espana (National Day). Venezuela observes Dia de la Resistencia (Day of Indigenous Resistance).

Fossil Day honors all fossils, but the holiday is also embraced as the fifth and final event of Cephalopod Awareness Days. Don't confuse this celebration with National Fossil Day, which will take place this year on October 17th.

Day of Six Billion is a reason for concern, not for celebration. According to the UNFPA, the earth's population reached 6,000,000,000 on or about October 12th, 1999. Incidentally, the Day of Seven Billion occurred on October 31st, 2011. Most sobering of all is this World Population Clock, in real time. If this doesn't scare you, I don't know what will.

If you're having a bad day, if you're worried about overpopulation, if you're fed up with politicians and partisanship, or if you've simply run out of coffee, vent your stress with a primal scream. Today is Moment of Frustration Scream Day.

Freethought Day is meant to increase awareness and tolerance of others' beliefs or lack thereof. According to Secular Seasons, "In this day and age in the United States, discrimination, hatred, and bias against freethinkers is still allowed, even promoted, by many in this country."

During this harvest season, remember the ones who tend the crops. Celebrate Old Farmer's Day.

Brazil celebrates the Feast Day of Our Lady of Aparecida on October 12th. The Patroness of Brazil is also known as Our Lady Who Appeared.

Equatorial Guinea observes Independence Day on this date, celebrating freedom from Spanish rule since 1968.

Share your culinary creativity with the world today, Cookbook Launch Day. Alternatively, visit your favorite book retailer and purchase a new cookbook.

Enjoy a flavorful dish that shouts "New Orleans!" today, National Gumbo Day.

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