Walpurgis Night, Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Spank Out Day, Beltane, more

April 30th, 2011, is Walpurgis Night, Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Honesty Day, Beltane, Spank Out Day, Just Pray No!, National Rebuilding Day, Sense of Smell Day, Eeyore's Birthday Party, World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, World Healing Day, International Marconi Day, World Veterinary Day, and National Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Walpurgis Night in Sweden features bonfires, spring songs, night life, and birthday wishes for King Karl XVI Gustaf.

Do you sport a mohawk or a mullet? Did you like Kate Middleton's wedding do? Celebrate Hairstyle Appreciation Day!

It's important to be honest, but also wise to know when a harmless "white lie" is called for. Celebrate the spirit of Honesty Day.

Today is Beltane, a spring fertility festival for the Wiccans. Enjoy these selected songs for the occasion.

Spank Out Day spreads a message of "Raising responsible (good) kids without hitting."

Just Pray No! Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting, takes place from April 30th to May 1st. Christian participants pray for those who are addicted to drugs, as well as for their families.

National Rebuilding Day honors Rebuilding Together, an organization that promotes affordable home ownership and community revitalization.

Depending on your surroundings, Sense of Smell Day could be pleasant or unbearable. Wishing you a day full of cinnamon, roses, fresh air, and....bacon!

You're invited to attend Eeyore's Birthday Party in Austin, Texas, USA.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day raises awareness of the benefits of Tai Chi and meditation - "One World ... One Breath." Also celebrated as World Healing Day.

Today is International Marconi Day, honoring Guglielmo Marconi, instrumental in the development of radio.

The theme of the 2011 World Veterinary Day is "Rabies."

Today is National Oatmeal Cookie Day, not to be confused with National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, celebrated in March. But have whichever kind you like. I won't tell!

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Golden Week in Japan

Japan's Golden Week is celebrated from April 29th to May 5th, featuring  Showa no Hi (Emperor's Birthday), Kenpo Kinenbi (Constitution Day), Midori no Hi (Greenery Day), and Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day).

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Royal Wedding, Showa no Hi, Hairball Awareness Day, Arbor Day, more

April 29th, 2011, is The Royal Wedding, Showa no Hi, Hairball Awareness Day, Arbor Day, International Dance Day, and National Shrimp Scampi Day.

Unless you live under a rock, meaning with no internet, meaning you wouldn't be reading this, you know that today is The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Enjoy the day if you love pomp and circumstance, rejoice that it's almost behind you if you're tired of the whole thing.

Showa no Hi is the birthday of the Japanese Emperor, marking the beginning of Golden Week.

Sorry to gross you out, but today is Hairball Awareness Day. Be aware. Be very aware.

Plant a seed in honor of Arbor Day - "Planting the seeds of tomorrow today."

Even if you haven't been invited to the Royal Wedding reception, take a turn or two around your room in celebration of International Dance Day.

Barring food allergies, it's hard to go wrong with shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta. Happy National Shrimp Scampi Day.

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Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, Day of Mourning, Kiss Your Mate Day, more

April 28th, 2011, is The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, National Day of Mourning, Workers Memorial Day, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, Kiss Your Mate Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Great Poetry Reading Day, and National Blueberry Pie Day.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut takes place in ten states at 10:15 a.m., highlighting safety procedures to follow in the event of an earthquake. People who are outside should stay outside; people who are inside should stay inside. A key strategy is to "Drop, Cover and Hold On."

National Day of Mourning originated in Canada and has since spread to over eighty countries, honoring workers who lost their lives or were injured in the workplace. In the United States, the day is known as Workers Memorial Day.

Celebrating Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on the same date as Workers Memorial Day is disconcerting, but showing our children what Mom and Dad do to earn a living is a good idea.

You shouldn't need instructions to celebrate Kiss Your Mate Day. Just pucker up!

The people at the Gone-ta-Pott site have declared the 28th of every month to be Gone-ta-Pott Day. No matter how badly your day or month is going, take a moment to relax and have a laugh.

Great Poetry Reading Day is a time to celebrate your favorite poet - Walt Whitman, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, or even yourself!

Celebrate National Blueberry Pie Day because blueberries are good for you and just plain good.

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Babe Ruth Day, Tell a Story Day, Mantanzas Mule Day, more

April 27th, 2011, is Babe Ruth Day, National Tell a Story Day, Mantanzas Mule Day, Morse Code Day, National Walk@Lunch Day, Poetry and the Creative Mind Day, Administrative Professionals Day,  and Prime Rib Day.

Babe Ruth Day honors one of the greatest baseball players ever, the Great Bambino, whose batting stats are legendary.

National Tell a Story Day is a chance to let loose with your best tale, whether true or fantastic.

During the Spanish-American War, the only casualty of one battle in the village of Mantanzas was a mule. The mule was buried with pomp and circumstance, and thus we have Mantanzas Mule Day.

Morse Code Day honors the birth date of Samuel Morse, creator of Morse Code.

National Walk@Lunch Day is a great time to get a litle fresh air and exercise. A special event is planned for the National Mall.

Today is the ninth annual Poetry and the Creative Mind Day, benefiting the programs of the Academy of American Poets.

