Top 10 Weirdest Holidays on the Planet: Dates and Celebrations

Top 10 weirdest holidays. Photo: New Port Richey

Did you know there are some unusual holidays and festivals celebrated around the world?

The global calendar is full of interesting, exciting events, but many of them so often pass us by in with little more than a thought.

These holidays are celebrated all over the world, but they are just a small portion of holidays in general. While these are popular, there are just as many not as well known holidays celebrated too.

The global calendar is full of interesting, exciting events, but many of them so often pass us by in with little more than a thought.

Here are the top 10 weirdest holidays n the world:

#1. Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is one of the more serious, serving to increase awareness about childhood cancer, as cited by Days of the Year. For children for whom every day is a blessing, it only makes sense to indulge in life’s little pleasures, and Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast day brings that opportunity to everyone.

When: February 18th

Photo: Special Days of the Month

History

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast day was created to commemorate the 9 wonderful years of the bright soul that was Malia Grace, born on February 18, 2001, and who passed away after a long fight with cancer on Dec 7, 2010. It exploded onto the scene, with thousands of people from all over the world taking part and spreading the message to thousands more.

How to celebrate Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day?

Celebrating Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is best done by joining people around the world for an ice-cream breakfast; you can join the community by posting a picture of what you’re eating and who you’re eating ice-cream for on the Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Facebook page, or at their website.

You can also look for local hospitals and healthcare centers that are in need of donations, as they help parents and children fight this terrible disease? Hundreds of children every year benefit from the efforts of this hospital, and putting together an Ice Cream For Breakfast Social can help raise spirits and morale.

Read more about this holiday here.

#2. National Napping Day

Ever feel jet-lagged after daylight savings? Each year, National Napping Day recognizes our need the day following the return of daylight saving time, National Day Calendar cites. Not only does the observance encourage a nap, but it also reminds us that there’s no shame in taking one either.

While preparing for the time change can offset the shock to our internal clock, many other things in our life may not handle the change so well causing us to still lose sleep. Young children and pets do not adjust as easily and certain work schedules do not permit early adjustment, either.

Photo: Twitter

When: March 15th

History

William Anthony, Ph.D., a Boston University Professor, and his wife, Camille Anthony, created National Napping Day in 1999 as an effort to spotlight the health benefits of catching up on quality sleep. “We chose this particular Monday because Americans are more ‘nap-ready’ than usual after losing an hour of sleep to daylight saving time,” Anthony said in B.U.’s press release.

How to celebrate National Napping Day?

National Napping Day is celebrated by dozing, snoozing, sleeping on the job!

The entire point of this holiday is to allow people a few extra minutes of rest, especially for those who are struggling with the DST transition, as cited by Sleep Advisor. People are invited to catch a quick snooze and post about it on social media using hashtags to help spread awareness of the holiday to others. Yes, a few lucky individuals even get to rest at work.

Read more about this holiday here.

#3. National Beer Day

National Beer Day on April 7th annually, recognizes the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, National Day Calendar cites. Following water and tea, it is the third most popular drink overall.

One of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, beer possibly dates back to 9500 BC when cereal was first farmed. It is also recorded in the written history of ancient Iraq and ancient Egypt.

Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Whether yours is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, raise your mug. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work brewing delicious beer in your local area. And besides, beer lovers have more selection than ever before. The craft beer industry continues to challenge the classics, providing a wide variety of choices. Thanks to these opportunities, new beer drinkers are joining the club every day.

Photo: Pinterest

When: April 7th

History

The Cullen-Harrison Act, also known as The Beer Permit Act, was an act made by the Congress of the United States and then signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After 13 years of prohibition, this act legalized the sale of beer in the United States. The passing of the Cullen–Harrison Act is now celebrated as National Beer Day every year on April 7 in the United States.

How to celebrate National Beer Day?

To celebrate National Beer Day, grab your long-time favorite brew or one that is on your beer bucket list and spend the day being thankful you weren’t around from the years of 1920 – 1932 when beer was prohibited, as cited by Just Beer. On April 7, take a tour at a local brewery, host a beer tasting party, visit your favorite brewpub, or just spend the day with your closest friends drinking your ideal drink — beer!

Read more about this holiday here.

#4. World Gardening Naked Day

Get ready for World Gardening Naked Day! People across the globe are encouraged, on the first Saturday of May, to tend their portion of the world's garden unclothed as nature intended.

Gardening has a timeless quality, and anyone can do it: young and old, singles or groups, the fit and infirm, urban and rural. An elderly lady in a Manhattan apartment can plant new annuals in her window box. Families can rake leaves in their back yard. Freehikers can pull invasive weeds along their favorite stretch of trail. More daring groups can make rapid clothes-free sorties into public parks to do community-friendly stealth cleanups.

