Curiosities and Challenges about commemorative dates

Divine Motherhood and Peace at the Beginning of the Year

January 1 is the Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, celebrated by the Catholic Church. This celebration is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and recognizes her unique role in salvation history. The solemnity celebrates Mary as the Mother of God, a title given to her because of her motherhood of Jesus Christ, who is considered both God and man in Christian doctrine. The feast was officially established at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, where it was declared that Mary should be called "Theotokos" (meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God"). The date of January 1 was chosen because it is also the Eighth Day of Christmas, the time when, according to Jewish tradition, the baby Jesus was circumcised, and the Church celebrates the name of Jesus. The Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God is a day to honor Mary and reflect on her role as intercessor between humanity and her Son.

celebrate in January 1

January 1st

January 1st is Hangover Day, celebrated immediately after New Year's Eve festivities to acknowledge and address the effects of hangovers that many people experience after the festivities. The day is a lighthearted way to reflect on the excesses of food and alcohol that come with holiday celebrations. Although not officially recognized as a holiday, National Hangover Day has gained popularity on social media, with many people sharing tips on how to recover from a hangover, such as staying hydrated, resting, and eating light. The day also serves as a reminder to exercise moderation during the holidays, while also providing an opportunity to laugh at the consequences of a night of excessive celebration.

January 1

January 1 is the Emancipation Proclamation Anniversary, marking the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared freedom for enslaved people in the southern states during the American Civil War. Although the proclamation did not free all enslaved people immediately, it was a crucial milestone in the fight against slavery and led to the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery in the United States. The date is celebrated with educational events and reflections on freedom and civil rights, especially by the African-American community.

January 1

January 1 Hobby Month, which was established in 1983 by the National Hobby Association of the United States to promote the practice of recreational activities and the benefits of engaging in hobbies. The day seeks to encourage people to explore personal interests as a way to relieve stress, improve mental health and balance work and personal life. During the month, events, fairs and exhibitions are organized to encourage participation in various hobbies, such as arts, sports, gardening and collecting.

January 1

January 1 is Veganuary month, a global campaign held in January with the aim of encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet for 31 days. Launched in 2014, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of veganism for health, the environment and animals. During the month, resources such as recipes and online support are provided. Veganuary also hosts events and vegan product launches, helping to raise awareness about a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle.

Purple January

Purple January is the month dedicated to raising awareness about Leprosy, with a focus on early diagnosis, treatment and combating the stigma of the disease. Created in 2016 by the Ministry of Health, the campaign uses the color purple to raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease, such as skin spots and loss of sensitivity. National Leprosy Awareness Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of January, is the main event of the campaign, which seeks to reduce prejudice and promote the social inclusion of people affected by the disease.Leprosy Awareness and Combat Month

January 1st

January 1st is the day of Universal Brotherhood, established by the UN in 1968 to promote peace, solidarity and understanding among peoples. The date symbolizes a new beginning, focusing on the union of different cultures and the defense of human rights. Although it is not widely celebrated in a festive way, it is a time to reflect on the importance of global collaboration for a more just and harmonious world.

January 1st

January 1st is Public Domain Day. It marks the date on which copyrighted works expire and enter the public domain, becoming freely available for use by anyone, without the need for authorization or payment of royalties. The public domain includes works of art, literature, music, films, and other creations whose copyright term has expired. Once in the public domain, these works can be copied, adapted, translated, or used commercially by anyone.

January 1st

January 1st is Bloody Mary Day, especially in the United States. The date celebrates the famous Bloody Mary cocktail, a drink made with vodka, tomato juice, seasonings, spices and garnishes such as celery, olives or even bacon. The choice of the day is related to the Bloody Mary's reputation as a perfect "hangover cure" after New Year's Eve parties. The drink was created in the 1920s by Fernand Petiot in Paris and improved in the USA. The name may honor Queen Mary I of England or a waitress named Mary. The date promotes tradition and creativity in the preparation of the Bloody Mary.

January 2

January 2 is Confectioner's Day in Brazil, in honor of Domingos de Souza Lima, a pioneer of confectionery in the country. The date celebrates the work of confectioners, who are responsible for creating sweets, cakes, pies and other desserts. The day recognizes the skill, creativity and dedication of these professionals, who make special moments more enjoyable with their delicacies.