The theme for the 2011 Administrative Professionals Day is "This year, celebrate all office professionals."

Wouldn't you enjoy a nice cut of beef with a side of horseradish sauce? Of course! Celebrate Prime Rib Day.

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Pretzel Day, Hug an Australian Day, Richter Scale Day, Hug a Friend Day, more

April 26th, 2011, is  Pretzel Day, Hug an Australian Day, Richter Scale Day, Hug a Friend Day, World Intellectual Property Day, and National Kids and Pets Day.

Celebrate Pretzel Day this year with an unusual combo of dance and pretzels.

Since there are no Australians in my personal circle right now, I'll have to celebrate Hug an Australian Day by offering my online Australian friends a virtual hug! Or I could cuddle with my daughter's stuffed kangaroo. Anyway, have a great day, Australians!

Richter Scale Day honors the birth date of Charles Richter, inventor of the scale that measures the intensity of earthquakes.

Who could argue with a concept so friendly as Hug a Friend Day?

World Intellectual Property Day is meant to raise awareness about the ins and outs of intellectual property, including copyright protection and fair use.

National Kids and Pets Day - because the two naturally go together!

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Dyngus Day, ANZAC Day, St. Mark's Day, Red Hat Society Day, more

April 25th, 2011, is  Dyngus Day, ANZAC Day, St. Mark's Day, East Meets West Day, Parental Alienation Awareness Day, St. George's Day, Malaria Awareness Day, and Red Hat Society Day.

Red Hat Society Day.

Dyngus Day, always the Monday after Easter, is a Polish-American tradition. Prepare to be sprinkled with water and switched with pussy willow branches.

ANZAC Day is an important Australian holiday, commemorating the first action of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I.

St. Mark's Day honors the patron saint of Venice, Italy. During la Festa del Boccolo - the Festival of the Blooming Rose - men give women long-stemmed roses.

East Meets West Day isn't the global holiday you might imagine. It's a time to hold sporting events between rival East and West teams, often for charity or fundraising.

Parental Alienation Awareness Day  is a time to improve relationships between parents and children. "With awareness comes education and the power to stop the abuse of the innocent children." For a more lighthearted approach to bridging the gap, visit "Top 10 quotes about parenting teens" and "Top 15 quotes about teen angst."

St. George's Day is a provincial holiday in Canada, celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Malaria Awareness Day is meant to raise awareness about a devastating but preventable disease.

Red Hat Society Day - celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Red Hat Society, a global society of women who promote fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and freedom.

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Egg Salad Week, Karaoke Week, Sky Awareness Week, more

The week of April 24th through April 30th, 2011, features National Egg Salad Week, Karaoke Week, National Sky Awareness Week, National Playground Safety Week, Keep America Beautiful Week, Administrative Professionals Week, Medical Lab Week, National Infant Immunization Week, and National Infertility Awareness Week.

It's obvious why we celebrate National Egg Salad Week right after Easter - we have to use those beautifully decorated hard-boiled eggs!

Get your courage up and get your Bruno Mars on - this is Karaoke Week!

The theme of National Sky Awareness Week 2011 is: "THE SKY - Where Meteorology Meets the Heavens, the Earth and the Oceans!"

National Playground Safety Week is celebrated on the school days of this week, April 25th through April 29th, with the goal of keeping our children safe.

Keep America Beautiful Week is celebrated in the fourth week of April. How will you do your part?

The theme of Administrative Professionals Week 2011 is: "This year, celebrate all office professionals."

Medical Lab Week is a time to appreciate the roles science and scientists play in our everyday lives. Encourage the budding young scientists around you!

National Infant Immunization Week is meant to highlight the importance of immunization, to protect infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. This event actually began on April 23rd, but continues until April 30th.

National Infertility Awareness Week - "Bust a myth about infertility!"

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Easter, Pinhole Photography Day, Mother Father Deaf Day, more

April 24th, 2011, is  Easter, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, Mother Father Deaf Day, National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day, and World Meningitis Day.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ, a central event of Christianity. Easter always occurs between March 22nd and April 25th. The holiday hasn't fallen on April 24th since 1859! The name Easter is not found in the Bible - it comes from Eastre, the Teutonic Goddess of Spring.

Take a pinhole photograph on the last Sunday in April each year, then upload it to the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day website. Be part of a worldwide event!

Mother Father Deaf Day is always celebrated on the last Sunday in April, to bring together families in which a parent (or both parents) is deaf.

The recipe varies around the world, but everybody loves pigs-in-a-blanket. Have some today, in honor of National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day.
 
World Meningitis Day is meant to heighten awareness of "the silent killer," a deadly disease that often strikes children and teens.

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, St. George's Day, Holy Saturday, Peppercorn Day, more

April 23rd, 2011, is Talk Like Shakespeare Day, St. George's Day, Holy Saturday, Peppercorn Day, Cherry Cheesecake Day, Conch Republic Independence Celebration, Feast of St. George, Take a Chance Day, World Laboratory Day, Nose Picking Day, World Book and Copyright Day, and Zucchini Bread Day.

Prithee, take note! 'Tis the birth date of The Bard; 'tis  also Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Alas, poor Sir Francis Bacon - we honor ye not so well.

