January 12 Holidays

National Hot Tea Day celebrates tea — the infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves consumed in approximately 3.7 billion cups daily worldwide, second only to water in global consumption. Kiss a Ginger Day was established in 2009 by Derek Forgie as a positive counterpoint to schoolyard cruelty toward red-haired people — celebrating them with affection instead. National Marzipan Day celebrates the almond-and-sugar paste that Lübeck confectioners have crafted since at least the 13th century, shaping it into fruits, vegetables, and figurines whose artistry made Lübeck marzipan a protected geographical indication in Germany. National Curried Chicken Day celebrates the aromatic spiced chicken preparation that spans South Asian, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions — a dish whose global popularity has made it a staple across every continent.