Photo: MOM with a PREP

When: Saturday, May 1st

History

Mark Storey and Jacob Gabriel founded World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) in 2005. Storey is the consulting editor for Nude & Natural magazine. Gabriel is a permaculturist. Together they established the day as a project of the Body Freedom Collaborative. The Naturist Society and the American Association for Nude Recreation endorse WNGD, too. The first WNGD took place on September 10, 2005. In 2007, the date was moved to the first Saturday in May, as cited by National Day Calendar.

How to celebrate World Naked Gardening Day?

It might surprise you to know just how many people participate in this day. If you are daring enough, go ahead and plant flowers or pull weeds wearing nothing but your birthday suit. The most important thing is to keep it lighthearted and have fun. You can also find creative ways to take pictures and post them on social media. When doing so, use #WorldNakedGardeningDay or #WNGD.

Read more about this holiday here.

#5. Wear Pajamas to Work Day

Timed appropriately for the day after Tax Day, Wear Pajamas to Work Day on April 16 helps us relieve some financial stress, as cited by National Today. We’re not sure who made Wear Pajamas to Work Day a thing, but it’s becoming nationally and virally popular. Even celebrities have been spotted rocking sleepwear while out and about.

We always recommend checking with the boss first — unless of course, you’re lucky enough to work from home. Get cozy and comfortable in your office chair while dreaming about cashing your tax refund check (that is if you’re among those actually receiving one).

Photo: T2 Online

When: April 16th

History

According to Day of the Year, Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day has been going on since 2004. It was launched by PajamaGram to reward those working late on taxes. For those who are unaware, PajamaGram is a brand that sells sleepwear for men, women, girls, and boys. At their company, it is not unusual to see team members wearing their pajamas while they are at their desks or at a board meeting. In fact, they even coined the following phrase:

“Life is bananas, send some pajamas.”

How to celebrate Wear Pajamas to Work Day?

Wear your favorite pajamas to work. Make a party of it and coordinate with coworkers. Don’t forget your fuzzy slippers and robe. Award prizes to the one who wears it best. Give a gift of pajamas to your tax preparer to show your thanks, even if that person is your dad or a close personal friend. If you work from home, this is a prime opportunity to wear your pajamas and invite the rest of the world to enjoy the comfort of dressing down for the day. Take group photos and post them use #WearYourPajamasToWorkDay to post on social media, as cited National Day Calendar.

Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day is also the perfect day for you to treat yourself to a new pair of pajamas.

Read more about this holiday here.

#6. National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Here’s a little-known chocolatey morsel of info for National Chocolate Ice Cream Day — the chocolate ice cream was actually invented before vanilla. You heard right — the earliest ice cream flavors were modeled after drinks, so chocolate naturally came before vanilla because hot chocolate was very popular in 17th-century Europe, as cited by National Today.

In fact, the first frozen chocolate recipe was published in 1692 Naples in the book “The Modern Steward,” and much later chocolate ice cream found its way to the U.S. This day falls on June 7 to help us channel our inner Willy Wonka and pay tribute to this decadently frosty treat.

Photo: Foodimentary

When: June 7th

How to celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day?

While you can enjoy this day with a scoop or two, you could also explore the variety of chocolate ice creams available, too. “How many kinds of chocolate ice cream can there be?” you might ask. Well, you might be surprised. For starters, of course, there’s dark chocolate and milk chocolate. But then we can add peanut butter or marshmallow. We just recently celebrated Rocky Road. And don’t forget all kinds of fudge. Some people like chocolate and mint mixed together, too. And the list goes on and on.

Read more about this holiday here.

#7. National Ghost Hunting

If you are a big fan of horror movies, you may know the National Ghost Hunting Day, which is celebrated on the last Saturday in September.

Ghost hunting stirs up images of abandoned mansions with murderous histories or specters guarding ancient crypts. For ages gone by, many of the ghost stories around the world center around historical records or literature. Their existence has been widely debated in religion, science, and academia. Even their use by Shakespeare and other playwrights is often considered a continuation of that discussion in the midst of the Renaissance stage.

Photo: Vecteezy

When: September 25th

History

Haunted TravelsSmall Logo - National Ghost Hunting Day founded National Ghost Hunting Day to kick off a season full of haunted attractions and fall festivities. They encourage enthusiasts to pursue their interests in the mysteries surrounding the supernatural and to carry on the long-held traditions of ghost hunters. One hundred percent of funds raised through ticket sales go to local non-profit pet shelters in each participating community. The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved the day in July of 2016, as cited by National Day Calendar.

How to celebrate?

National Ghost Hunting Day will kick off with the Shot-Gun start at The ScareFest in Lexington, KY. To join in the coast-to-coast simultaneous hunt, find a satellite team near you! National ghost hunting societies will be participating across the country investigating local venues. Use #NationalGhostHuntingDay to share on social media.

