April 24: National Pigs in a Blanket Day
National Pig-in-a-Blanket Day is celebrated across the world. Pigs-in-a-blanket, a dish made by wrapping pork sausage in bacon, is most common during Christmas. This dish is made with different variations in different parts of the world. In the United States, pigs-in-blankets are often baked by wrapping hot dogs or sausages in biscuit dough, croissant dough, or a pancake. These are usually made small and are served as an appetizer, though they can be served at any three mealtimes. These are also found with little differences in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Canada, and Japan. Children of America enjoy this dish for generations.
April 25: World Penguin Day
World Penguin Day aims to raise awareness about these flightless birds to preserve their species so future generations get to see these elegant and remarkable creatures. This day coincides with the annual northern migration of Adélie penguins, a pattern inherent and conserved across generations. Eight species are native to Antarctica. Most penguins are monogamous and have unique calls to assist them in finding their mates in large groups. Most species lay up to two eggs in a season. The King and Emperor penguins lay only one. Alarmingly though, of the 18 known living species, 10 have been listed as endangered.
April 26: Hug a Friend Day
Hug a Friend Day is the time to celebrate your favorite people on earth. Friendship has a huge impact on mental health and happiness, relieves stress, brings comfort and joy, prevents loneliness and isolation. Hugs may release a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream, which helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol.
April 27: National Tell a Story Day
Stories have the undeniable quality of transporting us to another time and place as we sit snug in our seats. Stories are also great bonding material since people create memories as they immerse themselves in the storytelling activity. Whether they happened in real life or are a product of our imagination, stories form an interesting part of human society. In the old days, they were used as history recording tools as well as entertainment. From “Aesop’s Fables” and ancient Egypt’s hieroglyphics to modern-day Harry Potter, storytelling is no different today with the advent of shows, books, poetry, etc.
April 28: National Blueberry Pie Day
National Blueberry Pie Day on April 28th each year ushers in blueberry pie-making season. Blueberry harvest begins in April and lasts until September giving us a long season full of blueberry enjoyment. We’ve been enjoying blueberries in pies since early American settlers arrived. In 1872, the first documented recipe for blueberry pie appeared in the Appledore Cook Book. Blueberries are abundant in Maine, so it’s no surprise that blueberry pie is the state’s official dessert! (And just FYI: New York’s state dessert is cheesecake! Which you can top with blueberries, of course.)
April 28: National Peace Rose Day
National Peace Rose Day honors a well-known and fruitful garden rose. The light yellow to large cream-colored flowers of the Peace rose have slightly flushed crimson pink petal edges. It is a hybrid tea rose that is hardy, vigorous, and highly resistant to disease. French horticulturist Francis Meilland developed the Peace rose between 1935 and 1939. When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France, to protect the new rose, he sent cutting to his friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States. It is believed these cuttings were sent to the United States on the last plane available before the German invasion. Each country that received a cutting gave the rose a different name. The United States named the rose “Peace.” The national flower of the United States is the rose. Later in 1945, Peace roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations, in San Francisco, with a note that read: “We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”
April 30: Bugs Bunny Day
National Bugs Bunny Day commemorates the date the famous bunny first appeared in a short film in 1938. Known for his comical antics, Bugs Bunny created memorable roles in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons produced by Warner Bros. The wascally wabbit caused many a raucous scene for his castmates Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Porky Pig, Pepe Le Pew, and Marvin the Martian. However, his eminent counterpart was forever the estimable hunter, Elmer Fudd. He first appeared in 1938 in Porky’s Hare Hunt as a Happy Rabbit but later solidified his character as Bugs Bunny in the 1940 A Wild Hare. Over the years, various actors have voiced the animated bunny. However, Mel Blanc originally voiced the iconic “Eh, what’s up, doc?” voice and he did so for almost 50 years.