Monday, August 26, 2024
From commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing to celebrating quirky and unique traditions, July 20 is filled with diverse observances. Moon Day and Space Exploration Day honor monumental achievements in space history, while National Fortune Cookie Day adds a touch of whimsy with its cultural delight. The lesser-known National Ugly Truck Contest Day celebrates the charm of well-worn vehicles. Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day, observed on the third Saturday of July, encourages reflection and moving forward. These holidays offer a mix of historical significance, cultural appreciation and personal growth.
MOON DAY
Moon Day, celebrated July 20, commemorates the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, honoring human ingenuity, bravery and the spirit of exploration. According to NASA, the exact year it was established is not documented. However, it is recognized as a significant date in space exploration history.
There are a myriad of ways to observe Moon Day. Some include hosting moon-gazing nights with telescopes and discussions about space and watching documentaries or movies about the Apollo missions. Organizing science fairs or educational events on space science and astronomy for schools and communities is a great way to commemorate the day, as is sharing stories, photos, and facts about the moon landing on social media to raise awareness.
WORLD JUMP DAY
World Jump Day, originated by Torsten Lauschmann, a German entrepreneur, is observed annually July 20. Lauschmann believed coordinating a global ‘jump’ could make a difference. The idea aimed to change the Earth’s orbit and unite people potentially. As stated by TodaysSpecialDay.com, Lauschmann was motivated by scientific concepts and a passion for raising awareness about the environment.
NATIONAL FORTUNE COOKIE DAY
Observed annually July 20, National Fortune Cookie Day does not have a specific, documented creator or organization that initiated it, according to NationalToday.com. It is a fun and lighthearted celebration highlighting fortune cookies’ cultural significance and whimsical nature, often associated with Chinese cuisine in America. Anyone interested in this unique day could visit a local Chinese restaurant and enjoy a meal with fortune cookies. Making homemade fortune cookies with personalized fortunes for friends and family is a fun way to acknowledge the day. Sharing interesting and humorous fortunes on social media or organizing a fortune cookie crafting workshop where participants can bake and write their own fortunes could also make the day memorable.
NATIONAL UGLY TRUCK CONTEST DAY
National Ugly Truck Contest Day, observed July 20, is a quirky holiday celebrating the character and stories of unique, well-worn trucks. While its origin remains undocumented, the day likely began as a grassroots celebration that gained popularity over time. Communities can mark the occasion by organizing ugly truck contests with prizes for the most “distinctive” vehicles and sharing photos and stories on social media using a dedicated hashtag. DaysOfTheYear.com suggests creating a playlist featuring songs like “Don’t You Buy No Ugly Truck” by Dixie Drifter (1989) and “Pretty Girls Don’t Ride in No Ugly Truck” by Mikala Minecci (2013). Additionally, festivities may include hosting parades or shows featuring these trucks and involving local car clubs and enthusiasts in judging the contests.
SPACE EXPLORATION DAY
Space Exploration Day and Moon Day, both celebrated July 20, honor milestones in space history. Moon Day specifically commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, while Space Exploration Day celebrates broader achievements in space science. Communities interested in observing Space Exploration Day can host public lectures or seminars with space science experts, organize visits to planetariums or science museums, conduct space-themed trivia contests, and collaborate with schools on space-related projects.
TOSS AWAY THE ‘COULD HAVES’ AND ‘SHOULD HAVES’ DAY
According to National Today, this ‘mental health’ day was created by author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers to encourage people to let go of the past and live in the present. Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day, celebrated the third Saturday of July, encourages people to let go of past regrets and focus on the present and future, promoting mental health through reflection and mindfulness. Letting go of regrets will also promote well-being and a focus on the present and future. Observances include hosting workshops on letting go of regrets, writing down and symbolically discarding regrets, sharing inspirational quotes and stories, and organizing community walks or exercise sessions. By observing this holiday, communities can celebrate personal growth in an engaging and meaningful way.
These fun and unique days, from Space Exploration Day to World Jump Day to National Ugly Truck Contest Day, highlight the diversity of celebrations that bring people together unexpectedly. Whether jumping to alter Earth’s orbit or appreciating the character of well-worn trucks, these observances foster community spirit and creativity. They remind us to embrace curiosity, celebrate individuality and find joy in the shared experiences that make our world a more vibrant place.
