Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower 2013

The 2013 Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, active from April 19th to May 28th, is expected to be at its peak from May 5th to May 7th in the hours before dawn. Viewing will be optimal this year, not obstructed by the waning crescent moon.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower appears near a star in the constellation Aquarius. This meteor shower contains particles from Halley's Comet, which last entered our inner solar system in 1986.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos

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

• Constellation Guide: Aquarius Constellation
• Spacedex 2013 Meteor Shower viewing guide
• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2013
• StarDate 2013 Meteor Showers
• American Meteor Society

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Free Comic Book Day, Intergalactic Star Wars Day, more

May 4th, 2013, is Free Comic Book Day, World Naked Gardening Day, Kentucky Derby, AHA Big Brew, Join Hands Day, Pilates Day, National Scrapbooking Day, Bird Day, International Respect for Chickens Day, Intergalactic Star Wars Day, Midori No Hi, Greenery Day, Youth Day, and National Candied Orange Peel Day.

The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day! Participating comic book stores around the world give away a free comic book to anyone who visits.

WARNING: Don't click the following link if you find nudity offensive! Today is World Naked Gardening Day. Be careful with the pruning shears if you celebrate this one. Oh, and please don't call me to bail you out.

Today is the Kentucky Derby - place your bets and don your fancy hats! The horses first ran in 1875.

Join the worldwide toast, scheduled for noon Central Time, to celebrate the AHA Big Brew.

Join Hands Day is an opportunity for fraternal organizations, along with non-fraternals, to join together and be of service in the community.

The first Saturday in May is Pilates Day. Stretch those muscles!

The first Saturday in May is also National Scrapbooking Day. Consider scrapbooking about your pilates experience.

Bird Day has been celebrated since 1894. Grab your binoculars and head outside!

International Respect for Chickens Day isn't a day to grab a bucket of drumsticks, but rather a day to step back and admire the beauty of the birds. Learn about the living conditions of the domestic chicken and consider campaigning for change.

On Intergalactic Star Wars Day, May the Fourth be with you! Bad pun, right?

Midori no Hi or Greenery Day in Japan is dedicated to nature and the environment. Until 2006, this holiday was celebrated on April 29th, the birthday of former Emperor Showa.

Youth Day in China began with youth protests in 1919, due to dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles. The holiday became official in 1949.

I'm not sure I've ever had candied orange peel, but it sounds divine. Today is National Candied Orange Peel Day.

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No Pants Day, Two Different Colored Shoes Day, more

May 3rd, 2013, is No Pants Day, International Space Day, International Tuba Day, National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, Birthday of Spam E-mail, Lumpy Rug Day, Paranormal Day, Garden Medication Day, World Press Freedom Day, National Specially-Abled Pets Day, Kenpo kinenbi, National Raspberry Popover Day, and National Chocolate Custard Day.

No Pants Day is always the first Friday in May. Celebrate if you dare, and if you can afford bail.

International Space Day is always the first Friday in May as well. Check back soon for info on the meteor shower peaking this weekend!

International Tuba Day is yet another holiday observed on the first Friday in May. Oom pa pa!

On National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, celebrate diversity and the adventurous human spirit by wearing two different colored shoes. Just make sure the heels are the same height, or you'll just seem gimpy.

Here's a holiday few of us will love - the 35th Birthday of Spam E-mail. Sorry.

Today is Lumpy Rug Day. It's your call whether to love your lumpy rug or replace it! I'm looking forward to Uneven Kitchen Counter Day. (Just joking - someone will have to invent that holiday first.)

Spooooky! Today is Paranormal Day. Visit a haunted house or rent some scary movies, if you want to feel the goosebumps.

On Garden Meditation Day, take time to enjoy your garden, meditate, travel out of body and float above it if you can! Don't worry about the weeds or spent blossoms - those can wait until tomorrow.

World Press Freedom Day celebrates freedom of the press and freedom of expression. These valued principles are taken for granted in some parts of the world, sorely lacking in others.


Celebrate National Specially-Abled Pets Day, "where pets run free and chase their dreams." This holiday was formerly known as Disabled Pets Day.

Kenpo Kinenbi or Constitution Day in Japan is celebrated during Golden Week. On this date, following WWII, Japan's new constitution was ratified.

Enjoy a fruity pastry treat on National Raspberry Popover Day.

National Chocolate Custard Day is here - feel free to indulge and share. You'll probably need a double batch.