January 2

January 2 is Sanitarian's Day in Brazil, in honor of the founding of Fiocruz in 1900, an important public health institution. The date recognizes the work of sanitarians, professionals who work in public health, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion and implementation of public policies. They are essential in areas such as health surveillance, basic sanitation and epidemic control, contributing to social well-being and strengthening the public health system.

Theologian and Pattern of Christian Monastic Life

January 2 Feast Day of Saint Basil the Great also known as Saint Basil in the Catholic Church and on January 1 by the Orthodox Church. He was a theologian and bishop of the 4th century, known for his defense of Christian doctrine, especially against Arian heresies, and for his contributions to monastic life. He founded religious communities and wrote monastic rules that influenced both the Eastern and Western Churches. He is considered one of the Doctors of the Church and one of the greatest saints in the Christian tradition, especially in his defense of the Trinity and the organization of monastic life.

January 2nd

January 2nd is Introvert's Day and aims to celebrate and recognize the characteristics of introverts, such as deep reflection and the ability to focus. Created by the organization Jungian, Inc., the day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of introverts in a society that values ​​extroverts more. The date promotes acceptance of different ways of being and interacting with the world, encouraging introverts to connect with others and value their unique skills.

January 2

January 2 is Police Day, to recognize and value the work of police officers around the world. The day highlights the importance of police forces in maintaining order and public safety, as well as promoting justice and human rights. The main objective is to recognize the efforts of police officers, reflect on the importance of ensuring security in a fair and respectful manner, and promote collaboration between the police and the public. In many countries, the day is celebrated with ceremonies and recognition events, highlighting the vital role of police officers in society.

January 3

January 3 is celebrated as Savitribai Phule Jayanti to honour Savitribai Phule, one of India's earliest educators and women's rights activists. She founded the first school for girls in 1848 and fought against caste oppression and gender inequality. The day celebrates her contributions to education and women's empowerment with events that highlight the importance of equality and education for all.

Defense of the Rights of Children and Adolescents

January 3rd is the Juvenile Judge's Day in Brazil, in honor of our first juvenile judge José Cândido de Albuquerque Mello Mattos and in recognition of the work of judges responsible for the protection and well-being of children and adolescents. The date celebrates the importance of these professionals in the application of justice focused on the rights of minors, especially in situations of abuse, neglect or violation of the rights of children and adolescents. The juvenile judge plays a crucial role in the justice system, being responsible for decisions involving guardianship, adoption, socio-educational measures and protection against risk situations. This date is an opportunity to highlight the importance of justice focused on children and adolescents, promoting awareness of the rights of this group and the role of the judge in ensuring their legal protection.

Missionary Dedicated to Faith and Community

January 4 is the feast day of Saint Nepomucene Neumann, or Saint Nepomucene Neumanne. The date honors Saint Nepomucene Neumann, a Catholic priest of Czech origin who stood out for his religious dedication, service to the community and missionary work. Saint Nepomucene Neumann was born on March 28, 1811, in Bohemia, in what is now the Czech Republic, and became the fourth bishop of Philadelphia (USA). He was one of the first Czech immigrants to arrive in the United States, where he dedicated himself to education, charity and mission. During his life, Neumann founded schools, built churches and dedicated himself to evangelization, being particularly recognized for his work with immigrants and his role in strengthening the Catholic community. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1963 and canonized in 1977.

Hemophilia and the Challenges of the Disease

January 4th is Hemophiliac's Day and aims to raise awareness about hemophilia, a rare, inherited disease that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. This causes people with hemophilia to have a higher risk of internal and external bleeding, even with minor injuries. Hemophilia is caused by a lack of one of the blood's clotting factors, and is more common in men, although it can affect women in rare cases. There are different types of hemophilia, such as type A (factor VIII deficiency) and type B (factor IX deficiency). The condition can be controlled with ongoing treatment, including infusions of clotting factors, but there is no cure.

January 4th

January 4th is Hypnotism Day. The date aims to raise awareness about hypnotism, its practices and benefits, as well as to demystify the misconceptions that many people have about the subject. Hypnotism is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to help treat various psychological and emotional disorders, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and even to help with addictions, such as smoking. Although hypnotism is an ancient practice, it began to be more formally studied and used in the 19th century by figures such as Franz Anton Mesmer, who developed the theory of animal magnetism, and later by James Braid, who is often considered the father of modern hypnosis.

