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.

Elephants are the largest mammal to roam the earth today. Their numbers are dwindling, and their very survival is at risk. That makes World Save the Elephant Day an extremely important day. Also called World Elephant Day, the goal of this very special April 16 holiday is to call attention to the plight of our beloved Pachyderms.

Young and old, we all love elephants, They are the most popular animal in the zoo. Unfortunately, in their native environment their very survival as a species is at risk, due to shrinking habitat and poaching. Poaching is taking a very serious toll, as their tusks made of ivory are prized. While the sale of ivory is banned around the world, it commands a huge price on the black market.

Send in the clowns! Today is World Circus Day. Everywhere in the world, it’s always a big deal when the circus comes to town. The carnival atmosphere, the big tent, lions, elephants, death-defying daredevil acts, sword swallowers, clowns, and much more awaits circus attendees young and old. 

The circus, with its wide range of entertainers, has performed its acts around the world, in small towns and big cities for hundreds of years. The circus is still alive and well in many parts of the world. In the United States, this is not the case. Since the 1800’s Americans in small towns and big cities flocked to the circus when it came to town. Decades ago, several circuses were traveling and performing in the U.S. Today, the circus no longer brings smiles and laughter. The circus has fallen silent, a victim of animal rights group protests, falling attendance, and higher operating costs. Since 1919, Ringling’s Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus performed their acts all over the U.S. They were billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth”. They performed their last act on October 6, 2018, putting a sad face on clowns all over the United States.

World Art Day is an international celebration of the fine arts. Sponsored by the International Association of Arts (IAA), the goals of this April 15 holiday, are to appreciate art in general and to spread worldwide enthusiasm and awareness for the arts.  Those who choose this career usually begin as struggling artists. They may spend their entire life trying to perfect their work and gain recognition. All too often, an artist’s work does not gain fame until after the artist’s death.

When we think of fine arts, we most often think of painting and sculpture. this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more. Artwork is actually classified into seven categories. They are:

1. Architecture
2. Cinema
3. Literature
4. Music
5. Painting
6. Sculpture
7. Theater

Winston Churchill Day, an April 9 holiday, celebrates the day he became an honorary US citizen. On this day in 1963, then-President John F. Kennedy proclaimed Winston Churchill an honorary citizen. Unfortunately, he was not present to receive the proclamation in person. Winston Churchill was deeply moved as he watched the ceremony from his home in England. Only a handful of people have received this honor to date.

What does it take to become an honorary US citizen? You have to have made extraordinary accomplishments or contributions in your life. And, then a law must be drafted and voted upon by the U.S. Senate.

There are only 8 Honorary U.S. citizens. They are:

1. Winston Churchill
2. Bernardo de Galvez
3. Marquis de Lafayette
4. William Penn
5. Hannah Penn
6. Casimir Pulaski
7. Mother Teresa
8. Raoul Wallenberg

Walk Around Things Day is an important day to avoid problems and risks, by simply walking around the potential problem. You wouldn’t walk under a ladder, would you? Then, on this Apri 4 holiday, it is also wise to divert around objects, especially those that pose risk or danger.

“Walk around things” can also be used figuratively. It is also wise to walk around or avoid topics issues, and sticky problems, that may provoke an argument or are not readily solved.

If ever was an inane day to “Walk Around Things”, today is that day.

Walk on Your Wild Side Day encourages us to take a chance and just go wild. As you begin this April 12 holiday, you first need to cast away your inhibitions.  Bring out the inner strength within you, to do something out of your comfort zone. Throw caution to the wind, and do something wild and crazy, and perhaps a little daring.

To participate in this special day, you don’t have to do something dangerous, like hang gliding, parachuting, or riding a zip line. But, you might choose to do one of these things in the spirit of the day.  But, please don’t do something dangerous or illegal. Rather, think of something that the normal and usual “you” would not do. Then, kick your shoes off and go do it……. just go wild. After you have performed this wild and crazy thing, don’t forget that you have Facebook bragging rights. 

The creators of this day are unknown (see below). And, they did not clearly say why or what inspired them to create this event. Two things may have led to the inspiration for this day. In 1956 Nelson Algren published the novel A Walk on the Wild Side. And, Walk on the Wild Side was a song written and sung by Lou Reed in 1972.

Volunteer Recognition Day, an April 3 holiday exists to honor the legions of volunteers who dedicate themselves to causes and helping others. They are making big and small differences in the lives of millions of people all over the world. Volunteers save lives. They improve lives and provide care and comfort. They assist people, animals, and nature.

Most volunteers do not ask for recognition. They just want to help and to “give back” where they can.

In documenting special and unique days, this author attempts to avoid editorializing and keeps to reporting the facts. But, I will step away from the norm when speaking about this topic. It is vital and essential that more people get involved. There are so many groups and causes that need volunteer efforts. And, the needs are so broad and urgent, that everyone can find someplace to volunteer and make a difference.

BTW: Volunteers are keeping a big secret from those that don’t volunteer. Volunteer activities are energizing and rewarding. And, it is lots of fun and camaraderie. Try it and you will see!

Tweed Day, an April 3 holiday is today. This holiday celebrates one of two things. Either it celebrates the warm, fashionable woolen clothing that originated in Scotland. Seemingly always in fashion, Tweed is a rough, woolen fabric that keeps you warm and looks good, too. It should come as no surprise to learn that tweed is more popular in the north, and not often worn in the south. Or it celebrates the birthday of Boss Tweed, a corrupt New York City politician.

William Magear “Boss” Tweed, was born on April 3, 1823. Boss Tweed was a politician from NYC. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a NY State Senator. His claim to fame was being convicted of graft and corruption, for stealing millions of dollars from NYC. Our problem with this theory is why a special day for a convicted crook!?

We’d like to believe that Tweed Day celebrates Tweed suits. Conversely, do we really want to celebrate the birth date of a crook??? We’ll let you make the call.

Definition of Tweed: Originating in Scotland, this material is a thick woolen, twill-style. It is used to make jackets, suits, and slacks.