Weird, Bizarre and Strange Holidays to Celebrate in January
75The Weird, The Wacky, The Bizarre
So, you thought that just because you packed away the New Year's noisemakers that the celebrations were over, did you? Think again, because the party's just getting started folks. That holiday cheer from December can last you all year long, and this hub will help by guiding you to some of the more Bizarre Holidays in January.
I have to apologize for any of the weekly observances being late. I only came across these fascinating holidays today. They are being included though, so that you can mark your calendars for next year.
These specially recognized days are all foreign to me, I've never heard of a one of them. If you have some first hand knowledge to share about any, I'd love to hear it.
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January Daily Observances
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Jan. 2nd - Run Up the Flagpole & See If Anybody Salutes It Day - I think it's obvious how to celebrate this one. Have fun.
Jan. 3rd - Festival of Sleep Day / Humiliation Day (separate holidays) - Another no brainer re ways to celebrate.
Jan. 3rd - Fruitcake Toss Day - Yes folks, there is something you can do with those fruitcakes that you got for Christmas. If you get really good, you may want to consider entering the Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The all-time record is 1,420 feet. Think you can beat it with that fruitcake that's been sitting in your freezer for the last three years?
Jan. 3rd. - Remember You Die Day - Memento Mori - Contrary to the way it sounds, Memento Mori Day is to remind us not only that we die, but that we are now alive and should celebrate that fact. If you're so inclinded, you could combine Remember You Die Day with Fruitcake Toss Day and really celebrate life! Wouldn't it be great if they renamed this one, "Remember You Live Day"? That would sound so much happier and a little less like a threat from a hit man. As it stands, it's a little too Don Corlioni for me.
Jan. 4th - Dimpled Chad Day - I'm not sure why this is celebrated, but apparently it is a U.S. political holiday that has something to do with voting ballots that haven't been completely punched through. The holiday began with the mess in Florida during the election that got George Bush into the White House. I remember watching CNN about that in 2000, when all the ballots had to be recounted. This holiday doesn't really sound like fun, I just thought the name was funny, kind of like one of those strange British foods or fish. 'I'll have two of your best dimpled chads!' Of course, if you take the name literally, it is a guy whose name is Chad and he has dimples. I don't get it.
Jan. 4th - National Blender Day / National Spaghetti Day / Wear Brown Shoes Day (these are separate holidays) - No big national celebrations as far as I know, but don't let that stop you from making it a special holiday at your house. Wear your brown shoes and mix the sauce for your pasta in the blender. That way, you can get all three holidays in at once.
Jan. 6th - Bean Day - A musical day.
Jan. 10th - Peculiar People Day - Let's celebrate them!
Jan. 12th - Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day - I like it! I'm sure that you ladies will think of some way to enjoy this day.
Jan. 13th - Blame Someone Else Day - It's your fault.
Jan. 23rd - Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day - What fun! All you need is a snowplow and some country mailboxes to play this game. I was a little surprised to find it listed as a holiday. Naturally, all the sites that I saw it on had the disclaimer you'd expect to find. Guess I should say it too - DO NOT DO THIS. DANGER. BAD. GO FIND SOMETHING SAFE, LEGAL & CONSTRUCTIVE TO DO.
Jan. 27th - Thomas Crapper Day - A day to honour your porcelain throne.
Celebrating Thomas Crapper
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January Weekly Observances
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* I don't know why they call some of these 'week' celebrations as many are only a few days in duration.
Jan. 2 - 5th - Someday We'll Laugh About This Week - Laugh about what? If we're not going to laugh about it then, when will we? 'They' say that this week is good for relieving stress, but with all those questions, who can relax?
Laurel & Hardy Theme - The Dancing Cuckoos
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering - Elko, Nevada
Jan. 11 - 17th or Jan. 12 - 18th - Cuckoo Dancing Week - There seems to be some confusion over the date(s). Bet one of them's right. This week is in honour of Laurel and Hardy, whose theme song was, The Dancing Cuckoos. The Official Laurel and Hardy Site does not even mention the holiday, but I'll bet the boys would've appreciated the mix up regarding the dates.
