All - Leep Calendar

Universal Brotherhood Day came into existence through a powerful speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in 1983 before the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Illinois. Swami’s speech highlighted concern over fanaticism and religion. For too long, he noted, people have positioned their religious beliefs and ideas on a pedestal above everyone else’s. According to Swami, this fanaticism is responsible for much of the bloodshed throughout history. Universal Brotherhood Day reminds us that no matter our nationality, race, or religion, we are all part of the same brotherhood: humanity.

Africa

Sep

Enkutatash (ET/ER)(C): September 11

06:20 AM | -

Enkutatash is a public holiday in Ethiopia and Eritrea that marks the beginning of the New Year in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's calendar. "Enkutatash" means "gift of jewels" in the Amharic language. The festival of Enkutatash began over 3,000 years with the Queen of Sheba, a figure from the Hebrew Bible celebrated in Ethiopian history and mythology. According to legend, when the Queen returned to Ethiopia after visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her by replenishing her treasury with jewels. Enkutatash celebrations include church services, family gatherings, singing, and gifts. It also marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the Ethiopian spring, with blooming yellow daisies (Meskel flowers) covering the landscapes. The daisies, traditionally gifted by children on this day, symbolize the New Year, much like holy at Christmas. Enkutatash is a time for renewal, reflection, and hopes for a prosperous year. Despite its religious origins, the holiday is celebrated by people of all faiths in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and their diaspora communities worldwide.

Africa

Sep

Food Stamps Day (1959): September 11

06:20 AM | -

It is a common misconception that the US Food Stamps Program for low-income Americans came about during the New Deal of the Roosevelt era. It took longer. A congressional bill created the program on September 11, 1959, making surplus food available to people. The Eisenhower administration signed the two-year experiment into law on September 21, 1959. However, the program was not implemented. It would take an Executive Order from President John F. Kennedy to get the ball rolling by creating stamps and removing the requirement that food comes from national surplus reserves. Finally, the Johnson administration, in 1964, would make it a permanent US Government program and expand it to 40 countries struggling with food insecurity overseas. Today this program is referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and is primarily administered by private contractors through the Department of Agriculture.

Africa

Sep

Hot Cross Bun Day, Ntl.: September 11

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National Hot Cross Bun Day celebrates the hot cross bun, a sweet pastry traditionally eaten at the end of Lent in the British Commonwealth Christian communities. Bakeries often have them on sale this day. A hot cross bun is a sweet pastry made with raisins and cinnamon and marked with a cross on its top. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, it signals the end of the season of Lent. The cross atop represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The spices inside of the bun symbolize herbs rubbed on His body before the internment, and the bread, as in Christian tradition, represents the body of Jesus Christ. Why this day falls in September rather than in the spring on Good Friday is unknown. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, she banned hot cross buns except for funerals, Christmas and Easter. It turns out hot cross buns are a hot topic politically as well!

Africa

Sep

Make Your Bed Day: September 11

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Make Your Bed Day emphasizes the importance of making your bed in the morning. A tidy room contributes to positive mental health, and the room feels more relaxing and less stressful. Make Your Bed Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor (but don’t tell the kids that).

Africa

Sep

National Day of Catalonia, (ES)(1714): September 11

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If you have visited Barcelona, you’ve been to Catalonia, a province in Spain. Catalonia is well known for its campaign for independence from Spain and is considered the wild child of the nation, fiercely individual, beautiful, and remarkably artistic. It is a region that should be on every bucket list. Of course, independence can take time. This struggle has been going on for a while. Catalonia Day celebrates September 11, 1714, the fall of Barcelona to the Bourbons (not the whisky, the French) during the War of Spanish Succession. Catalonia Day features protests and independence marches.

Africa

Sep

No News is Good News Day (2001): September 11

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No News Is Good News Day pays homage to September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the United States using four passenger planes. The logic is thus: If there is no news today, that is good news, which means there have been no attacks.

Africa

Sep

Oklahoma State Fair (US-OK): September 11-21 (est)

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OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR: A STATEHOOD TRADITION The Oklahoma State Fair, held every September, is an annual celebration that offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and culinary delights. Established in 1907, the fair has become one of the state's most anticipated events, attracting visitors from across the region. Visitors to the fair can enjoy various activities, including thrilling carnival rides, live musical performances, and livestock shows. The fair also features diverse food vendors, from traditional fair treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs to unique culinary creations. The fair provides educational exhibits for those interested in agriculture, showcasing farming techniques, livestock competitions, and horticultural displays. Additionally, the fair hosts craft shows, art exhibitions, and various competitions, making it a hub for local talent and creativity. HISTORY The Oklahoma State Fair was first held in 1907, the same year Oklahoma achieved statehood. Its primary purpose is to celebrate the state's agricultural heritage and provide a platform for community engagement. Over the years, the fair has expanded to include a broader array of attractions and events, reflecting the evolving interests of its attendees while maintaining a strong focus on agriculture and education. ORIGIN OF STATE FAIRS State fairs in the United States have their roots in the early 19th century, with the first state fair held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841. These fairs promoted agricultural innovation and allowed farmers to exchange ideas and showcase their produce. Over time, state fairs have evolved to include various entertainment and educational activities, becoming a staple of American culture. AMERICAN VS INTERNATIONAL FAIRS What sets American state fairs apart from fairs in other parts of the world is their strong emphasis on agriculture and community involvement. While fairs globally might focus on entertainment or commerce, U.S. state fairs traditionally highlight agricultural practices, livestock breeding, and local crafts. This agricultural focus reflects America's rural heritage and continues to play a central role in state fairs today. The Oklahoma State Fair remains a cherished event, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the state's rich agricultural history and vibrant culture. Whether enjoying a concert, sampling a deep-fried delicacy, or marveling at the skill of local artisans, visitors to the fair experience a unique blend of tradition and innovation that captures the spirit of Oklahoma.

