On This Day: December 15th … Strange Holidays
National Lemon Cupcake Day
National Cupcake Day
Bill Of Rights Day
Cat Herders Day
National Wear Your Pearls Day
Okay, maybe it’s just me? A cupcake is a cupcake is a cupcake, I say. Granted, the flavors are different, so why does the Lemon Cupcake warrant its own unique day and a Vanilla or Chocolate, or any other for that matter, doesn’t? This could be grounds (not to be confused with coffee grounds) in court for discrimination. Something to ponder over.
But let me get to two really interesting ones.
National Wear Your Pearls Day
The beautiful result of nature’s design, one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form. National Wear Your Pearls Day on December 15th reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we all have value in the end.
Just as pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so do people and the kinds of trials thrown into our lives. We create our own beauty from the tragedies of our lives but often do not see it. We devalue ourselves and as a result, lose motivation to be a part of life. Like pearls, we develop a process to protect ourselves from further damage, layer by layer becoming stronger and more resourceful. Recognizing the collective value of our strengths is like wearing our pearls.
Best-selling author and motivational speaker, DeAnna Bookert, founded National Wear Your Pearls Day because pearls represented the story of her life and how she struggled with depression. “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value.” The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved National Wear Your Pearls Day in 2015 and its inaugural year is December 2016.
…and guys, unless you swing this way, just let the ladies have their day with the pearls.
Cat Herders Day
“Hyah! Move it! Get moving!”
Moving 10,000 cats across flat lands, over treacherous mountains, fighting off Indians and the constant harsh weather isn’t an easy job for this cat-puncher.
But wait a second! Hold that thought (or not). This isn’t that kind of herding.
Cat Herders Day, on December 15th, recognizes those whose life or job is like herding cats.
They seem cute, adorable, and innocent. How much trouble can they cause? In general, when describing our lives or our jobs, are they that difficult? No matter how organized we try to be, errant kitties get away. While we are focused on bringing three or four tasks into line, another spills the milk or creates an avalanche of problems. Before we know it, chaos ensues.
In the employment world, we might describe a challenging position or one tough to keep filled “like herding cats.” Jobs that might fit that description may include:
Dog washer
Maid of Honor to a bridezilla
A basketball player for Bobby Knight
Kindergarten teacher
Airplane repo specialist
Even perhaps become a manicurist for Shridhar Chillal, the world record holder for the world’s longest nails: ever reached on a single hand, with a combined length of 10,000.6 centimeters long. Chillal's longest single nail is his thumbnail, measuring 197.8 centimeters. He stopped cutting his nails in 1952. (this would definitely be a full-time gig)
Bill Of Rights Day
Yes, I know, I said I would just do two, but for the sake of clarity for anyone in school where this may come up in a history test, then this one is for you.
On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified by the (former)13 colonies, and went into effect. States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect a number of rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution.
On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.
Of the 12 original amendments, which ones were not approved? The original Amendments #1 and #2 did not pass. These dealt with the number of representative to Congress, and compensation to representatives. Had they passed, there would be over 6,000 congressman today.
And with the way Congress is today, I will be forever grateful those two amendments weren’t passed. We have enough to contend with what we have as it is.
More strange holidays are coming!