Jan. 15 - 21st - Edgar Allen Poe Week - Woohoo!! If anybody wants to celebrate this one with me, let me know. I love Poe.
Jan. 18 - 24th - Hunt for Happiness Week - Sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People (of course!). They encourage everyone to actively seek happiness during this week, with a special emphasis on children.
Jan. 24 - 31st - National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week - I don't like poetry much, but I do like cowboys. Well, the good looking ones, anyway. I figured any event that brought a lot of them together in one place must be great. If you can't find me during this week, I'm off learning poetry appreciation. :)
Jan. 26 - 30th - No Name Calling Week - I expect you all to behave. 'Nuff said.
Celebrate Dried Plum Month
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January Monthly Observances
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California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month - Interesting. Am I the only one who was unaware of the concern regarding the digestive health of dried plums. Seriously, I cannot visualize anything other than Grandpa at the nursing home, gumming his digestive cookie, a bowl of stewed prunes (which were once dried) sitting in front of him. I think he's soiled his diapers.
International Change Your Stars Month - I'm not completely sure, but I think this one has something to do with making and keeping resolutions.
International Wealth Mentality Month - I'm all for this one! It's intention is to draw attention to the importance of building a wealth mentality, and to encourage people to clean up and organize their finances. Okay, this one might not be bizarre, but I like it.
National Be On Purpose Month - This is about taking charge of your life and making deliberate and conscious decisions. I guess they figure that if you like the results, you'll do it all year. Good idea.
Prune Breakfast Month - Same visual for me as California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month listing above!
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CommentsLoading...
Very interesting hub. I've never heard of most. I definitely agree with "blame someone else day"
That's one of my favs, too. I also like the No Name Calling Day. Apparently, there is also a Measure Your Foot Day, I can't imagine why.
Thx for reading, RGraf!
Thanks, Susan. I think the Blame Someone Else Day will be the popular favourite.
Wow. I'm glad Jan 4th is already gone, because I would hate to be using my blender to make spaghetti while wearing my brown shoes. The only ones I have are 4" high heels and I haven't worn them in years.
Well, Rochelle, you'd be all dressed up for the holiday. 4" heels would be uncomfortable though, especially if you haven't had them on for a long time.
You know, there's also a Beer Can Appreciation Day that I didn't list. You could wear your brown shoes to sit down and drink beer from a can. It would be a lot easier on your feet. A lot more fun, too.
Thanks for coming by!
Hi Shirley, a couple more for you:
Jan 25th, Robert Burns' Birthday, actually rather popular amongst some Scots. Celebrating the birth of their most famous poet.
Jan 26th, The Old Firms' Birthday. Like anything else of significance from Godzone, it's been swiped by the Aussies and called "Australia Day" (Known in some quarters as "Swill and Chunder Day")
There's also Jan 27 - the "Oh My God, What Did I Do Yesterday And Who The Hell Are You?" day, but we won't count that!
Cheers, TOF
Wow this is one informational and fun read.LOL. I never heard any of these events before. Hmmm we ought to create more Motivational Celebrations and propose them to...hmmm would you have details as to the process involved in declaring a day for this and that celebration?LOL. Thanks for sharing Shirley, it sure made my morning interesting:) Godbless:)
There are a lot of these bizarre days I plan to celebrate, Shirley, but none more lazily than one you link to in "more January daily observances" -- "National Nothing Day, Jan. 16." When I saw the title of this hub I was expecting to see Millard Fillmore's Birthday, Jan. 7. Some years ago I was the recipient of a birthday present of a "credit card" that looked like an American Express card but stated in small print, "This card is good for absolutely nothing." President Fillmore tried unsuccessfully to get elected again in 1856 with the endorsement of the Know-Nothing (American) Party,
Wow am I going to have fun on January 27th celebrating my sisters birthday, and Thomas Crapper Day BUT wait, I can't call my sister names on her birthday. NOW That's Not Fair! Hilarious Hub!
TOF - Aye, Robbie Burns! Happy Birthday to you and him. Too bad about your birthday being stolen. Hope the Aussies compensated you in some way. Perhaps with one of those meringue desserts.