January 4th

January 4th is Braille Day and aims to raise awareness about the importance of the Braille writing and reading system for people with visual impairments. The date was chosen in honor of the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the system, which, since the 19th century, has been fundamental to the inclusion of blind people in education and communication. Braille, composed of a set of raised dots, allows visually impaired people to read and write, facilitating their full participation in society. The date aims to highlight the importance of accessibility and the fight for more rights and opportunities for people with visual impairments in various contexts of social life.

January 5th

January 5th, the feast day of Saint Simeon the Stylist, is a religious day dedicated to one of the great saints of the Orthodox Church. Simeon, known as "the Stylist", was a 6th-century Christian monk who dedicated his life to monasticism and the pursuit of spiritual purity, living an austere life in a cave in the Syrian desert. Saint Simeon the Stylist was born at a time of great religious fervor and reform within the Eastern Church. He is remembered for his life of penance and continual prayer, choosing to live in seclusion in order to seek a deeper union with God. The word "Stylist" comes from the Greek term "stylos", meaning "pillar", symbolizing the way in which Simeon became a pillar of faith for many Christians of the time. Saint Simeon is often associated with the practice of the ascetic lifestyle, which involves renouncing material comforts in favor of a life of prayer, fasting and meditation. He was also known for his ability to heal and help those who sought spiritual guidance. The Orthodox Church celebrates this day to honor Simeon's example of faith and dedication, inspiring the faithful to live with greater devotion and humility.

January 5th

January 5th is Keto Day in the United States. The day was created to raise awareness about the ketogenic (keto) diet, an eating style that prioritizes the consumption of healthy fats, moderate protein, and a significant reduction in carbohydrates. The goal of the diet is to induce a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat as its primary source of energy instead of carbohydrates. The ketogenic diet has medical origins, initially developed in the 1920s to help treat patients with epilepsy. Over time, it has gained popularity as a lifestyle and strategy for weight loss, type 2 diabetes management, and improving metabolic health. National Keto Day was established to celebrate the benefits of this eating approach and encourage people to learn more about how it can improve health and well-being.

January 5th

January 5th is Whipped Cream Day in the United States. This date was created to celebrate whipped cream, a delicious topping made from heavy cream whipped with sugar and often flavored with vanilla. It is a popular ingredient in many desserts, such as pies, cakes, sundaes, and drinks such as hot chocolate and coffee. The date was chosen to coincide with the invention of the first electric mixer on January 5, 1865, which made it easier to prepare whipped cream. The invention of this machine was an important milestone in the history of cooking, as it made it easier to whip cream until it reached the light and airy consistency of whipped cream, further popularizing the ingredient. The goal of the day is to celebrate this versatile and delicious topping and encourage people to use it creatively in their recipes, whether in sweet dishes or even in some savory recipes.

January 5th

January 5th is the day of the Creation of the First Printing Press in Brazil and celebrates the introduction of printing in the country, a historic milestone in the dissemination of knowledge and culture. This date refers to the day in 1808 when the Royal Printer, the first printing press in Brazil, was created during the reign of Dom João VI. The Royal Printer was founded by Dom João VI in 1808, shortly after the Portuguese court moved to Brazil due to the Napoleonic invasions. Before that, Brazil depended on the import of books and publications from Europe. The creation of the printing press was an important measure for the cultural and educational development of the country, allowing the printing of books, newspapers, decrees and other documents essential for the administration and the advancement of knowledge.

January 5th

January 5th is Abreugraphy Day in Brazil and pays homage to the technique of abreugraphy, an imaging test used to detect lung diseases, such as tuberculosis. This date is important to highlight advances in medicine and health prevention practices, especially in the early detection of respiratory diseases. Abreugraphy was developed by the Brazilian doctor Ely Correa Abreu, who, in the early 20th century, created a more accessible and simple method of performing chest x-rays, facilitating the detection of diseases such as tuberculosis. The test has become an important tool for public health campaigns, especially in the fight against tuberculosis in Brazil.

January 6

January 6 day to Epiphany in many countries, or the first Sunday after the 6th, depending on local tradition. The date marks the end of Christmas celebrations for many churches, especially in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions. Epiphany is a Christian festival that celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the revelation of his divinity to the Magi (or Wise Men) who visited the newborn baby in Bethlehem. The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek and means "manifestation" or "revelation". The festival is of great importance in the Christian tradition, especially in the Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant churches. Epiphany celebrations include: Blessing of the Waters: A purification ceremony in some churches. Three Kings Day: Children receive gifts and there are parades of the Magi. Traditional Foods: Such as Roscón de Reyes in Spain and Rosca de Reyes in Mexico. End of the Christmas Cycle: Marks the end of the Christmas festivities and the beginning of preparation for Lent.

