JUNE 12: NATIONAL RED ROSE DAY
Each year National Red Rose Day, honors the flower that is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty: the red rose, also the June birth flower. This special day, around since the early 2000s, is celebrated worldwide. Red roses were used in many early cultures for wedding decorations attire. Giving red roses is a traditional message of love still practiced today. They are also known for their fragrance and are cultivated for perfumes as well as brewing healing teas. Furthermore, roses come in a wide variety. From low-growing shrubs with dainty blossoms to long-stemmed robust plants, roses offer deep scarlets and bright berry-colored reds.
In June, red roses are in bloom in flower gardens across the US. Their beauty and sweet scent fill the air with happiness. Whether red, white, pink, yellow, or variations thereof, we have a splendid rose garden in our vicinity at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown: https://lyndhurst.org
JUNE 13: NATIONAL KITCHEN KLUTZES OF AMERICA DAY
June 13 honors those of us who would like to cooK, but just can’t seem to get the knack. It is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day. Kitchen Klutzes are the people who set out with the intention of being like Julia Child. Reality quickly sets in dreams go up in the smoke that billows from the oven, knife cuts turn bloody, and cookies and fingers are burnt. The Kitchen Klutz has struck. It may be necessary to keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy when Kitchen Klutzes are around.
There’s no record of the origin or even the purpose of the day, but that hasn’t kept us from celebrating it. The day reminds us that, in the kitchen or elsewhere, problems and accidents happen to us all. Be prepared to call 911 and have your favorite take-out ready as a backup.
JUNE 14: FAMILY HISTORY DAY
Family History brings the past to life and makes it relevant. When young people begin researching their roots, they turn into detectives, treasure hunters, and historians on the quest to ferret out their “missing” family members. Along the way, they learn about the sacrifices, triumphs, determination, and quiet existence of people who helped make them who they are today. When less-than-young people do the same, the aha moments abound.
Knowing about our ancestors helps us keep things in perspective: Every family has people who have done well, done badly, lived through unimaginable tragedies, fought on the wrong side, sacrificed, struggled, and succeeded. Whether your family is crafty, digitally minded, exploration driven or a combination of all three, you will find something to kick start the re-discovery of your extended family. Enjoy!
JUNE 15: FLY A KITE DAY
Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity on June 15, 1752. Thanks to him, it’s Fly a Kite Day! Franklin first began conducting electricity experiments in 1747 and continued on for almost a decade. Thankfully, he documented his work and ideas in letters, which is why we know that 1749 was a big year. That’s when he first documented what he believed were similarities between electricity and lightning: the light’s color, crooked direction, crackling noise, and other things. He suspected lightning was electrical in nature, and wanted to prove it, knowing he could if the lightning passed through metal: i.e., a kite and a key. He knew the kite could get close to storm clouds, and he knew a metal key would attract the charge. And he was right! His discovery led to his invention of the lightning rod, which protects people, buildings, and ships to this day. Franklin’s also credited with coining electricity-related terms we still use today, including electrician, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock, and battery.
Fly a kite to celebrate! Better yet, give your grandchild, niece or nephew a kite to celebrate, and cheer on the flight! But also take the time to appreciate Benjamin Franklin and his passion for science.
JUNE 16: NATIONAL FUDGE DAY
The dense candy-like treat known as fudge is believed to have been a mistake. According to legend, a confectioner flubbed while trying to make caramel, but ended up creating something just as tasty. We celebrate this happy accident on National Fudge Day. Fudge also has historical ties to female scholars. In the late 19th and early 20th century, fudge recipes spread like wildfire among students at women’s colleges such as Vassar, Wellesley, and Smith. One student made 30 pounds of the stuff for the Vassar Senior Auction in 1890!
National Fudge Day comes around each year, allowing aficionados to indulge in their favorite flavor of the delicious treat. Some of the most familiar flavors are chocolate, chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple, and maple nut. Fudge flavors lend themselves to experimentation, however. Blending favorites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge.
JUNE 17: WORLD JUGGLING DAY
World Juggling Day encourages jugglers to unite and celebrate the joy of juggling. The day also encourages people to learn how to juggle. Estimates suggest only about 21% of the public can juggle. Want to learn? Experts say start with scarves—first two, then move to three. Don’t have scarves? Juggle plastic bags from the grocery store. Then move on to balls, rings, or beanbags. Many expert jugglers also use knives, flaming torches, and even chainsaws. Don’t start with those.
Historians believe juggling dates back to 2000 BC in ancient Egypt. It can also be traced back to the Aztec Empire. Also probably in Greek and Roman cultures. During the Middle Ages, jugglers were sometimes thought to be witches. In the Renaissance, juggling became a way to please royalty., but also entertained common folk throughout Europe. In fact, the word juggler comes from the word “jogelen,” which means “to entertain.” In 1793, juggling came to the US with the circus. Vaudeville included jugglers as well. Through-out the years, juggling has maintained its popularity for both amateurs and professionals. People can get into juggling at any age. The only prerequisite is passion.
World Juggling Day began in 1995 with the International Juggling Association (I.J.A.). Initially, it was commemorated as National Juggling Day. However, seeing its worldwide appeal, the I.J.A. renamed it World Juggling Day.
JUNE 18: INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY
International Picnic Day is easy to celebrate — with a picnic! Picnics have been a staple of most cultures. However, the picnic, as we know it today, didn’t exist until the French Revolution when public parks finally became available to the masses (that’s us). It was then, and is today, a great way to bring people together for an enjoyable day. Worldwide, picnics are a relaxing change of pace from daily lives.
Although the French are credited with the creation of modern picnics, globalization and individual cultures are responsible for their grand popularity. In 2018, 55% of young Americans said a picnic was their favorite warm-weather activity. And there are very few, if any, cultures around the world that do not engage in picnicking in their own way. Picnics are a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy what your town has to offer you. Kingsland Point Park by the Hudson has picnic tables galore. Or just take a lunch or dinner down to our own Terrace!