Funny, TOF, I've had one of those days that you mentioned, but it wasn't on Jan. 27th. Guess I celebrated on the wrong day. Oh well, I'll just have to do it again!
Hi Daisy! I think Motivational Celebrations is a great idea! I actually listed the Be On Purpose Day with Charlie's angels in mind. The other types I ran across were, "National Clean off Your Desk Day", that sort of thing. Not motivational in the way that you mean.
I'm sorry, I don't know who gets to declare these days as holidays. Maybe William knows. I swear, William knows everything and everyone.
I saw that Nothing Day, William. I know some folks who celebrate it often. :) Hate to admit it (especially publicly) but I haven't heard of Millard Fillmore, but that is a hilarious story! Both your gift and the Know-Nothing Party. Is that a true story?? About President Fillmore, I mean.
Dottieeee! Sorry, Hon, you have to be good this year - no name calling during No Name Calling Week. Bummer, I know. Maybe you could just talk about Thomas Crapper a lot, or make toilet jokes. Oh! Maybe you could give her a porcelain figurine of a toilet as her present. :)
Happy Birthday to Dottie's sister!
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
Thanks for sharing this Shirley! I never knew my bday coincides with (the huwhat?!) Bean Day - which is actually a (huwhat?!) musical day! It's a good thing I can always have you and Pam do the singing on that day! LOL
Would there be, by any chance, a hubbing day or a Hubbers' Day? Hmm... ;D
Millard Fillmore was America's 23rd president silly woman, silly stupid, stupid silly, - Oh Hell, who really gives a toss?
His birthday was actually Feb 7th not Jan 7th : http://www.millardfillmore.org/
Hi, Willy F T, Na, na, na, na. Yah boo suks.
I like the fact that we stole TOF's birthday date but as we have it as a major event he should be very honoured! and No we are not giving New Zealand the benefit claiming the Pav as theirs.....na na nana....cheers and thanks Shirley for this most beneficial hub on who selebrates what on which day....
ps lucky I re-read this comment - left the most important word "not"
January 14th was National Dress Up Your Pet Day.
really like the way I spelt selebrate as in celebrate .... sorry about that....would that be phonetically incorrect moment or a brain drain moment...oops. plus I forgot to mention that I could quite enjoy the great Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs, Colorado. cheers
Shirley, these are priceless and your commentaries are even better! My favorite is "Run up the flagpole and see if anybody salutes it." :D Too bad we didn't know that Cris's birthday was also bean day, we could've added some musical enhancement to our singing. ;)
Gotta dash...I'm busy with my Cuckoo dancing. :D
Oh drat-- I missed the annual fruitcake toss<sigh> but then I can still celebrate the last half of National Prune Breakfast month and I'm looking forward to Millard Fillmore's birthday on February 5th-- BTW when is Jackalope appreciation day anyway? ROTFL Shirley-)
Hunt for Happiness Week - Sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People (of course!). They encourage everyone to actively seek happiness during this week, with a special emphasis on children.
Is it just me or does this sound like a con for child molestors....
Ok, enough trying to be funny. Well, I at first hated Poe because dark and dreary stuff was all that was covered in my English class the ENTIRE year, but since then I've gained a lot more appreciation for his work. Great hub you have here!
Cris, I agree that we should have an International Hubbers Day! Actually, I was thinking of emailing the HP team and asking when HP's birthday/anniversary is.
TOF - You sweet talker, you! Thanks for the info.
Ajcor - That was close, and I have a feeling TOF wouldn't have missed the opportunity to claim the Pav.
KT, do you have a new outfit for Dress Up Your Pet Day? I ask because your avatar is a kitty.
Pam, it really is too bad that we didn't have this information before we did our Happy Birthday to Cris performances. Oh well, we know for next year, and we have lots of time to practise. Enjoy your Cuckoo Dancing!
Oh, Robi, that's a shame about missing the fruitcake toss! Whew! that you still get to enjoy prune month! Actually, Annual Jackalope Days take place in Douglas, Wyoming in July. Can't wait! Wonder if BT is going to be one of the celebrities in attendance.