January 6th

January 6th is Gratitude Day in Brazil and aims to encourage the practice of gratitude in everyday life, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing the positive aspects of life, such as people, experiences and small achievements. The date encourages reflection on the need to cultivate a feeling of gratitude to increase emotional and psychological well-being. Gratitude Day is an opportunity for people to reflect on the positive things in their lives and express their gratitude, whether through actions, words or gestures. Some people choose to make a list of things they are grateful for, while others may share messages of gratitude with friends and family.

January 6th

January 6th is Astrologer's Day in Brazil, in honor of astrology professionals and their important contribution to the understanding of the universe, the influences of the stars and their applications in self-knowledge, guidance and predictions. The choice of this date is not by chance, as it coincides with Three Kings' Day, a significant occasion. In ancient times, the title of "astrologer" was associated with that of a wise man, and it was precisely the role of the three wise men – Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar, considered astrologers – who identified the star that announced the birth of Jesus. Astrologers interpret the positions of the stars and planets at the time of a person's birth, with the aim of offering information about their personality, destiny and tendencies throughout life.

January 6th

January 6th is the day of Three Kings and celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. The date has great religious importance for Christians, especially in countries with a Catholic tradition, and marks the end of the Christmas celebrations. The tradition of the Three Wise Men (also known as the Magi from the East or the Wise Men) is based on the biblical story in which three kings, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, followed a star to Bethlehem to present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. These gifts symbolize the recognition of Jesus as king, god and man. Three Kings' Day is therefore a day of celebration of the divine manifestation of Jesus to the world, symbolized by the adoration of the Magi.

Paixão for Preserving Memories and History

January 7 day of Collector. It highlights a group of people who dedicate their time to collecting and preserving objects such as postage stamps, coins, antique brinquedos and vintage items. The data was compiled in reference to the creation of the Argentine Philately and Numismatic Association, in 1938, which valued these practices. More than a passatempo, collecting is a way to keep history and culture alive, in addition to stimulating research and knowledge about the accumulated items. It is also an opportunity for collectors to gain experiences, exhibit their collections and participate in events, such as exhibitions and specialized fairs. The celebration reinforces the importance of habit in preserving memories and not strengthening ties with the past.

January 7th

January 7th, Reader's Day, honors those passionate about literature and highlights the importance of reading for intellectual and social development. The origin of Reader's Day dates back to 1928, when the newspaper “O Povo”, founded in Fortaleza by the poet and journalist Demócrito Rocha, began its publications. The date also marks the creation of the literary supplement Maracajá, launched by Rocha in 1929, which became an important vehicle for promoting the modernist movement in Ceará, hosting poets and intellectuals such as Rachel de Queiroz and Antônio Filgueiras Lima. The objective of the date is to encourage the habit of reading, whether of books, newspapers or digital platforms, in addition to reflecting on its essential role in education and well-being, especially as a therapeutic tool.

January 7th

January 7th is Postage Stamp Day in honor of the birth of Heinrich von Stephan (1831-1897), the man responsible for organizing the German postal system and founder of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The date was officially recognized by the International Philatelic Federation in 1937, although UPU member countries can choose their own date for the celebration. The date also marks the historical importance of postage stamps, such as the famous Penny Black, launched in 1840 in England. This was the first postage stamp in the world, created by educator Rowland Hill, and today, a Penny Black unit can be worth millions of dollars, being coveted by collectors around the world. With the advancement of technologies and the popularization of digital communication, the use of traditional mail has declined, but the postage stamp market continues to thrive, with exhibitions and dedicated collectors.

January 7th

January 7th, the feast day of Saint Lucian, celebrates the life of a Christian theologian and martyr born in Antioch, Turkey, around 240. Lucian was a great scholar, priest and founder of a catechism school in Antioch. During the persecution of Emperor Maximianus Daia, he was arrested, tortured and spent nine years in prison, refusing to deny his faith. Saint Lucian, known for his steadfastness and dedication to the Church, died in 312, after being beheaded for his faith in Christ. He stood out for his biblical exegesis and for his opposition to Bishop Paul of Samosata, who denied the full divinity of Christ. His death, marked by torture and sacrifice, was a testimony of his total surrender to God.