There's a campaign afoot in England to make St. George's Day a national bank holiday. Support the cause if you're there!

Holy Saturday or Easter Even commemorates the day Jesus lay in his tomb.

Peppercorn Day is celebrated on April 23rd in Bermuda. In 1797 officials began collecting one peppercorn as rent for the Old State House in Saint George.

Craving a sweet treat for dessert? Today is Cherry Cheesecake Day - you know what to do!

Conch Republic Independence Celebration is a quirky holiday about a border dispute between the Florida Keys and the U.S. mainland. The Border Patrol stopped Keys residents at the mainland, forcing them to prove citizenship, and hard feelings led Keys residents to seceed from the Union in 1982! Everything has long since been resolved, but the celebration remains.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. George on this date.

Do something crazy or risky on Take a Chance Day. What could possibly go wrong?

Without laboratories, we wouldn't have modern medicines, cake mixes, or light bulbs. Celebrate World Laboratory Day!

I'm not sure why International Nose Picking Day should be a holiday, but someone thought it was a good idea. I'd recommend you don't celebrate the holiday literally. Try playing "Wario Smooth Moves" on the Wii - one of the mini games involves aiming fingers at nostrils!

UNESCO established World Book and Copyright Day to encourage reading, publishing, and the protection of copyright and intellectual property. Feel free to pass this post along, but with proper author credit!

Celebrate Zucchini Bread Day today if your kitchen isn't too hot for baking.

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Good Friday, Jelly Bean Day, Earth Day, April Showers Day, more

April 22nd, 2011, is  Good Friday, National Jelly Bean Day, Earth Day, International Mother Earth Day, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, April Showers Day, and Girl Scout Leader Day.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Day

Good Friday commemorates Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, suffering, death, and burial.

National Jelly Bean Day is a good chance to stock up and sample new flavors, just two days before the Easter Bunny delivers the baskets.

Pledge an act of green on Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, to protect and improve our one and only home planet. Go to Google today, April 22nd, to view their beautiful Earth Day Google doodle. After April 22nd, check the Google doodle archive.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Day is always celebrated in conjunction with Earth Day, "to illustrate the positive role that chemistry plays in the world."

April Showers Day seems to be nothing but an ecard holiday, but why not celebrate just for fun?

Show your gratitude to the tireless volunteers who help mold our girls into responsible, well-rounded women on Girl Scout Leader Day.

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Lyrid Meteor Shower 2011

The 2011 Lyrid Meteor Shower is expected to be at its peak April 21st through early April 23rd, although the brightness of the moon may interfere with optimal viewing. It's possible to see up to 20 meteors per hour.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Lyrid Meteor Shower appears near the star Vega, otherwise known as Alpha Lyrae.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos

Check out these sites for more information about the Lyrid Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe:

• Spacedex Presents Lyrid Meteor Shower
• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2011
• StarDate 2011 Meteor Showers
• American Meteor Society

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Ridvan, Maundy Thursday, High Five Day, Kindergarten Day, more

April 21st, 2011, is the Festival of Ridvan, Maundy Thursday, National High Five Day, Kindergarten Day, San Jacinto Day, and National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day.

The Festival of Ridvan begins at sunset on April 21st and continues until sunset on May 2nd in the Bahai faith. The festival commemorates the period of time spent by Baha'u'llah in the Ridvan Garden.

Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus.

On the tenth annual National High Five Day, consider donating to their scholarship fund. Or just give someone a high five for a job well done.

Kindergarten Day is celebrated on the birth date of Friedrich Froebel, the man who started the first kindergarten in Germany in 1837. "Kindergarten" translates literally from German as "children's garden."

San Jacinto Day commemorates a battle in 1836 between Texas and Mexico, in Texas' fight for independence from Mexico.

Nothing beats a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day!

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Taurus, April 20 to May 20

Taurus. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between April 20th and May 20th is a Taurus, the sign of the Bull.

For more information about Taurus:

• Taurus Daily Horoscope
• Whats-Your-Sign for Taurus
• Astrology.com: Taurus Sun Sign
• Farmers' Almanac: Zodiac Signs, Astrology and Astronomy Explained

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Lima Bean Respect Day, Look Alike Day, Pot Smokers Day, more

April 20th, 2011, is Lima Bean Respect Day, Look Alike Day, Volunteer Recognition Day, Get To Know Your Customer Day, National Pot Smokers Day, and National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day.

Do you like lima beans? Sorry to say, I do not. They're okay in something like fifteen-bean soup, where their flavor is overpowered by others. Anyway, today is Lima Bean Respect Day, which only proves that a lot of people don't care much for them. By comparison, you'll never see a Pizza Respect Day or Ice Cream Respect Day, you know?

Do you naturally look like someone famous, or do you aspire to? If so, celebrate Look Alike Day!

Thank the volunteers in your life for their service on Volunteer Recognition Day. Consider volunteering yourself, if you don't already.

Today is Get To Know Your Customer Day. You are my customers, so to speak, my online friends - so please tell me how this blog could serve you better!

I don't condone this holiday and I won't participate in it, but for the sake of completeness I'll mention that today is National Pot Smokers Day. It's celebrated on April 20th because 4:20 is a popular time for smoking.