Read more about this holiday here.

#8. National Black Cat Day

There is a prejudice that black cats may bring unluckiness, however, National Black Cat Day helps remind us how special and deserving of adoption these cats are! National Black Cat Day falls in October and is not to be confused with Black Cat Appreciation Day which falls in August. Both days celebrate these cuddly kittens and cats but were created by different people, for different reasons.

Let’s dive into National Black Cat Day!

Photo: Twitter

When: October 27th

History

Black Cat Day was created in 2011 by Cats Protection in order to celebrate beautiful black cats. When the campaign was first launched, it was revealed that it took black cats an average of a week longer to find a home when compared with other colored cats. Because of this, the campaign was set-up to celebrate black cats and to help promote them as beautiful pets that deserve as much love and attention as other cats.

How to celebrate?

If you are a cat lover and considering adopting, don’t overlook the ebony to go with your ivory. Knock those irrational fears to the door and open your home to the dark side! Visit a shelter near you and explore the ebony options available in the cat room. Volunteer if you don’t have the opportunity to adopt. You’ll be able to spread the word about these svelte beauties. Despite their look, they each exhibit a different persona, as cited by National Day Calendar.

If your home is graced with a black cat, share photos of your fine feline on social media. Let the world know there’s nothing to fear.

Use #BlackCatDay to share on social media.

Read more about this holiday here.

#9. National Men Make Dinner Day

Here at National Today, we are all about empowerment, in whatever form it takes that’s especially true on November 1 for National Men Make Dinner Day! So if you identify as a man then throw on an apron, sharpen those knife skills, and create incredible evening meals for yourself, your friends, or your family!

Despite gender roles becoming less rigid in America, there are still many men who are not taught to cook and don’t take the initiative or confidence to enter the kitchen and create a meal for themselves or a loved one. This day is all about giving men the strength to get in there and whip up something nice!

Photo: ABC Action News

When: November 5th

History

Men Make Dinner day was established to help those men that have perhaps never cooked outside of a barbecue, and are a little intimidated by the kitchen. Sandy Sharkey was responsible for the creation of this day, determined that men could be amazing in the kitchen, and help to produce some truly tremendous meals, Days of the Year cites.

They’d met far too many men who were not just inexperienced in the kitchen, but were in fact entirely afraid of the prospect of approaching a kitchen with the intent of preparing a meal. Men Make Dinner day is your opportunity to get out from in front of the barbecue, and truly amaze your family with a great meal… eventually.

How to celebrate

1. If you're a man, cook dinner

If you're a man who doesn't think of himself as a cook, today is a great day to get started. Look up a favorite recipe, break open a cookbook, or call your mom to ask her what you should cook for your foray. Already a seasoned cook? Great! Use the day as an opportunity to use your skills instead of ordering takeout.

2. If you're a woman, find a man to cook dinner for you

We don't believe in the battle of the sexes, but for National Men Make Dinner Day, we are in favor of women kicking up their feet. If you're your household's regular cook, take the opportunity to encourage any men in the house to cook dinner for you. No men around? Takeout is a great option — pick a restaurant with a man on the line!

3. Teach a child to cook

For parents, today is a great opportunity to start teaching your children, especially your sons, to help cook. Dads, get your sons chopping, mixing, and washing. Moms, you're doing takeout, so you can start tomorrow.

#10. National Plus Size Appreciation Day

National Plus Size Appreciation Day serves as a great opportunity to remind ourselves that when it comes to beauty, one size doesn’t fit all, as cited by National Today. The purpose of the October 6 holiday is to celebrate the curves that men and women everywhere rock. So, whether you happen to be plus-sized or not, get out and spread the word that having a little more to love can be a truly fantastic thing.

Phto: Pinterest

When: October 6th

History

Women Rock, Inc. founded National Plus Size Appreciation Day to boost the confidence for many women and men around the world. Founded in 2016 Women Rock INC are on a mission of self-love despite society’s stigma on how we are supposed to look.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the celebration in 2017 to be observed annually.

How to celebrate?

1. Talk about it on social media

Give National Plus Size Appreciation Day a shoutout on your social media accounts. Talking about this day on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram will help spread the word.

2. Attend a plus-size fashion show

Since bodies come in all different shapes and sizes, so do our clothes. Keep up with current trends in plus-size fashion by attending a fashion show. It's fun to keep a pulse on the new trends popping up in the fashion industry.

3. Give a compliment

An overall theme of National Plus Size Appreciation Day is to make sure that every person feels good in his or her own skin. In honor of this day, make it a point to dish out a few extra compliments to family, friends, and even strangers. There's a good chance a simple, sincere compliment will make someone's day.

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