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Play Your Ukulele Day, Martin Z. Mollusk Day, more

May 2nd, 2013, is National Play Your Ukulele Day, Martin Z. Mollusk Day, National Day of Prayer, and National Day of Reason.

Today is National Play Your Ukulele Day. Do you play? Famous ukulele players include George Harrison (of The Beatles) and Greg Hawkes (of The Cars). But never forget Tiny Tim! Enjoy his "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" now:

Residents of Ocean City, New Jersey, USA, celebrate Martin Z. Mollusk Day, a play on Groundhog Day. If Martin the hermit crab sees his shadow, summer will come one week early.

The first Thursday in May is the National Day of Prayer.

Also observed on the first Thursday in May is the National Day of Reason, celebrating the separation of church and state.

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Half-O-Ween, May Day, Keep Kids Alive! Drive 25 Day, more

May 1st, 2013, is Half-O-Ween, May Day, Hawaiian Lei Day, Keep Kids Alive! Drive 25 Day, National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Mother Goose Day, Silver Star Day, Loyalty Day, Worthy Wage Day, Law Day, International Labour Day, Beltane, Samhain, and National Chocolate Parfait Day.

Half-O-Ween is a day to celebrate with costumes and half-jack-o'-lanterns, halfway between this year's Halloween and last year's.The popular 'tween show, iCarly, celebrated Half-O-Ween in style.

Is your Maypole ready? Today is May Day.

Since 1928, Hawaiians have worn leis on May 1st, saying, "May Day is Lei Day." Happy Hawaiian Lei Day.

The sixth annual Keep Kids Alive! Drive 25 Day is a plea to all drivers to slow down on residential streets.

The 12th annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is part of the campaign to "help teens think carefully about sex, relationships, contraception, the possibility of pregnancy, and the lifelong challenges of being a parent."

On Mother Goose Day, remember and relive the joy of childhood nursery rhymes. Share with the little ones in your life!

Silver Star Day honors wounded U.S. service men and women. Some states recognize this holiday, and momentum is growing to declare Silver Star Day a national holiday.

Loyalty Day is a time for U.S. citizens to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and the heritage of American freedom.

Worthy Wage Day is a campaign to draw attention to the low wages earned by early childhood educators.

The theme of Law Day 2013 is "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All."

International Labour Day honors workers everywhere.

Beltane in the Northern Hemisphere is the Wiccan and Pagan celebration of spring, with an emphasis on fertility.

Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere is the Wiccan and Pagan celebration of fall, with an emphasis on the cycle of death and rebirth.

Today is National Chocolate Parfait Day. Now you have the perfect excuse to indulge.

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Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Jazz Day, more

April 30th, 2013, is Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Honesty Day, Jazz Day, Spank Out Day, Beltane, Walpurgis Night, and Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Hairstyle Appreciation Day reminds me of my old Barbie Beauty Center, which featured a life-sized Barbie head attached to a tray, with compartments for makeup and hair accessories. A piece of Barbie's hair could be pulled out to be extra long, or sucked back into her scalp for a shorter 'do. If only we could do that.

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.

Depending on who you ask, Jazz Day is April 13th or April 30th. Either way, enjoy some great music.

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

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

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

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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Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims, Showa no Hi, more

April 29th, 2013, is Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims, Showa no Hi, and National Shrimp Scampi Day. 

The United Nations promotes Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims on this date.

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

Barring food allergies, it's hard to go wrong with shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta. Happy National Shrimp Scampi Day. (Don't tell anyone, but I've made chicken scampi at home, and it's equally delicious.)

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Kiss Your Mate Day, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, more

April 28th, 2013, is KIss Your Mate Day, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, Mother Father Deaf Day, Great Poetry Reading Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Orthodox Palm Sunday, World Day for Safety and Health at Work, National Day of Mourning, Workers Memorial Day, and National Blueberry Pie Day.

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

On Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, everyone is invited to experiment with a fascinating technique known as pinhole photography. Share your best image with the world! Mark your calendar for next year - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day is always observed on the last Sunday in April.

Mother Father Deaf Day is a day set aside to honor deaf parents. Parenting is tough - no question about it - but good parents overcome all obstacles to protect and raise their children. This holiday takes place on the last Sunday in April.

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

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.

The Orthodox Church celebrates Palm Sunday one week before Orthodox Easter.

The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2013 is "The Prevention of Occupational Diseases."

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.

