All - Leep Calendar

The World Health Organization's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day campaign, observed annually on December 12th, is a global call to action for more robust and equitable healthcare systems. This campaign aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can access quality health services without facing financial hardship. Universal Health Coverage Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2017, marking the anniversary of the UN's historic endorsement of universal health coverage in 2012. This endorsement was a landmark step toward providing all people access to the health services they need, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, without the risk of financial ruin or impoverishment. The campaign includes events and activities led by the WHO in collaboration with governments, health organizations, civil society, and communities worldwide. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of robust and resilient health systems and advocating for more significant investment in health care. Each year, the campaign focuses on a specific theme, highlighting a critical aspect of universal health coverage. Past themes have addressed issues such as the need for more robust primary healthcare, the importance of building health systems that leave no one behind, and the impact of health emergencies on health coverage. The UHC Day campaign is not just about awareness; it's a day for political mobilization. Health rights groups lobby governments and policymakers to make firmer commitments to advance toward universal health coverage by increasing health services funding and removing barriers that prevent people from accessing care, such as poverty, social inequalities, and discrimination. The significance of UHC Day has grown over the years, especially in the wake of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the critical need for universal health coverage. The campaign underscores the idea that health is a human right and should not be a privilege based on where one lives or one's economic status. The ultimate goal of UHC Day is to advocate for a world where all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.

Africa

Dec

Universal Hour of Peace: December 31 - January 1

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The Universal Hour of Peace is an annual observance held on December 31st, from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM, transcending into the New Year. The event, symbolically placed at a time of transition and new beginnings, invites individuals from all walks of life to contemplate and act towards creating a more peaceful world. It encourages people to take a moment to focus on thoughts, actions, and intentions of peace amidst the celebrations and festivities of New Year's Eve. The Universal Hour of Peace is marked in various ways by participants worldwide. Some engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, focusing on their aspirations for peace and harmony. Others may participate in community events, peace vigils, or concerts. The central theme is cultivating a sense of global solidarity and shared commitment to fostering peace in all aspects of life. The significance of this hour lies in its timing — as one year ends and another begins, it provides a symbolic opportunity for people to collectively let go of past conflicts and look forward to building a more peaceful future. It's a time to reflect on the universal values of compassion, understanding, and coexistence. Over the years, the Universal Hour of Peace has gained recognition and support from various global communities, seeing participation from individuals, civic groups, spiritual and religious organizations, and peace activists. It represents a moment of global unity and hope, a reminder of the power of collective intention, and the potential for positive change as the world steps into a new year.

Africa

Dec

Unlucky Day: December 31

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December 31, which is 13 backward, has been dubbed the Unluckiest Day of the year by someone—after Friday the 13th, of course. Unluckiest Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

Dec

Victims of Genocide Day, Intl. (1948): December 9

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International Victims of Genocide Day has the longest official name of any event in the calendar: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime. This day marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide by the United Nations and its member states on December 9, 1948. The organization began observing this day in 2015. The terms "massacre" and "genocide" both refer to extreme acts of violence, but they differ significantly in scope, intent, and legal definition. Massacre—A massacre refers to a single event or series of events where there's a deliberate and violent killing of at least 50 individuals, though culturally, most mass murders are referred to as such today. Massacres can be politically, ethnically, or religiously motivated, or they can arise from other sources of conflict. A massacre occurs over a short period (hours or days) and may or may not have intent or premeditation. Massacres, when occurring during conflict or occupation, usually fall under war crimes. Genocide—Genocide is a term that has a specific legal definition under international law for the large-scale intentional murder of one group of people by another. It denotes a systematic effort by one party to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, economic, or religious group of people. The excuse for the genocide is irrelevant. The United Nations defines genocide as any of the following acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, including but not limited to: Killing members of the targeted group; Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, including withholding food, water, medical care, and shelter; Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. While the act of genocide includes mass killings, not all mass killings are genocides; genocide requires explicit intent coupled with actions focused on murdering and eradicating a targeted group of people. Genocides can span weeks, years, decades, or even centuries and are a crime against humanity, the worst crime possible under International Law.