National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day is a time to enjoy an old-fashioned but delicious treat. Flipping the cake over after baking, revealing the beautiful fruit pattern, is a magical moment.

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Hanging Out Day, Bicycle Day, Humorous Day, Garlic Day, more

April 19th, 2011, is National Hanging Out Day, Humorous Day, Garlic Day, Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day, National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day, Bicycle Day, and National Amaretto Day.

National Hanging Out Day isn't what you might think. Project Laundry List asks us to consider line drying our clothes, to save money and energy.

Bicycle Day isn't what you might think, either. Bicycle Day marks the date in 1943 when Dr. Albert Hoffman took LSD on purpose for the first time, causing him to bicycle home from his lab. This political activist is better known as Abbie Hoffman.

On Humorous Day remember that a little laughter is a great coping mechanism.

Enjoy a garlicky meal on Garlic Day - vampires excluded.

On this date in 1995, the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA was bombed, killing 168. Remember them on Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day.

National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day is always celebrated the weekday after U.S. taxes are due, presumably because people were up all night looking for deductions.

Enjoy some amaretto cookies or an amaretto sour today, National Amaretto Day, in honor of a delicious Italian almond liqueur.

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Celebrations for the week of April 18-24, 2011

Image: American Cleaning Institute.

April 18th through April 24th, 2011, features celebrations for National Cleaning for a Reason Week, National Pet ID Week, and Fibroid Awareness Week.

National Cleaning for a Reason Week honors very dedicated people - cleaning services who offer free help to women who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Support and promote these establishments.

Is your pet microchipped? If not, do it now in honor of National Pet ID Week, before the unthinkable happens.

The purpose of Fibroid Awareness Week is to educate women about fibroids. About 40% of women will experience fibroids at some point in their lives. Fibroid Awareness Week runs from April 18th through April 23rd.

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Animal Crackers Day, Columnists' Day, Amateur Radio Day, more

April 18th, 2011, is National Animal Crackers Day, National Columnists' Day, World Amateur Radio Day, Patriots' Day, U.S. Tax Deadline 2011, First day of Passover, Pet Owners' Day, the Boston Marathon, and International Jugglers Day.

Today is National Animal Crackers Day. Can you hear Shirley Temple singing, "animal crackers in my soup...."

The death anniversary of Ernie Pyle, renowned World War II columnist and journalist, is commemorated as National Columnists' Day.

Today is World Amateur Radio Day. Everybody say: Charlie, Echo, Lima, Echo, Bravo, Romeo, Alpha, Tango, Echo.

Patriots' Day, always celebrated on the third Monday in April, commemorates the U.S. Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1755.

U.S. Tax Deadline 2011 is today, April 18th, rather than the usual April 15th, because Emancipation Day was celebrated in Washington, D.C. on April 15th this year.

The Jewish Holiday Passover begins at sunset today and continues through nightfall of April 26th. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Honor yourself and your pets on Pet Owners' Day.

The 115th world-famous Boston Marathon takes place today! The 2010 winner was Robert Cheruiyot from Kenya.

Do you juggle? Show off your skill or try your best on International Jugglers Day.

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Full Pink Moon tonight, April 17, 2011

Full moon. Image: morgueFile

April's full moon is known as the Full Pink Moon because of the wild ground phlox that adds pink to the landscape in the spring.

April's full moon is also sometimes called the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or Full Fish Moon.

April's full moon for 2011 occurs tonight, April 17th. Take time tonight to step outside, look up, and admire its splendor.

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Celebrations for the week of April 17-23, 2011

April 17th through April 23rd, 2011, features celebrations for National Park Week, National Coin Week, Holy Week, Organize Your Files Week, and Consumer Awareness Week.

In the United States we have 394 National Parks. They're all open and ready for you, since Congress managed to cobble together a budget, so celebrate National Park Week. (To accommodate weekenders, presumably, their week runs from April 16th through April 24th.)

The theme for this year's National Coin Week is "Blue, Gray, and Greenbacks," with a focus on Civil War currency.

Holy Week is the last week of Lent, just prior to Easter.

Organize Your Files Week is always the third week in April, fitting in nicely with tax time. Will you celebrate this event or just think about it?

Consumer Awareness Week is a time to stand up for your rights, against businesses big or small.

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Blah Blah Blah Day, Palm Sunday, Ellis Island Family History Day, more

April 17th, 2011, is National Blah Blah Blah Day, Palm Sunday, Ellis Island Family History Day, Pet Owners Independence Day, Nothing like a Dame Day, World Hemophilia Day, and National Cheeseball Day.

National Blah Blah Blah Day is a day to actually listen to - and follow through on - the stuff people say that goes in one ear and out the other. Good luck with that!

On Palm Sunday, worshippers wave palm branches to commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter.

Did your ancestors pass through Ellis Island in search of a new life? April 17th marks the date, in 1907, when a record number of people entered the U.S. via Ellis Island. Today is Ellis Island Family History Day.

On Pet Owners Independence Day, are we supposed to pretend we don't have pets, or are we supposed to ask our pets to take care of us? I'm not sure either option would end happily. Maybe we should drop them off at a kennel or a friend's house, just to take a break?

