Cricket in the United States By Polina Anastassieva It is thought that cricket may have been invented during Saxon or Norman times by children living in the Weald, an area of dense woodlands and clearings in south-east England. Little boys bowled into either a tree stump or a sheep pen gate. The crossbar on [...]
National Koi Day By Sharon Schweitzer National Koi Day celebrates the Japanese Koi fish and brings attention to the exotic beauty of the fish. As a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance, and strength, the Koi fish has been celebrated in the Japanese culture for centuries. The word "koi" comes from nishiki-goi, which means colored [...]
Fourth of July Quiz By Sharon Schweitzer With more than half of our U.S. population vaccinated in the U.S. and restrictions lifting across the country, we are looking forward to the opportunity to safely watch fireworks where it isn’t a fire hazard. We are ready for celebrations, friendships, poolside fun, and to fire [...]
International Olympic Day By Sharon Schweitzer In 1947, a member of the International Olympics Committee in Czechoslovakia, Dr. Josef Gruss, presented a report about World Olympic Day in Stockholm. Later in the 42nd I.O.C. Session at St Moritz in January 1948, the idea for Olympic Day was adopted. With mutual consultation, June 23rd [...]
World Day of Music By Sharon Schweitzer From the oldest musical instrument in the world — the Neanderthal flute, made by Neanderthals 60,000 years ago — to present-day electronic instruments, music has become a significant part of our daily lives. Other than being pleasant to listen to, music is a form of expression [...]
Father’s Day By Sharon Schweitzer We hold an incredibly special place in our hearts for our fabulous fathers and we observe with intrigue as cultures worldwide celebrate father figures. U.S. Americans prepare to honor fathers, father-figures, and male role-models on Sunday, June 16th, 2024, and we share the unique traditions of ten countries [...]
Memorial Day By Sharon Schweitzer Do you know the true meaning, culture, and history of Memorial Day? Find out with these ten quiz questions! ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922. ____ 2. Memorial Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. ____ 3. In 2000, President [...]
Cinco De Mayo By Sharon Schweitzer Everyone knows what May 5th, or Cinco De Mayo, means tacos, margaritas, fun, and fiesta. But did you know that without what happened on this fateful day, the United States may have not existed as we know it today? The first Cinco de Mayo celebrations didn’t include margaritas—those [...]
Cheng Ming Festival By Sharon Schweitzer The Ching Ming Festival, also known as Qingming (清明节), is a Chinese custom celebrated worldwide by people of many Asian cultures. Sometimes called Tomb Sweeping Day or the Pure Brightness Festival (pure brightness is the English translation of Qingming), it's an annual event to remember and honor ancestors [...]
Yi Peng Lantern Festival By Sharon Schweitzer Yi Peng Festival is a Thai celebration held on the evening of the twelfth month’s full moon in the traditional lunar calendar. It is an ancient celebration that was adapted from Brahmin origins and is inextricably linked with Thai Lanna culture. The Lanna culture dates back to the [...]