Africa

Sep

Patriot Day, Ntl. (2001): September 11

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September 11 in the U.S. is National Patriot Day, proclaimed by President Bush first in 2001 and re-proclaimed yearly by the President. It is a tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the United States, which killed nearly 3,000 people. Federal offices in the United States display the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives due to the attacks.

Africa

Sep

Chocolate Milkshake Day: September 12

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Chocolate Milkshake Day celebrates cold beverage that combines milk, ice cream, and chocolate. 1885 was the year the word "milkshake" first appeared in print. Initially, milkshakes were an adult drink of whisky, eggs, and milk. With the popularity of ice cream coupled with the expansion of refrigeration and the invention of the electric blender in 1911, this whisky nog soon added ice cream as an ingredient. The 1920s popularized the drink, now without alcohol. Youth particularly enjoyed milkshakes prompting soda shops to open nationwide. The next incarnation of the milkshake would come in the form of malt, first introduced to the milkshake by Walgreens Pharmacy soda jockey Ivar Coulson in 1922. Malt flavors ice cream with a smokey flavor and is created from evaporated milk, malted barley, and wheat flour. With the invention of the automatic mixer in 1936, the classic drink morphed into fast food that millions could consume.

Africa

Sep

Defenders Day, (US-MD)(1814): September 12

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Defender's Day in Maryland is a state holiday marking the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, September 12-15, 1814. This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." It marks the successful repelling of the British army from the city of Baltimore.

Africa

Sep

Encouragement (Day of), Ntl.: September 12

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National Day of Encouragement gives people the extra support they may need to do what they want or need to do. Sponsored by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Arkansas, the event began in 2007. On September 12, 2007, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation designating this day as the "State Day of Encouragement." In 2011, the 112th US Congress made it a national observance.

Africa

Sep

Harrogate Fall Flower Show (UK): September 19-21

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When you think of gardening, two countries come to mind: Japan and England. Both are exquisite gardeners and create some of the most impressive gardens in the world. To that end, the bi-annual Harrogate Flower Show (spring and fall) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, features 100 of the United Kingdom's top plant nurseries, established and up-and-coming garden designers, and landscapers. The Show Gardens category showcases amateur gardening groups. The event attracts over 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors each year.

Africa

Sep

Jane Austen Festival (UK): September 12-21 (est)

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JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF REGENCY ENGLAND The Jane Austen Festival, held annually in Bath, England, is a ten-day event celebrating the life, works, and era of one of Britain's most beloved authors. Established in 2001, the festival is organized by the Jane Austen Centre, a museum and exhibition space dedicated to Austen's life and works. Jane Austen (1775-1817) remains a literary icon due to her keen observations of social manners, sharp wit, and pioneering use of free indirect discourse. Her novels, often set in the genteel society of her time, explore themes of love, marriage, and social class with enduring relevance and charm. Her popularity endures because her characters and their predicaments resonate with readers across generations. Austen belonged to the English gentry, a social class below the nobility. This class consisted of landowners who lived off rental income, clergy, and professionals such as lawyers and military officers. Austen's family was relatively well-off, though not wealthy. Her father, George Austen, was a rector, and her mother, Cassandra Leigh, came from a family with connections to the nobility. Austen's upbringing provided her with a solid education and access to literature, which were crucial to her writing development. Her social class is reflected in her novels, which often focus on the lives and concerns of the landed gentry and the challenges women face seeking suitable marriages in a society where social status and economic security are paramount. BEST-KNOWN WORKS Austen's most famous novels include: "Pride and Prejudice" (1813)—A romantic novel centered on the complex relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. "Sense and Sensibility" (1811)—The story of the Dashwood sisters and their contrasting approaches to love and life. "Emma" (1815)—Follows the titular character's misadventures in matchmaking. "Mansfield Park" (1814)—A narrative focusing on the life of Fanny Price, raised by her wealthy relatives. "Northanger Abbey" (published posthumously in 1818)—A satire of Gothic novels. "Persuasion" (published posthumously in 1818)—Centers on Anne Elliot and her rekindled romance with Captain Wentworth. FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS The Jane Austen Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings the Regency era to life. Key events include: Grand Regency Costumed Promenade—Participants don Regency attire and parade through the historic streets of Bath, a highlight that draws hundreds of enthusiasts. Theatrical Performances and Readings—These events showcase Austen's works through adaptations and dramatizations, allowing fans to experience her stories anew. Workshops and Talks—Experts and historians offer insights into Austen's life, her novels, and the historical context of her writing. Regency Dance Classes—Attendees can learn the elegant dances of Austen's time, culminating in a grand ball. Guided Tours—These tours explore locations in Bath that are significant to Austen's life and novels, including her former residence and settings from her books. The festival honors Austen's literary legacy and provides a unique cultural experience, immersing visitors in the elegance and charm of Regency England. Through its varied activities, the Jane Austen Festival in Bath continues to attract fans from around the globe, celebrating the timeless appeal of one of literature's most enduring figures.

Africa

Sep

South-South Cooperation Day, Intl.: September 12

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South-South Cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the global south that contributes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance, and the attainment of internationally agreed on development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Cooperation occurs through a broad collaboration framework in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical domains. Developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise, and resources to meet their development goals through concerted efforts. The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social, and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south. It highlights the UN's efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries.

Africa