Nothing like a Dame Day celebrates women. "Dame" is an old-fashioned term, but it implies a certain boldness and confidence.

World Hemophilia Day is a time to learn more about this bleeding disorder and how you can help.

Have you ever made and/or served a cheese ball when you were not having a party? Live on the edge and do it today, in honor of National Cheeseball Day.

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Husband Appreciation Day, Record Store Day, Stress Awareness Day, more

April 16th, 2011, is Husband Appreciation Day, Record Store Day, Stress Awareness Day, Auctioneers Day, National Librarian Day, Lazarus Saturday, Day of the Mushroom, and National Eggs Benedict Day.

Husband Appreciation Day is always observed on the third Saturday in April. How will you celebrate?

Remember vinyl records? Some companies still make them, believe it or not. Check your local store on Record Store Day. Perhaps your hubby would enjoy a retro gift of vinyl on Husband Appreciation Day.

Taxes got you stressed? Stress Awareness Day is celebrated both today and November 2nd, in case you're super-stressed.

On National Auctioneers Day, many auctioneers volunteer their time for charity. Be careful not to scratch your nose at the wrong moment!

National Librarian Day is a time to appreciate the professionals who always know how to find books about kangaroos, the history of Italy, or knitting.

Lazarus Saturday celebrates the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave. Lazarus Saturday is always the Saturday before Palm Sunday.

Serve up some delicious mushrooms in honor of Day of the Mushroom. Just be sure you know what you're doing if you hunt mushrooms in the wild, because some bite back.

On National Eggs Benedict Day, enjoy this classic dish featuring an English muffin topped with ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.

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Rubber Eraser Day, Day of Silence, DNA Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, more

April 15th, 2011, is  Rubber Eraser Day, Day of Silence, DNA Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, Jackie Robinson Day, Take A Wild Guess Day, National That Sucks Day, Global Youth Service Day, and National Glazed Ham Day.

On this date in 1770, the rubber eraser was invented. Clean up your mistakes on Rubber Eraser Day!

On the Day of Silence, students take a vow of silence "to bring attention to LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools."

DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953.

On this date in 1912 the Titanic sank, after striking an iceberg. Titanic Remembrance Day honors the lives that were lost.

Jackie Robinson Day honors the man who broke baseball's color barrier. The Houston Astros have several special events planned.

Today is Take A Wild Guess Day, although I wouldn't recommend taking a guess when filling out your income tax return, which would usually be due on this date. (In 2011, U.S. tax returns are due April 18th.)

National That Sucks Day is so named because, as mentioned above, U.S. income taxes are usually due on this date. Feel free this year to celebrate National That Sucks Day on April 18th.

Global Youth Service Day takes place over three days, April 15th through April 18th. Each year students from over one hundred countries participate in service projects.

On National Glazed Ham Day, enjoy a lovely ham dinner with all the fixin's. Or just read through several recipes so you'll be ready for Easter Sunday.

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Ex-Spouse's Day, Pan American Day, Baisakhi, Tamil New Year, more

Telescope. Image: Idea go; FreeDigitalPhotos.net

April 14th, 2011, is Ex-Spouse's Day, Pan American Day, Baisakhi, Tamil New Year, National Look Up At The Sky Day, Reach As High As You Can Day, International Moment Of Laughter Day, Support Teen Literature Day, and Children With Alopecia Day.


I'm so happy to be exempt from celebrating this holiday, Ex-Spouse's Day. If the day has meaning for you, please try to find some peace and common ground, especially if you have children with your ex.

Pan American Day is meant to be a "commemorative symbol of the American nations and the voluntary union of all in one continental community."

Baisakhi is usually celebrated on April 13th, but every thirty-six years the date is April 14th. 2011 is one such year. Based on the Hindu solar calendar, Baisakhi is the new year celebration in northern India.

According to Hindu mythology, on this date Lord Brahma began the creation of the world. Thus begins the Tamil New Year. The Tamils are native to Tamil Nadu, India, and Sri Lanka.

On National Look Up At The Sky Day, take time to appreciate the wonders of the heavens. Which do you find more awe-inspiring - clouds, sunsets, or stars?

Dream big - today is Reach As High As You Can Day.

I've advised my daughter to marry someone who can make her laugh, because laughter makes the tough times easier. Find many, many moments to laugh today, in honor of International Moment Of Laughter Day.

Thursday of Library Week is always Support Teen Literature Day. Remember, an e-book is still a book!

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the head and body. Learn how you can help on Children With Alopecia Day.

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Songkran Festival, Ask An Atheist Day, Scrabble Day, more

Dandelion. Image: morgueFile

April 13th, 2011, is the first day of the Songkran Festival, National Ask An Atheist Day, National Scrabble Day, International Plant Appreciation Day, National Bookmobile Day, Thomas Jefferson Day, and National Peach Cobbler Day.

The Songkran Festival, celebrating entry of the sun into Aries, is observed in Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and the Lao State, starting today. It's the traditional new year and a time for playing pranks. See the Google logo for this holiday.

National Ask An Atheist Day is meant to promote friendly dialogue between atheists and people of faith about atheism and secular matters.