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

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Sense of Smell Day, Morse Code Day, Prime Rib Day, more

April 27th, 2013, is Eeyore's Birthday Party, Sense of Smell Day, Doo Dah Parade Day, National Rebuilding Day, World Veterinary Day, World Tai Chi and Oigong Day, World Healing Day, World Aboriginal and Native Sacred Ceremony and Dance Day, World Yoga Day, World Meditation Day, World Prayer Day, World Reiki Day, Write an Old Friend Day, National Tell a Story Day, Mantanzas Mule Day, Morse Code Day, Babe Ruth Day, Lazarus Saturday, Independence Day (Sierra Leone), Independence Day (Togo), and Prime Rib Day. 

On the last Saturday in April, the people of Austin, Texas, celebrate Eeyore's Birthday Party. Just for once, maybe that sad mule of Winnie the Pooh fame will crack a smile.

Do you smell something? If so, may it be something pleasant. Spritz some cologne, gather some fresh flowers, bake a loaf of bread. Today is Sense of Smell Day.

Doo Dah Parade Day is Pasadena, California's laid-back parade. Apparently, last-minute registrations are welcome.

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

The theme of World Veterinary Day in 2013 is, "Vaccination to prevent and protect."

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is celebrated in cities all over the globe. At 10:00 a.m., your local time, come together and breathe together "to provide the world a healing image of our planet and our people." The event is known by many names, including World Healing Day, World Aboriginal and Native Sacred Ceremony and Dance Day, World Yoga Day, World Meditation Day, World Prayer Day, and World Reiki Day.

Dear Reader,
Even though we have never met, we are connected by our love of holidays, both serious and strange. Thank you for taking a few moments each day to visit this blog.
All my best,  
The Holiday Whiz.  

There! I've just celebrated Write an Old Friend Day!

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.

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

Lazarus Saturday is observed by the Greek Orthodox Church on the Saturday before Holy Week.

Togo and Sierra Leone celebrate Independence Day on April 27th.

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

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Arbor Day, Hairball Awareness Day, Pretzel Day, more

April 26th, 2013, is Arbor Day, National Kids and Pets Day, Hairball Awareness Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, Hug a Friend Day, Shuffleboard Day, Richter Scale Day, World Intellectual Property Day, Global Youth Service Day,, and Pretzel Day.

Do something nice for Mother Nature today, in honor of Arbor Day.

Shimmer the Blog Dog.

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

The last Friday in April is Hairball Awareness Day. If you have a strong sense of style and a strong stomach, check out this hairball jewelry.

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

Even if you're not on a cruise ship or at a resort, take a mini vacation by playing shuffleboard. Wear flip-flops and drink lemonade to enhance the mood. Today is Shuffleboard Day.

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

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

Global Youth Service Day gives young people a chance to learn the value of helping others. The event actually runs from April 26th to April 28th. Young people from the ages of five to twenty-five the world over participate.

Nab a bag of pretzels in honor of National Pretzel Day. My favorite are Snyder's Honey Mustard and Onion - Yum!

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Full moon names for April 2013

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

The full moon for April 2013 takes place on April 25th or 26th, depending on your location. Following is a list of full moon names for April, ranging from common to surprising. Which names speak to you?

