Balloon Ascension Day is an annual celebration observed on January 9 to commemorate the first manned balloon flight to ever take place in America. The first balloon ascension event was witnessed by President George Washington, who was a patron of aviation pioneers. He was fascinated by the tales of the Frenchman who pioneered hot air ballooning and was keen to help him do so in America. This assisted the balloonist, who did not speak English, greatly when he landed on American soil with a letter from Washington explaining his mission.
National Sunday Supper Day
National Sunday Supper Day is observed annually on the second Sunday in January, on January 9 this year, to encourage families to gather around the table to enjoy time together and bond over a meal. The founder of National Sunday Supper Day started the movement that led to registering the holiday as a way to stay close to her oldest daughter, who left home for college. She inspires people to return to the traditional value of shared meals and family times. Her hope is that one shared meal a week will lead to more of them in homes.
Argyle Day
National Argyle Day is celebrated annually on January 8 to encourage us to express our love for the pattern derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland. The pattern consists of overlapping motifs of diamonds and lozenges and is quite common in sock patterns and dress designs. Did you know that the Scottish Highlanders have worn the argyle pattern design in kilts and plaids and patterned socks since the 17th century? Knitters with skill have been knitting socks with varicolored, diamond-shaped areas on a solid background since the end of WWI.