Ehhh! Roastedpinebark - I hadn't thought of that!! Blaaaaw.
Yes, Poe's work was dark, dreary, depressing and depraved....as was he. I don't remember the exact quote, but he once said something to the effect that if anyone ever died and came back, that he wanted to know what it was like. I appreciate how well he tapped into that world and brought forth the insanity and depravity with such emotion. And I like horror stories. :)
Thanks everyone, and Happy Hot and Spicy Food International Day and National Nothing Day!
How many of these do you think I can talk my boss into giving me a paid day off for?
Hey Shirley...I thought I sent this hub to my sister Eileen yesterday but she just sent me an email saying I forgot to send the link. Now she will have plenty of name calling about me being the older sister. Oh well, we might as well get it out of our systems now before her birthday on the 27th which is also No Name Calling Day!
Hi Eileen....if you come by! Just wondering if you would like one of those toilet porcelaine figurines that Shirley recommended for your birthday? I can't wait to celebrate with you and Thomas Crapper!
Who knew? I only knew about the 12th, Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day, as I was carried through the streets by hordes of horny fems in the throes of this baccanal. "I wonder what the feast is," I constantly thought, "will they have meat-loaf? For I am hungry." Ha, ha, how naive I can be, for I was the feast!
You know, it looks like you can just make up your own and say what day it is. I doubt these are "official". As long as you have another person to observe the day, then you're in business!
I DO celebrate Poe day, by feeling all morose and waking up in a gutter somewhere in Baltimore, but this is my last year! (I'm just ribbing you--I really like Poe too!)
Very funny stuff, Ms. Anderson!
One more quick word: Fruitcake. (Fruitcake gets a bad rap.)
Erick, are you in sales? If so, you'd make President's Club if you can pull off getting them designated as paid holidays. Good luck with that! :)
No, No, Dottie! It's No Name Calling WEEK! Eileen, if Dottie calls you a name anytime from Jan. 26 - 30th, you come and tell me. I'll give her such a 'tsk-tsk'. Happy Birthday, Eileen!
Christoph, that is one great Jan. 12th you had there! One question: were you naked while being carried through the streets? I like to have all the details so I can visualize accurately. :)
Yeah, some of those days were made up by fanatics and bean pushers, but some are officially designated holidays. For example, the California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month link that I posted takes you to the official page with Arnold Schwarzenneger's (sp?) signature. Who'd of thunk it - The Terminator and Dried Plums. I guess we can pick our own International Hubbers Day.
How can you not like a drunken, child marrying, poverty-striken, depressed guy who writes about hearing hearts beating beneath floors and walling up cats and people?? Good, wholesome fun! He'd probably be proud as punch that you celebrate his birthday by waking up in the gutter. He's 200 years old this year, by the way.
Don't tell anybody, but I like fruitcake, too. The light though, not the dark.
Thanks for the nice words, and for reading, Christoph.
Being mexican, bean day is everyday for me :( and I refuse to observe the no name calling day.
Actually, yes, we did have one new outfit for this year. I did some photo shoots with it, and added in pics from Halloween and Thanksgiving, for a hub today. It's at http://hubpages.com/hub/Tabbys-Photo-Shoots It's Tabby, not Skylar (my avatar kitty), because Tab likes outfits more than Sky. Skylar dressed up for Christmas in a Santa outfit, though.
The Old Firm's version of Millard Fillmore is very interesting, Shirley, but I'll stick with his Jan. 7 birthday, which is celebrated annually in Buffalo, N.Y. I still consider Fillmore the 13th President of the United States, TOF, and Geoge Washinton is still my pick for the first president. But thanks for the link, which is well worth reading. By the way, one of my prize possessions is a record album from TimeLife titled "Sing Along With Millard Fillmore." It's a compilation of campaign songs from the first presidet (Washinton) to JFK. By the way, Shirley, I frequented Manitou Springs when I was stationed in Fort Carson in 1957. It's a nice little town.