Sugar Maker Moon - Abenaki
Egg Moon - Algonquin
Full Fish Moon = Algonquin
Full Pink Moon - Algonquin
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Algonquin
Indian Corn Moon - Algonquin
When They Set Indian Corn - Algonquin
Broken Snowshoe Moon - Anishnaabe
Big Leaves Moon - Apache
Moon of the Big Leaves - Apache
Ice Breaking in the River - Arapaho
Frog Moon - Assiniboine
Growing Moon - Celtic
Egg Moon - Cherokee
Flower Moon - Cherokee
Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs - Cheyenne
Peony Moon - Chinese
Wildcat Moon - Choctaw
Planter's Moon - Colonial American
New Spring Moon - Comanche
Gray Goose Month - Cree
Leaves Appear Moon - Cree
Big Spring Moon - Creek
Moon When Geese Return in Scattered Formation - Dakotah Sioux
Rain Moon - Deborean
Seed Moon - English Medieval
Migratory Geese Moon - Haida
Chaitra Purnima - Hindu
Hanuman Jayanti - Hindu
Month of Windbreak - Hopi
Kriblalikvik - Inuit
Time for Pounding Camas - Kalapuya
Bashch'atsishe daawaatra - Keresan
Leaf Moon - Kiowa
"Ipos" Gathering - Klamath
Ring Finger (counting on fingers, beginning with thumb in August) - Klamath
Halanyimcep - Kumeyaay
Black Oaks Tassel - Maidu
Grass Moon - Maidu
Moon of the Breaking Up of the Ice - Mandan-Hidatsa
Budding Time - Mohawk
Big Spring Month - Muscokee
Strawberry Moon - Natchez
Egg Moon - Native American
Full Fish Moon - Native American
Full Pink Moon - Native American
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Native American
Big Plant Moon - Navajo
Awakening Moon - Neo Pagan
Spring Moon - Passamaquoddy
The Strong Month (When the Trees Begin to Bloom) -  Pima
The Yellow Month - Pima
Flowers Moon - Pomo
Leaf Split Moon - San Juan
Half Moon - Shawnee
Melting Moon - Shoshoni
Bak - Sinhala
Moon of Greening Grass - Sioux
Moon of Red Grass Appearing - Sioux
Ashes Moon - Taos
Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs - Tlingit
Wattsuwim Muattsi - Tumpisa
Hare Moon - UnknownSeed Moon - Unknown Wind Moon - Wiccan
Planting Corn Moon - Winnebago
The 8th Moon - Wishram
Sewa Meecha - Yaqui
Big Summer Moon - Yuchi
Great Sand Storm Moon - Zuni

Sources for full moon names:

• Farmers' Almanac - Full Moon Names and Their Meanings
• Moon Names
• Indian Moons, Days and Other Calendar Stuff
• Hindu Blog - Purnima 2013 - 2014 dates and time
• Spring Wolf's Pagan's Path - Full Moon Names
• About.com: Paganism/Wicca - Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere
• Moon Names for a Full Year
• Wikipedia - Full Moon

More about the moon:

• The full moon calendar 2013
• Keith's Moon Page
• USNO Data Services
• Google Moon
• National Geographic - Moon Facts
• Calendars through the Ages - A month of moons

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Take Your Daughter to Work Day, Hug an Australian Day, Penguin Day, more

April 25th, 2013, is Take Your Daughter to Work Day, ANZAC Day, Hug an Australian Day, National DNA Day, First Day of Summer (Iceland), World Penguin Day, St. Mark's Day, East Meets West Day, Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Sinai Liberation Day, Independence Day (Israel), and Malaria Awareness Day.

Take Your Daughter to Work Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in April. Since I work from home, it's not much of a field trip for my thirteen-year-old!

ANZAC Day is an important Australian holiday, commemorating the first action of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. Oh, and don't forget the companion holiday, Hug an Australian Day. (Hug a New Zealander as well, if the opportunity arises.)

National DNA Day commemorates the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the Human Genome Project.

Icelanders celebrate the First Day of Summer, based on the old Icelandic calendar.

World Penguin Day is a time to show your affection for those lovable birds who always look ready for a formal party. Newt Gingrich, you deserve a pass on this holiday if you so choose.

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."

Egypt celebrates Sinai Liberation Day on April 25th.

Israel celebrates Independence Day on this date.

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

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Peppercorn Day, Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day, more

April 24th, 2013, is Peppercorn Day, Administrative Professional's Day, Secretary's Day, World Meningitis Day, and National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day.

Bermuda celebrates Peppercorn Day on the Wednesday closest to April 23rd. In a special ceremony, the governor of Bermuda is presented with a single peppercorn on a red velvet cushion, in remembrance of a token gift from the Freemasons back in 1797. Peppercorns were once a valuable spice, known as "black gold." Hmmm.... Suddenly, for some reason, I'm in the mood for steak au poivre!

Wednesday of the last full week in April is Administrative Professional's Day, formerly known as Secretary's Day. No flowers, please - a bonus would be more practical.

World Meningitis Day is meant to heighten awareness of "the silent killer," a deadly disease that often strikes children and teens.

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.

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Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, more

April 23rd, 2013, is Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, Lover's Day, Teach Your Children to Save Day, International Nose-Picking Day, Take a Chance Day, World Book and Copyright Day, World Laboratory Day, St. George's Day, Conch Republic Independence Celebration, National Picnic Day, Zucchini Bread Day, and Cherry Cheesecake Day. 

Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day is a celebration, of sorts,of the written word. Fiction writers, especially those who specialize in sci-fi and fantasy, are encouraged to post professional-quality fiction online, free of charge.

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.