Today is National Scrabble Day. Do you play small words strategically or aim for the eight-letter blitz?

We could not survive without plants. On International Plant Appreciation Day, celebrate by admiring plants, eating plants, or growing plants. Oh, and just breathe the air, oxygenated by plants.

National Bookmobile Day is always celebrated on Wednesday of Library Week. Bookmobiles are a great supplement to school libraries.

On this date we celebrate Thomas Jefferson Day, in honor of the third President of the United States.

Run, don't walk, to your local farmer's market or fresh produce store and stock up on sweet, juicy peaches. Today is National Peach Cobbler Day.

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Celebrations for the week of April 12-18, 2011

April 12th through 18th, 2011, is American Life League's National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week. I'm not sure why their week begins on a Tuesday, but that's the reason I am featuring it in a separate post. Visit their website to order shirts or to enter their photo contest.

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Be Kind to Lawyers Day, Licorice Day, Ram Navami, more

April 12th, 2011, is Be Kind to Lawyers Day, Licorice Day, Ram Navami, Big Wind Day, Russian Cosmonaut Day, Walk On Your Wild Side Day, D.E.A.R.. Day, Teach Your Children to Save Day, Equal Pay Day, Tax Freedom Day, National Library Workers Day, and National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.

You either like lawyers or you don't. Today is Be Kind to Lawyers Day. How will you celebrate?

You either like licorice or you don't. If you do, celebrate Licorice Day!

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram.

Big Wind Day commemorates this date back in 1934, when weather surveyors at Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA, recorded the highest wind velocity ever measured on Earth. The wind measured 231 miles per hour.

Russian Cosmonaut Day honors Yuri Gargarin, the first man to experience space travel. His flight took place in 1961. Visit Google today (or click here if April 12th has passed) to see a Google Doodle in honor of Gargarin's achievement.

Be just a little bit daring today, in honor of Walk On Your Wild Side Day. Then report back if you dare!

D.E.A.R. Day is also known as Drop Everything And Read Day. Please don't celebrate literally, but make time to include the joy of reading in your day.

Today is the fifteenth annual Teach Your Children to Save Day, sponsored by the American Bankers Association. Teach your children a skill that will improve their quality of life.

Wear red to symbolize the fact that women are in the red compared with men, on Equal Pay Day. This year April 12th is the date when women catch up with the wage men earned in the previous year.

Interestingly enough, Equal Pay Day falls on the same date as Tax Freedom Day this year. On Tax Freedom Day most Americans have finished paying off Uncle Sam and can begin earning money for themselves.

On National Library Workers Day, submit a star to their site to recognize a special library worker.

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a childhood favorite. Add a gourmet touch with a sophisticated cheese and whole-grain bread. Or just go retro and enjoy processed cheese slices on squishy white bread.

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Eight Track Tape Day, Louie Louie Day, Pet Day, more

Shimmer, Official Dog of The Trend Police.

April 11th, 2011, is Eight Track Tape Day, International Louie Louie Day, National Pet Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, World Parkinson's Disease Day, and National Cheese Fondue Day.  

Were you listening to music in 1964? If so, you're old enough to celebrate Eight Track Tape Day. Although, come to think of it, is there much to celebrate? Eight track tapes broke songs up in the middle and the players clunked every time they changed tracks. Memories!

Are you a member of the LLAMAS? Do you know what comes after "Three nights and days I sail the sea?" Are you a Louie fanatic? If so, raise a glass for International Louie Louie Day!

On National Pet Day, remember - "Adopt! Don't Shop!" We followed that motto last October when we adopted our Lhasa Apso, Shimmer. She's now the Official Dog of The Trend Police.

Hey, Sweet Adeline, today is Barbershop Quartet Day!

Wear a red rose today in support of World Parkinson's Disease Day. Take time to learn more about this neurological disorder and support those who are afflicted.

In honor of National Cheese Fondue Day, The Melting Pot is giving away free cheese fondue! It doesn't get better than that. Yummo!

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Celebrations for the week of April 10-16, 2011

April 10th through April 16th, 2011, features celebrations for Week of the Young Child, Pan American Week, Consider Christianity Week, Passiontide, National Volunteer Week, National Environmental Education Week, National Animal Control Appreciation Week, National Crime Victims Rights Week, National Library Week, and Dental Hygienists Week.

The theme of  the 2011 Week of the Young Child is "Early Years and Learning Years." The event is in its 40th year.

Pan American Week celebrates the unity of the Americas, encouraging citizens to enjoy their freedom and aspire to greatness.

Consider Christianity Week encourages Christians to be prepared, when asked, to explain their faith with gentleness and respect.

The last two weeks of Lent are known as Passiontide. "Passion" refers to Jesus' suffering and death. Passiontide 2011 is April 10th through April 23rd.

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize the efforts of volunteers and consider new ways in which we can be of service.

National Environmental Education Week is always observed one week before Earth Day, to encourage environmental stewardship among school children.

Take a moment to celebrate National Animal Control Appreciation Week by saying thanks to those officers who help ensure the safety of people and pets.

The theme of National Crime Victims Rights Week 2011 is "Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past."

The theme of National Library Week is "Create your own story @ your library."