Well William, this is probably the most interest good ol' Millard has had in many years. Independently, you're right of course, grammatically, I'll hold to 23rd. Constitutionality it may be aruable
So I may or may not share my birthday with Millard Fillmore (on January 7th) ?
The Wild Men day as celebrated by Christoph and a bevy of panting females sounds like a sight to behold. And I like the sound of Peculiar People day. I know plenty of guys I could share that one with!
To William:
How the Hell did half of my answer get published unedited? (Answer, I pushed the wrong button.)
The other half is of course, he wasn't born within a rats back-end of Buffalo.
They may have reason to celebrate his death, 7 Mar 1874, as that's where he died, but I'd rather rely on archival evidence than the town fathers of .... Oh shit, do I have to spell this out,?
Amanda, guess your stuck with, well, the only really important person that I can find born on January the seventh is You.
Thank God for that, you're proven unique.
Thanks TOF! You're pretty unique yourself!
Foxility - Tsk, tsk for not observing No Name Calling Week. At least you're honest about it, none of this pretending to be pious and calling people names under your breath. :) Glad every day is a bean day celebration for you. Thx for coming by!
KT - Those are adorable pics. Are you sure kitty likes dressing up? You must've put clothes on her since she was a kitten so she's used to it, I assume. Thx for sharing that.
William - It never ocurred to me that there would even be an album of campaign songs in existence. That must be very interesting, especially the ones from way back. Re Manitou Springs, did you participate in the fruitcake toss while you were stationed there?
TOF - I have to leave the whole Presidential thing to you and William. I have enough trouble keeping track of who the current Prime Minister is here. I appreciate you and William sorting out the answer, though.
Amanda - Belated Happy Birthday!! It's not who you share your birthday with, it's who shares their birthday with YOU. I agree with you about Christoph's comment...I think he likes that holiday. I also agree with you that TOF is unique! Thx for coming by!
By the way, people, why does everybody think that No Name Calling Week is No Name Calling Day?
I didn't know about the fruitcake toss back then, Shirley (I think I spent most of my time at Manitou Springs in a nice littel pub), but we sure had lots of fruitcakes at Fort Carson. My "Sing Along With Millard Fillmore" album is one of my biggest favorites. It's really a joy to listen to. I took it to a party once and the campaign songs attracted a lot of attention. Amanda, if you look at the birthday hub by compu-smart for January 7 you'll find you do indeed share that celebration with the 13th president of the United States. Happy belated birthday!
These are hilarious Shirley. I have never heard of any of them. LOL But it got me into thinking though... maybe I could have a day of "No Thinking Day." Rest my brain for a day or even a week. LOL
Manitou Springs sounds like a nice place, William. Sing-a-long with Millard Fillmore sounds very interesting, I'm curious as to whether or not the really old ones are funny - now, I mean.
Thanks for mentioning Compu-Smart's birthday hubs, I haven't been over to visit them in a few days - sorry, CS!
Yes, Michelle, I thought some sounded funny, as well. And I think "No Thinking Day" is a WONDERFUL idea....my brain gets tired!
Happy Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day, everyone!
Wow I never knew there were so many Holidays In January!!! WOW!
Seems the only things that Good Ol' Millard is famous for is having at least two birthdays and sharing one of them with you Shirley.
I came across a 45 years ago of some-one thumping a piano in what sounded like an empty hall and singing about Social Credit. The record pre-dated S.C. here in NZ so most likely came from your neck of the woods. - It was terrible! Along the lines of a dedicated Salvation Army pianist of little talent bellowing badly written rhyming couplets with extreme dedication. (Could be that was why the hall was empty?)
'Remember you die day' and 'balme someone else day'....my personal favorites. Quite innovative. Great!
Good one, Shirley. I wonder if dangling chads, and hanging chads are jealous of Dimpled Chad day. There are several distinct chad formations. It seems sad that dimples get all the attention. I guess dimples are just cuter than danglers.
Well, this is really weird? usually we talk about december or christmas (new year), but now you talk about january??? hahahaha anyway this is a good writing.
It's worth it for "REmember you die day." Some of the others kinda leave me blah! The videos are great, though. Good stuff!