Do the sonnets of Shakespeare put you in the mood for love? Today is Lover's Day, the perfect time to profess your love for that special someone.

There's no better hedge against bad luck or a tough economy than having a nest egg. Teach Your Children to Save Day is the perfect time to explain that to your kids. Lead them by example!

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!


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

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!

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

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

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 secede from the Union in 1982. Everything has long since been resolved, but the celebration remains.

Weather permitting, pack a basket with yummy food, grab a blanket, and head to a scenic spot in the great outdoors. Today is National Picnic Day! If it's raining where you are, pull up a piece of living-room carpet and have fun anyway.

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

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

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Earth Day, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, more

April 22nd, 2013, is Earth Day, International Mother Earth Day, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, Girl Scout Leader Day, Confederate Memorial Day, Oklahoma Day, and National Jelly Bean Day.

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.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Day is always celebrated in conjunction with Earth Day. Their theme for 2013 is "Our Earth: Handle with Care."

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

Some U.S. states observe Confederate Memorial Day, honoring the memory of Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.

Oklahoma Day commemorates the day in 1889 when land in Oklahoma was made available to European settlers, so they could establish farmland. The land had previously belonged to Native Americans.

National Jelly Bean Day is a good chance to stock up and sample new flavors. Just watch out for those crazy novelty beans!

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Ridvan, Kindergarten Day, more

April 21st, 2013, is Ridvan, Kindergarten Day, San Jacinto Day, and National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day.

Sunset brings the onset of Ridvan, the Bahai festival that celebrates the time Baha'u'llah spent in the garden of Ridvan.

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, Sign of the Bull, 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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Husband Appreciation Day, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day, more

April 20th, 2013, is Look Alike Day, National Pot Smokers Day, Volunteer Recognition Day, LIma Bean Respect Day, and National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day.

The third Saturday in April is Husband Appreciation Day. Surprise him in some special way, perhaps with a vintage record album or some chocolate-covered cashews (see holidays below).

These days record stores don't actually sell many records, although there is some resurgence. Audiophiles rejoice, for today is Record Store Day.

The third Saturday in April is observed as International Marconi Day. 2013 is the 26th annual celebration, bringing radio enthusiasts together.

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

4/20 is National Pot Smokers Day, a nod to the idea that people get ready to, uh, relax with a smoke, at around 4:20 in the afternoon. No comment - I'm just the messenger here.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond, always ready to lend a hand to those in need? Let them know you've noticed! Thank them for their efforts on Volunteer Recognition 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. Just consider - there's no need to create a Pizza Respect Day or Ice Cream Respect Day, am I right?

National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day celebrates a fun and delicious dessert. Nothing quite compares to the wonder of flipping the pan over to reveal an edible mosaic of pineapples and cherries.

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Day of Silence, Hanging Out Day, Garlic Day, more

April 19th, 2013, is Day of Silence, National Hanging Out Day, Bicycle Day, Humorous Day, Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day, National Amaretto Day, and Garlic Day.

The Day of Silence, founded in 1996, is a day when students join together, taking a vow of silence to draw attention to "the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools."

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.

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.

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

Enjoy a garlicky meal on Garlic Day - vampires excluded.

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Tax Freedom Day, High-Five Day, Animal Crackers Day, more

April 18th, 2013, is Tax Freedom Day, Pet Owners' Independence Day, International Jugglers Day, National High-Five Day, National Columnists' Day, Support Teen Literature Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, Get to Know Your Customers Day, World Amateur Radio Day, Independence Day (Zimbabwe), and National Animal Crackers Day.

Tax Freedom Day is calculated each year, to determine how far into the year Americans must work just to pay federal, state, and local taxes. Just think - tomorrow the money you earn will be yours to keep.

Honor yourself and your pets on Pet Owners' Day. Do something fun and crazy together.

Do you juggle? Show off your skill (or lack thereof) on International Jugglers Day.

National High-Five Day is a fundraiser for cancer research. Participants register to give fifty-five high-fives in exchange for donations to four cutting-edge cancer research centers.

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

Thursday of National Library Week is Support Teen Literature Day. Check out NPR's list of the "100 Best-Ever Teen Novels."

Show your intellectual, sensitive, romantic self on Poem in Your Pocket Day. Take note, guys - ladies love the sensitive type!

The third Thursday of each quarter is Get to Know Your Customers Day. Only by knowing your customers can you truly meet their needs.

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

Zimbabwe observes Independence Day on April 18th.

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

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