Today is a really special day. It is National Orchid Day. This April 16 holiday was created by a young couple who loved orchids. They loved them so much that they were going to name their daughter “Orchid”. Unfortunately, the baby died during childbirth. The couple created this day in memory of her and as a remembrance of all young babies and young children who have died. Their second goal for this day is to promote the orchids they so dearly love.

Orchids are one of the most popular flowers of all. These beautiful flowers are native to almost all parts of the world except Antarctica. Scientists speculate that because this flower is native to most parts of the world, the flowers have been around since before the continents separated from each other. If true, they’ve been around for millions of years.  Humans have cultivated them for thousands of years, even before Confucius was born (552 B.C.).

Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants. Its natural growth environment is similar to your indoor climate. It thrives on bright, yet indirect sunlight and warm temperatures. They look great as bouquets for vases. The flower and leaves have many medicinal uses. And, the flowers are edible, too. So, bring your appetite. Depending upon who is counting, there are somewhere between 22,000 and 30,000 species. So, that means somewhere out there is the perfect variety and color for you! Visit your garden store today and purchase a plant.

Any time is a great time to bake one of your favorite recipes. Grab your apron and spatula. National Coffee Cake Day has arrived, and it’s destined to be a delicious food holiday. I can almost smell the cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. This April 7 holiday is a great opportunity for you to do a little baking. Then, take a break from your busy day. Sit down with one or two friends with a pot of coffee, and this delicious cake.

Coffee cakes are very popular around the world. You can enjoy it for breakfast, or any time of the day. It goes great with coffee. But, not all of us like coffee. It pairs well with tea or a glass of milk, too.

It is springtime, and every day the weather is getting a little nicer. Is it nice enough in your area to get outside and enjoy it? We sure hope so, as today is National Picnic Day. Grab the paper plates and plastic cutlery. On this lovely April 23 Spring day, we are encouraged to have a fun picnic lunch or dinner. For most of us, it is the first time in several months we can enjoy eating outdoors. I don’t know about you, but the picnic table is calling me. And, today is going to be the first of many days of eating outside.

Picnics can take a wide variety of forms. Spread your food and drinks out onto a picnic table. Or, you can fill a picnic basket with goodies and eat it on a blanket. Add a bottle of wine for a romantic picnic. Have your picnic in your backyard, at a park, or on the beach. Your choice of foods is unlimited, from sandwiches and cold fried chicken, to hot dogs and hamburgers. And, don’t forget the baked beans and watermelon. Drink choices are broad, too. Beer, lemonade, Kool-Aid, and wine are popular choices.

Did of Know?  The word “picnic” comes from the French word “Piquenique”. It was coined in 1692 and refers to social events.

National Zucchini Bread Day is a day to enjoy Zucchini bread. It is far more enjoyable to eat it on this April 23 holiday. In researching this day, we first asked ourselves “why celebrate this day in the spring, when this prolific garden squash is not in great supply?” The answer quickly dawned on us. April is a time when you are not sick of all that zucchini.

In the summer months, the prolific zucchini plant produces more fruit than gardeners can use. As summer progresses, everyone becomes sick and tired of the eating zucchini. But, the harvest goes on, day after day, after day. By mid-summer, gardeners are resorting to all sorts of tricks to get rid of the mountains of fruit produced in their gardens. Some even stealthily leave zucchini on neighbors’ doorsteps in the middle of the night.

So here you are in April. Zucchini finds its way in small supply to grocery stores in your area. Now, you’ve got the urge for zucchini bread. Hence, the creation of this day in April!

Today is Zoo Lovers Day, an April 8 holiday. Zoos have been around for thousands of years. Zoos were originally called a “menagerie”. In some parts of the world, they are still called menageries. Wild animal zoos have been around since ancient times. The earliest recording was around 1500 B.C.!!

In addition to bringing people closer to wildlife, they help to protect and preserve endangered species. For many reasons, animals in the wild are in danger of extinction. Zoos offer a place to nurture and even grow their populations so future generations will see them.

People, young and old, enjoy visiting the zoo. Where else can you see lions and tigers and bears all in one place? And, elephants, too! Depending upon the size of the zoo, it may have animals from all seven continents of the world. And, from every ocean, too.

You can never get tired of the animals, so people often go multiple times a year. Zoos offer special programs, presentations, and shows, so you will see something different every time you visit.

Did You Know? There are over 2,400 zoos in the United States.

World Laboratory Day, an April 23 holiday, celebrates the place where great discoveries, inventions, and medical cures are made. This is where medical advances are made that help us to live healthier and longer lives. Scientific laboratories are also where mad scientists dwell. Perhaps the most well-known thing to come out of the laboratory was…Frankenstein’s Monster!

Countless ideas, concepts and theories are tested in laboratories. Most of the world’s greatest medical treatments and cures were discovered and perfected in laboratories, after endless study and testing. Products coming out of laboratories have helped and aided mankind in many, many ways. 

Celebrate World Laboratory Day by learning more about how they work. If you chance across a laboratory worker (or mad scientist) today, wish them a Happy World Laboratory Day.

Sponsored by United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day focuses upon a different health theme each year. This April 7 holiday is an international event to emphasize and work on important health issues or problems. Many countries around the world participate.

This day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the UN’s World Health Organization on April 7, 1948.

Major activities on world health Day focus upon, awareness, education programs, and fund raising activities to help with the health issue for the year. Countries also work on resolving problems related to the theme.

Today is World Rat Day, an April 4 holiday. This holiday honors, celebrates and, promotes pet rats. They are also called “Fancy Rats”. This World Rat Day holiday may seem as bizarre and unique as they come. But, it is no joke. There are plenty of people around the world, called “rat fanciers”. They love and care for rats as a pet.

In researching this special day, we found many adjectives to describe the fancy pet rat. They include: clean, dear, devoted, gentle, sweet,  wonderful, intelligent, and lovable. Can you think of any other adjectives to describe them!? 

Most famous rat misquote: Many believe James Cagney said, “You dirty rat” in the movie “Taxi. What Cagney actually said was: ” Come out and take it, you dirty, yellow-bellied, rat, or I’ll give it to you through the door”.

Legendary Rat Catcher Award goes to the Pied Piper of Hamelin. According to the legend, he used his magical pipe to lure rats away from the town of Hamelin in Germany, saving the town from an epidemic.

Rat fanciers celebrate this special day in a variety of ways. They hold Rat Day parties and rat fests, give gifts and special treats to their furry friends, and promote pet rats.

Be kind to your furry friend today, and celebrate World Rat Day in a big way. If you don’t, rat fanciers may consider you to be nothing more than a “big rat”.

I never pass up an opportunity to party. But, if you need an excuse, today offers you all the incentive you need. Today, is World Party Day, an April 3 holiday. Get out the party hats and favors. Decorate with balloons and streamers. And, open up the champagne. 

World Party Day was created with the premise that humans have the right to joy and peace through social positivity and fun. A basic concept of this day is that peace is not the opposite of war. Rather, “Party” is the true opposite.

This day is intended to be a synchronized, worldwide day of partying.