Happy June 21st!
June 21st is a special holiday. In fact, every day’s a holiday for someone and for some reason.
Although we may not know the origins of many of these holidays, avid celebrants will participate eagerly in marking June 21st as a most special day for so many different reasons.
Here are several of the most popular holidays celebrated on June 21st (arranged alphabetically):
Cuckoo Warning Day
June 21st is known as Cuckoo Warning Day. Apparently, the cuckoo is somewhat of a meteorological predictor. If the cuckoo sings on June 21st, then folks may expect a rainy summer. If she does not, then the summer should be dry.
Perhaps coincidentally, on June 21, 1990, Little Richard received a star on the Walk of Fame, near the Oriental Theater in Hollywood. One can only wonder if that summer’s rains had anything to do with the jubiliation of the singer of “Bama-Lama-Bama-Loo,” “Good Gosh A-Mighty,” “Heebie-Jeebies,” “Keep A-Knocking” and “Tutti Frutti.”
Just listen on Cuckoo Warning Day on June 21st. “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” don’t say we didn’t warn you.
June 21st is Ferris Wheel Day, an ideal time for visiting a carnival or amusement park and taking a scenic ride.
The first Ferris Wheel was unveiled at the Chicago Columbian Exposition on June 21, 1893. Designed by George W. Ferris, it contained 36 closed luxury cars. For fifty cents, riders enjoyed a 20-minute ride.
Happy Ferris Wheel Day on June 21st.
First Day of Summer
June 21st is the official First Day of Summer, marking the Summer Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the longest day of the year. In fact, at the North Pole, the sun will not set at all on June 21st.
From this date until the Winter Solstice on December 21st, the days will grow gradually shorter.
Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true.
How will you celebrate the First Day of Summer on June 21st? How about a walk on the beach, a dip in the pool, a splash in the local water hole, a set of tennis or a round of golf?
June 21st is also Surfing Magazine‘s International Surfing Day. As summer begins, can there be a better time to catch a wave?
Fly-Swatting Day
June 21st is Fly-Swatting Day.
Actually, the entire month of June is Fight the Filthy Fly Month, especially at riding stables. Pintos become perturbed. Quarterhorses grow quirkier. Arabians are antagonized. Racehorses get riled up. Cobs are cranky.
It must be fly season. On June 21st , Fly-Swatting Day, horses and humans alike begin swatting in earnest. Tack stores begin selling out of fly sprays. (For more information on equine fly protection, read Fight the Filthy Fly at The Mane Point.)
In fact, on June 21st, many celebrate St. Leufredus’ Day. (For those who keep track, St. Leufredus is the patron saint against flies.)
Go Skateboarding Day
June 21st is Go Skateboarding Day in the U.S. and elsewhere.
This holiday, organized by the International Association of Skateboard Companies, is designed to promote skateboarding and skateboard safety. Local skater groups usually offer contests, learn-to-skate classes, skill demonstrations and other special events to get the day rolling.
In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution, sponsored by California Representative Doris Matsui, making Go Skateboarding Day official on June 21st.
Ramp up the enthusiasm. It’s June 21st, Go Skateboarding Day.
Peaches & Cream Day
Luscious peaches topped with fresh cream are the order of the day on June 21st. It’s Peaches and Cream Day. Fill a bowl with the cut fruit, and top it with your choice of whipped cream or ice cream. Dig into this delicious treat to celebrate the start of summer.
Have you always wanted to enjoy a peaches-and-cream complexion? June 21st is the ideal occasion for scheduling a facial treatment at the local spa. Many spas offer special deals and discount packages on Peaches and Cream Day.
Special Saints Days (Various)
The Calendar of the Saints lists the following for June 21st: Aaron, Agofredus of La-Croix, Alban of Mainz, Aloysius Gonzaga, Apollinaris of Africa, Archil of Georgia, Corbmac, Cyriacus of Africa, Demetria, Demetrian, Dominikus of Comacchio, Engelbert, Engelmund, Eusebius of Samosata, John Rigby, Lazarus, Leofred of La-Croix, Leucius, Leutfridus, Martia of Syracuse, Martin of Tongres, Meen, Mewan of Bretagne, Pafnutios of Bendura and Companions, Peter, Ralph, Raymond of Barbastro, Rufinus of Syracuse, Severus, Terence and Ursicenus of Pavia.
Notable Anniversaries on June 21st:
Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster shark-attack thriller Jaws, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider,opened in cinemas on June 21, 1975.
In the U.S., the Women’s National Basketball Association originated on June 21, 1997.
Various Other June 21st Holidays
June 21st is also Aimless Wandering Day, Alban Hefin (Celtic), All Heras Day, Baby Boomer’s Recognition Day, Celtic Alban Arthuan (S. Hemisphere), Celtic Heruin (N. Hemisphere), Festival of Li (China), Fete de la Musique (Belgium, France and Switzerland), First President’s Election Day (Turkmenistan), Flag Day (Greenland), Glastonbury Festival (UK), Grand International Crawdad Crawl, Guam Territory Day (1898), Inuit End-of-Whaling Festival, Juhannus Midsummer Festival Day (Finland), Martyr’s Day (Togo), Midsummer Day, National Aboriginal Day (Canada), National Day (Greenland), National Music Day (France), New Hampshire Ratification Day (1788) , Night of the Crab (Coptic), Organic Act Day (U.S. Virgin Islands), Pagan Litha (N. Hemisphere), Pagan Yule (S. Hemisphere), Piggie on the Rock Festival, Shaun Goater Day (Bermuda), U.S. Constitution Day (1788), Vegan World Day, White Nights Festival (Russia), World Music Day and Yemaya Day.
Happy June 21st to one and all!
Other Notable Holidays:
Click here to check other calendar dates for notable holidays.