Shirley - Being aware of the fact that we are mortal beings is actually important because it give us an opportunity to reflect on what we would like people to say about us after we are gone ... and then live that life moving forward. My wife and I make it a point to "search for happiness" every day. Never knew about any of these "holidays"...thanksfor sharing them with us, Dan
I can't play my "Sing Along" album, Shirley, because I don't have a record player right now, but I was able to find a site that plays a few songs from it. I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to these. Here's the site I found: http://www.unpleasant.org/2006/09/24/sing-along-wi
EspianScrolls - There are many more - too many to put in one hub. I didn't realize that there were so many and I don't understand why some of them exist. Humiliation Day? Why on earth would anyone want to celebrate that? Thanks for coming by. I got your email and will take care of that asap. ;)
TOF - Are you enjoying some of your homemade spirits? My birthday's in July. I think you meant Amanda. That experience you had with the piano player in the near empty hall sounds hilarious, though painful on the ears.
Anjalic - Yes, I like those, as well, especially the Blame It On Someone Else Day. Some of the holidays are kind of fun, others I'm not too sure about. Happy Winnie the Pooh Day!
BT - I don't know who all these Chads are that you speak of, but can you tell me why you Yanks celebrate them? I truly don't understand Dimpled Chad Day. Why would you want to hold a botched ballot day in people's minds? Why call it a Dimpled Chad? Is that the guy that did the final count? Enquiring Canadian minds want to know.
Funfacter - I know! Just when you think all the celebrating is behind you, along comes January with a whole new set of holidays! Thanks for the compliment, that's nice. Happy Winnie the Pooh Day!
Hi Bruce, glad you enjoyed the videos. I'm glad there was one holiday there that caught your eye. Don't forget to observe No Name Calling Week. Some are flat out refusing to be good, they intend to be name calling hubbers. Oh, the shame! Thanks for checking it out, Bruce.
Hi Dan - I do understand the relevence of Remember You Die Day, I just wish that they would put a more positive spin on it. Re the Search for Happiness holiday, I think that it should be a daily rather than a one day thing. It sounds like you and your wife are trying to live life to the fullest. May you always be blessed with much happiness every day of every year. Thanks for coming by, and Happy Winnie the Pooh Day.
Thank-you, William. I am listening to the first song now - "Get on the Raft with Taft". Forgive me, I have to chuckle. I keep expecting one of the old movie stars to appear on my screen. I have to admit that the tune is catchy, though. "In a Few Days" has started, reminds me somewhat of the movie, Oh Brother Where Art Thou. I'm enjoying these, thanks again, William.
Shirley, there's a good explanation of "chad" in it's various forms on Google, although why the Yanks would want to celebrate it beats me. It's like the Brits glorifying The Charge of the Light Brigade.
Oh and sorry, 45 = 45rpm record.
I agree, TOF - I don't know why it's a cause for celebration, but hey, it doesn't affect me and if it makes them happy, I'm all for it.
I remember 45's.
Thank-you, Sayantanghosal.
Wow... do you think all these "holidays" were thought up by people with nothing better to do?
The first I ever saw Mailbox Baseball was in the Stephen King movie "Stand By Me." I was appalled... and disturbingly fascinated.
Fruitcake toss day - -love that!
A whole month of prunes for breakfast could lead to problems. Wouldn't one day be better for that one?
In a word, Constant Walker - yes. Some of the holidays are a bit bizarre. Speaking of which, maybe you can explain to me why Americans celebrate a botched ballot count.
Re the mailbox baseball....what's your batting average? :)
Esocial, doesn't that one sound like a fun way to get rid of really old, unwanted fruitcake? Thanks for coming by.
Camping Dan, I gotta agree with you there! Seems a bit extreme to me. And unpleasant. Thanks for putting a voice to my concern!
HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY to my American friends!
HAPPY EDGAR ALLEN POE WEEK to my horror literature friends!
HAPPY HUNT FOR HAPPINESS WEEK to everybody!
RGraf 3 years ago
I love the blame Someone else day.