During Dental Hygienists Week, give props to the hard-working individuals who make your visit to the dentist more comfortable.

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Siblings Day, Encourage a Young Writer Day, Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day, more

April 10th, 2011, is Siblings Day, Encourage a Young Writer Day, National Farm Animals Day, Golfer's Day, Salvation Army Founders Day, and National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day.

As an only child, I always wanted a sister. Now that I'm married, I can share Siblings Day with sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, but they never break my toys or borrow my clothes. Lucky me!

Encourage a Young Writer Day is a fine time to plant a seed for the future. Have a real conversation with the talented little ones in your life. Ask about their short stories, poems, journals, and blogs.

On National Farm Animals Day, take a moment to learn more about the plight of slaughter animals. Consider a veggie sandwich rather than ham.

Enjoy Golfer's Day on the green or on the Golf Channel.

During the cold holiday season I admire the bell-ringers, wishing everyone a good day, asking passers-by to drop some coins in their red kettles. Thank you, Salvation Army, for everything you do. Happy Salvation Army Founders Day.

Just thinking about cinnamon rolls, can't you smell that special aroma? Enjoy National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day.

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Name Yourself Day, Jenkins' Ear Day, Araw ng Kagitingan, more

April 9th, 2011, is Name Yourself Day, Jenkins' Ear Day, Winston Churchill Day, Araw ng Kagitingan, National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, National Cherish an Antique Day, and National Chinese Almond Cookie Day.

Name Yourself Day is your chance to undo what your parents have done. Problem is, I already have trouble remembering names. How am I supposed to cope if people ask to be called Bruno and Selena rather than Justin and Britney?

On this date in 1743 a Spanish crew attacked a British ship, cutting off the ear of  master mariner Robert Jenkins. Years later Jenkins told his story and presented his detached ear to the House of Commons, inspiring a declaration of war against Spain. Thus, today is Jenkins' Ear Day.

Winston Churchill Day honors the British Prime Minister who was a pivotal figure during World War II.

Araw ng Kagitingan is a holiday in the Philippines, remembering the fall of Bataan during World War II.

In a proclamation released yesterday, President Barack Obama wrote, "We pay solemn tribute to those American sons and daughters who have endured unimaginable hardship at the hands of foreign captors. Often faced with deplorable physical and mental treatment, the tremendous personal sacrifice of these warriors exemplifies the highest of ideals ‑‑ honor, duty, and selfless service." Remember their sacrifice today, National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day.

In our living room is a gold wall clock, given to my parents as a wedding present back in 1958. I hated that Art Deco clock when I was a kid, thinking it was gaudy, but somewhere along the line I grew to appreciate it. Cherish your heirlooms on National Cherish an Antique Day.

Today is National Chinese Almond Cookie Day. If you're always hungry an hour after eating Chinese food, add a few of these cookies to your meal.

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All Is Ours Day, Empanada Day, Hanamatsuri Flower Festival, more

April 8th, 2011, is All Is Ours Day, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, Hanamatsuri Flower Festival, and National Empanada Day.

All Is Ours Day is whatever you want it to be. No one seems to know the true origin or meaning behind this day, so make your own rules. Just try to avoid getting slapped or arrested.

Today is Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, so gather your pencils, markers, and crayons. Memorialize the Twitter bird, your parakeet, or a robin in the yard. Have fun!

Hanamatsuri, Japanese for "flower festival," commemorates the birth of Buddha. The day is also known as Kanbutsue or Goutane. Celebrants pour sweet tea over statues of baby Buddha.

Empanadas are so delicious, they deserve at least one day of recognition. Visit your fave Mexican restaurant and celebrate National Empanada Day.

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Snailpapers Day, Metric System Day, No Housework Day, D.A.R.E. Day, World Health Day, Beaver Day, Coffee Cake Day, Beer Is Back Day

March 7th, 2011, is International Snailpapers Day, Metric System Day, National No Housework Day, National D.A.R.E. Day, World Health Day, International Beaver Day, National Coffee Cake Day, and Beer Is Back Day.

What a great name for a holiday! International Snailpapers Day honors the history and physicality of real newspapers, printed on real paper with real ink. Pick one up at your local newsstand and pass me the funnies when you're through.

The metric system is so logical, so simple, so....against the grain for most Americans. Celebrate Metric System Day if you love the power of tens.

If you're the primary scrubber and picker-upper in your house, take time to enjoy National No Housework Day. The world won't end - I promise.

National D.A.R.E. Day celebrates the accomplishments of  Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

World Health Day 2011 focuses on the protection of important medicines for future generations - "Antimicrobial resistance: no action today no cure tomorrow."

International Beaver Day honors a creature that is sometimes called "nature's engineer."

You can celebrate National Coffee Cake Day even if you don't like coffee, right?

Beer Is Back Day commemorates the end of Prohibition in the USA, back in 1933.

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Drowsy Driver Awareness Day, Sorry Charlie Day, more

April 6th, 2011, is Drowsy Driver Awareness Day, Sorry Charlie Day, National Alcohol Screening Day, Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Tartan Day, National Student Athlete Day, Jump Over Things Day, National Day of Hope, New Beer's Eve, and National Caramel Popcorn Day.