January 8th

January 8th is the feast day of Saint Gudula and honors the 7th-century Belgian saint known for her life of Christian devotion and dedication to her faith. Saint Gudula was born into a noble family in the Brussels region of Belgium and became known for her piety and charitable work. According to tradition, she was the daughter of a count and from a young age demonstrated a strong commitment to religious life. She dedicated her life to prayer and helping those in need, especially the poor and sick. Saint Gudula spent much of her life in prayer, and her holiness was recognized by the local religious community. One of the most famous stories about her life involves her resistance to temptation and her care for her spiritual life. Tradition also speaks of her as the guardian of a sacred relic, and her name became associated with the founding of a church in Brussels, which later became the Saint Gudula Museum. Saint Gudula is considered the patron saint of Brussels and, in many places in Belgium, her feast day is marked by masses and prayers in her honor.

January 8th

January 8th, Earth Rotation Day, commemorates the historic moment when French physicist Jean Bernard Léon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of our planet in 1851. Foucault used a device known as Foucault's pendulum, a bronze sphere suspended by a string, to prove that the pendulum's movement changed as the Earth rotated around it. This discovery confirmed that the Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, creating the alternation between day and night. Foucault's pendulum is an important piece of science and can be seen in museums around the world, with the original on display at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The Earth's rotation influences several natural phenomena, such as the weather and tides. Earth Rotation Day is an opportunity to learn more about this vital movement for life, whether by visiting science museums or taking part in educational activities, such as creating models of the solar system.

January 9

January 9 is the feast day of Saint Julian and honors Saint Julian, a Christian martyr venerated primarily in the Catholic Church and some Orthodox traditions. He is known for his life of devotion and for having been a defender of the Christian faith during times of persecution. The story of Saint Julian is shrouded in legend, and most information about him comes from late sources. According to tradition, Saint Julian was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and went on to defend the faith in defiance of the Roman authorities. He was imprisoned and tortured for refusing to renounce his beliefs, and was martyred for his faith in Christ. Saint Julian is also known for being a saint associated with various invocations and miracles, including protection from disease and other evils. In addition, he is often depicted in religious art holding a staff or a sword, symbolizing his courage and unwavering faith.

January 10

January 10 is the feast day of Saint Agathon in honor of the 79th Pope of the Catholic Church, who died in 681. Born in 620 in Palermo, Agathon was a Benedictine monk who sold his inheritance to help the poor before becoming a priest. In 678, he was elected Pope and convened the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which condemned the monotheistic heresy and defined that Christ has two natures, divine and human. Known for his humility and holiness, Agathon also contributed to education and the translation of the Bible into Latin. He died in 681, being recognized as a miracle worker.

January 10th

January 10th is Bird Day, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of birds for environmental balance and biodiversity. The date also seeks to highlight the challenges faced by several bird species due to habitat loss, climate change and other threats caused by human action. Observed annually on January 10th, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of birds for environmental balance and biodiversity. The date also seeks to highlight the challenges faced by several bird species due to habitat loss, climate change and other threats caused by human action. World Bird Day was created with the aim of raising awareness about the need to protect birds and their natural habitats. The date serves as a reminder of the importance of birds in ecosystems, playing essential roles such as pest control, pollination and seed dissemination.

January 11

January 11 is Thank You Day. This day aims to encourage people to express gratitude, recognizing the gestures of kindness, support and love they receive in their daily lives. The celebration reflects the importance of the act of saying "thank you" as a way of strengthening bonds and promoting respect and kindness in human relationships. The origin of the date is unclear, but its popularity has grown globally with the help of social media, which has played an important role in spreading the message about the importance of gratitude. It is a time to thank friends, family, colleagues or even strangers for small or large actions that make a difference in everyday life.

January 11th

January 11th, Pesticide Pollution Control Day, aims to raise awareness among the population about the risks of inappropriate use of pesticides for human health and the environment. Established by Decree No. 98.816/1990, the date promotes debates on sustainable and alternative agricultural practices, such as agroecology, to reduce dependence on chemical products. Excessive exposure to pesticides can cause poisoning, serious health problems and contamination of soil and water resources, harming biodiversity. Events and campaigns held on the occasion highlight the importance of public policies to balance agricultural production with environmental preservation and the well-being of society.