Africa

Dec

Victory Day, (BD)(1971): December 16

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Victory Day in Bangladesh marks the anniversary of December 16, 1971, when East Pakistan became part of the nation. Victory Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Dec

Violence Against Women, Ntl. Day of Rememberance and Action on (CA)(1989): December 6

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The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is observed in Canada every December 6. This day was established by the Canadian Parliament in 1991, two years after a devastating act of violence that shook the nation and brought to the forefront the issue of gender-based violence. On December 6, 1989, a gunman entered an engineering class at École Polytechnique de Montréal and brutally murdered 14 women, injuring ten more. This act of violent misogyny was explicitly targeted at women pursuing engineering degrees, as the attacker harbored a belief that these professions were for men only. This tragedy, widely known as the École Polytechnique massacre, became a pivotal moment in Canadian history, highlighting the lethal consequences of misogyny and gender-based violence. The women killed in the massacre were primarily engineering students, along with one nursing student and one university employee. Their lives cut tragically short, are commemorated each year on this day. The act of violence profoundly impacted Canadian society, leading to increased awareness and action against violence directed at women. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women serves as a day to honor the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre and all victims of gender-based violence. It is a day for reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to ending violence against women in all its forms.

Africa

Dec

Violin Day: December 13

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Violin Day celebrates the centuries-old instrument common to several genres of music. Italian Andrea Amati of Cremona (1511-1577) created the first four-string violin in 1555. The oldest original violin still in existence was made by Amati in 1560 and is currently on display at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States of America. How much are classic violins worth? A lot. The most expensive violins in the world today include: The Titanic violin, played by Wallace Hartley as the ship sank, is valued at $1.7 million. The Carrodus Guarneri, $10 million, by Guarneri del Gesu in 1743. The Lady Blunt by Antonio Stradivari was created in 1721 and is valued at $15.9 million. Guarneri Del Gesu created the Vieuxtemps Guarneri in 1741. It is valued at $16 million. Vieuxtemps Guarneri is played by American violinist Anne Akiko Meyers (May 15, 1970 - ), who is endowed with it for the rest of her life by an anonymous donor. The most expensive violin in history is the Messiah Stradivarius at $20 million. The Messiah was created in 1716 by Antonio Stradivari. The violin has been played three known times, the last was in the 1930s.

Africa

Dec

Volunteer Day for Social and Economic Development, Intl.: December 5

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International Volunteer Day for Social and Economic Development, also referred to as International Volunteer Day (IVD), is mandated by the UN General Assembly. It is a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, share their values, and promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities, and the private sector. Apart from mobilizing thousands of volunteers yearly, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognizing volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming.

Africa

Dec

Walter Plinge Day (UK): December 2

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What do all these people have in common with Walter Plinge, George Spelvin, David Agnew, and Alan Smithee? They are all theater names, or pseudonyms, for uncast parts or when an actor wishes to hide his identity. The theater and entertainment worlds each have their superstitions and traditions. Walter Plinge is the London theater world's tradition. Sir Walter Plinge is said to have a ghost in residence at London's Imperial College Union Concert Hall. Walter Plinge Day honors this mythical thespian.

Africa

Dec

Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day, Ntl.: December 18

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Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day is a silly holiday without origin meant to remind people not to take life too seriously, and it falls smack dab at the height of the hectic holiday in December. If the season's stress is getting to you, put a plunger on your head, look in the mirror, and laugh. There. Isn't that better?

Africa

Dec

Wear Your Pearls Day: December 15

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Wear Your Pearls Day is a unique observance founded by DeAnna Bookert-Heard, aimed at encouraging individuals, particularly women, to embrace and celebrate their strength and resilience. The day uses the symbolism of pearls to represent beauty, wisdom, and strength cultivated through life's challenges. The day is a metaphor for the formation of pearls. Pearls are created within oysters to respond to an irritant or a foreign object. Over time, the oyster coats this irritant with layers of nacre, eventually forming a beautiful and lustrous pearl. This process symbolizes how individuals can transform challenges and hardships into something valuable and empowering. Wear Your Pearls Day fosters community and support, where sharing personal growth and resilience stories can inspire and uplift others. It is a call to acknowledge the struggles everyone faces and to celebrate the unique ways these experiences shape and strengthen each person. Wear Your Pearls Day has grown in recognition, resonating with many who see it as an opportunity to reflect on their journey and wear their literal and metaphorical pearls with pride. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and value that can come from life's challenges, embodying a message of hope, empowerment, and the enduring human spirit.