Drowsy Driver Awareness Day is officially observed in California, USA, but everyone else should follow their lead.

No one seems to know about the origin or meaning of Sorry Charlie Day, but it sounds intriguing. Celebrate however you see fit.

On National Alcohol Screening Day, college students are invited to learn more about unhealthy drinking habits and receive confidential alcohol screenings.

Youth Homelessness Matters Day is a day of action in Australia, but all of us could take a few moments to learn about the plight of youth in our own communities.

Tartan Day, which takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, is billed as America's annual bagpipe celebration.

National Student Athlete Day is very special because honorees are expected to be more than accomplished athletes. They must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or above and be good citizens in their communities.

It"s Jump Over Things Day - you know what to do. Ready, set, jump!

National Day of Hope is meant to offer abused children hope for a brighter future.

New Beer's Eve commemorates the day before Prohibition ended in the USA, in 1933. People anxiously waited for midnight, to sip or guzzle that first legal beer.

What can I say about National Caramel Popcorn Day? Enjoy some!

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Read a Road Map Day, Go for Broke Day, more

April 5th, 2011, is Read a Road Map Day, Go for Broke Day, One Day Without Shoes Day, National Caramel Day, National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, and National Deep Dish Pizza Day.

In honor of National Read a Road Map Day, ditch the GPS and hit the road with an actual foldable map. Who knows where you might go? And when you get there, imagine the fun of refolding your map.

Go for Broke Day is a time to take a risk. Maybe you'll find yourself "winning," much like the famous actor who was recently fired from his hit television show!

One Day Without Shoes is "the day we raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child's life by taking off our own." Are you brave enough?

Caramel is versatile and delicious. How will you enjoy caramel on National Caramel Day?

National Raisin and Spice Bar Day is April 5th, even though raisin and spice bars seem (to me) to be more of an autumn treat.

I'm in St. Louis, where we like our pizza crust thin, but I'll still mention that today honors Chicago's favorite, National Deep Dish Pizza Day.

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Celebrations for the week of April 4-10, 2011

April 4th through April 10th, 2011, features celebrations for Hate Week, National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, and National Public Health Week.

Hate Week is a fictional event, taken from George Orwell's classic novel, 1984.

Please, please slow down when driving in work zones during National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week! Then continue to drive with caution and respect long after this week is done. The theme for 2011 is "Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone."

National Public Health Week is a time to check your living space to find potential hazards. Look for slippery or uneven surfaces, hazardous materials, and other accidents waiting to happen.

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Tater Day, World Rat Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, more

April 4th, 2011, has a lot going on. It's Tater Day, World Rat Day, Poem In Your Pocket Day, Walk Around Things Day, Tell a Lie Day, International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Victims of Violence Wholly Day, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Bonza Bottler Day, National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day, and Chocolate Milk Powder Day..

Tater Day, always celebrated on the first Monday in April in Benton, Kentucky, USA, honors the sweet potato. Don't miss the tater pageants. Please pass the taters.

World Rat Day is a time to, um, express your love for, uh, rats.

Poem In Your Pocket Day is a charming notion. Gain comfort and strength from knowing your favorite poem is always close at hand.

Walk Around Things Day is a day to do what most of us try to do every day, right? Just sayin'. Watch out for that doggy toy on the floor!

Today is Tell a Lie Day. Or is it? Do you trust me? Heh heh heh.

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is dedicated to the safe removal of land mines, the remnants of war. 

Victims of Violence Wholly Day is one of a trio of days dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King. Today is the anniversary of Dr. King's death; January 15th is his birthday; August 28th is the anniversary of his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Today is Gudi Padwa. The people of Maharashtra, India celebrate their new year by eating the leaves of the reem tree, combined with other ingredients, to purify the blood and strengthen the immune system. Similarly, the Hindus in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, India celebrate their New Year as Ugadi.

It's Bonza Bottler Day once again. Seems as if only a month ago we.....oh, wait. It was only a month ago, plus one day. Bonza Bottler Day comes every month, when the numbers for the month and date match. 4/4/11, right?

For National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day, whip up a batch of this nostalgic dish. Don't ask me why it's made with swiss or some such cheese, rather than bleu.

Chocolate Milk Powder Day is a time to recapture a bit of your childhood. Even better if you can go outside and play for a while, then come in for a tall glass of cold, chocolaty goodness.

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Celebrations for the week of April 3-9, 2011

The following celebrations take place between April 3rd and April 9th, 2011: Be Kind to Spiders Week, National Week of the Ocean, Window Safety Week, Blue Ribbon Week, and Explore Your Career Options Week.

This is Be Kind to Spiders Week! Yes, that's right. For this week at least, try to resist the urge to stomp, spray, or squash our eight-legged planet-mates. Consider this - a small spider off in the corner of your ceiling can reduce the population of other annoying critters in your home.

Celebrate the 26th National Week of the Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to help "preserve the ocean for future generations."

The National Safety Council asks everyone to think about the safety of their children near open windows during Window Safety Week.

Blue Ribbon Week is a chance for kids in grades 5-12, along with college students, to acknowledge the importance of self and others through a variety of activities.

Crayola offers a variety of lesson plans and crafts to help children think about the future during Explore Your Career Options Week.

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