Africa

Dec

Weary Willie Day (1898): December 9

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Weary Willie Day, observed annually on December 9, celebrates the memory and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in American circus history, the clown character Weary Willie, created by Emmett Kelly. This day not only commemorates Kelly's birth but also pays tribute to his unique contribution to the world of clowning and entertainment. Emmett Kelly, born on December 9, 1898, in Sedan, Kansas, began his career as a trapeze artist before evolving into one of the most beloved clowns in American circus history. His most famous character, Weary Willie, broke the mold of the traditional, colorful, happy clown. Instead, Kelly introduced a more subdued, melancholy figure dressed in tattered clothes and with a perpetually sad expression. Weary Willie was a hobo clown, a character born out of the Great Depression era, resonating deeply with an American public facing economic hardship and uncertainty. Kelly's portrayal of Weary Willie was groundbreaking. His character communicated a depth of emotion and humanity previously unseen in clowning. Weary Willie's sad, down-on-his-luck demeanor and his silent, expressive performance style offered a poignant reflection of the common man's struggles during the 1930s and beyond. Kelly's artistry with Weary Willie was not just about making people laugh; it was about evoking a range of emotions, making the character relatable and endearing to his audience. Emmett Kelly's influence in the entertainment world extends beyond the circus tent. He appeared in several films and Broadway shows, bringing Weary Willie to a broader audience and solidifying his status as an icon of American popular culture. His contributions to the clowning profession have been celebrated and imitated by performers worldwide. Weary Willie Day serves as a reminder of Kelly's unique artistic legacy and the enduring appeal of his character. It's a day for admirers of circus history and performance art to reflect on the impact of Kelly's work and the timeless relevance of Weary Willie, a character that brought joy, laughter, and a touch of melancholy to generations of audiences.

Africa

Dec

Whiner's Day, Ntl.: December 26

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National Whiner's Day was set aside in 1986 for those who didn't get what they wanted for the holidays to whine about it. Founded by Kevin C Zaborney, he publishes that year's most prolific whiner each year, identified through nomination. Nominations open on December 1 and close on December 15 each year. Past Whiner winners include 2021's "The Karen," candymaker Toblerone, and actress Lindsey Lohan.

Africa

Dec

Wildlife Conservation Day, World: December 4

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World Wildlife Conservation Day, commemorated annually on December 4, serves as a global call to action for preserving Earth's endangered flora and fauna. Established in 2012 by then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the day aims to heighten awareness about critical issues like wildlife extinction, endangerment, and the illicit trafficking and poaching of animals. A decade since its inception, the day remains a crucial reminder of the ongoing threats to our planet's biodiversity, primarily driven by human activities. The significance of World Wildlife Conservation Day lies in its mission to address the alarming rate at which species are approaching extinction. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, over 41,000 species are threatened with extinction, comprising 28 percent of all assessed species, including 27 percent of mammals, 13 percent of birds, 41 percent of amphibians, 37 percent of sharks and rays, 21 percent of reptiles, and 28 percent of crustaceans. The plight of well-known species, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. For instance, the Tapanuli orangutan population has dwindled to less than 800, while only around 3,900 tigers and about 1,890 giant pandas remain. Other species like the Amur leopard, the mountain gorilla, and the black rhino face severe threats, with their numbers critically low. In the UK, species including the hedgehog, red squirrel, water vole, beaver, Scottish wildcat, hazel dormouse, and the grey long-eared bat are endangered, primarily due to human-induced factors like settlements, infrastructure development, livestock production, and illegal hunting. World Wildlife Conservation Day emphasizes the irreversible nature of extinction and humans' vital role in contributing to or mitigating this crisis. In her 2012 address, Secretary of State Clinton highlighted the power of individual choices in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species. She urged individuals to refuse products made from endangered wildlife, speak out against criminal networks involved in wildlife trade, and hold governments accountable for their actions in wildlife protection.

Africa

Dec

Winter Begins, Solstice (Northern): December 21

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In the northern hemisphere, winter begins on the winter solstice. A solstice is an occurrence when the sun is farthest from the equator. During the winter solstice, the most southern point of the Earth points towards the sun, giving cooler temperatures north of the equator.

Africa