Okay people, I hope you’re ready because we have entered September and autumn is just around the corner.
Everyone got their cozy cardigans and mugs of apple cider at the ready? Do you have a designated person who will remember to wake up Green Day when September ends? How about a mental note to remember the twenty-first night of September?
No?! Oh dear, this is worse than I thought. Well, no need to fret because I am here to help you mark down some especially important dates and holidays to put into your calendar.
Oh alright, you caught me. I’m being a little silly this fine evening (or whenever you’re reading this blog post), but if there is one thing that I find entertaining, it is looking up what holiday is today. I find that it adds a bit of whimsy and joy to life that sometimes just feels serious and a little bit depressing. So come with me as we traipse along the calendar of September and find some fun national days and maybe learn a few fun facts along the way.
Library Card Sign up Month
To start us off, I would be remiss to not mention that September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Originating in 1987, this whole initiative started as a response to the then Secretary of Education, William Bennett, who said that “Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”
Well, the American Library Association and the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science said, “Say less.”
Since then, the ALA has concocted a multitude of themes to help this initiative, stressing the importance of obtaining a library card. I mean this one card can help people access the internet, tools and appliances and, naturally, books to spark imagination and strengthen the mind. To quote this year’s theme, “One Card. Endless Possibilities.”
National When Pigs Fly Day
Have you ever said that something will only happen “when pigs fly?”
Well watch out, cause that might just happen on September 9th, National When Pigs Fly Day.
Okay fine, it’s highly unlikely that a pig will fly like Pigasus from the Land of Oz, but this day is more of a day to dream big and take chances. It was originally submitted to be considered as a new holiday in 2020 when actor Tom Schanley married Lisa J. Davis, who both never thought they would get married. On their cake, they even had a pair of flying pigs to commemorate how sometimes the impossible happens, and it’s very cute if you ask me.
So, take this day to imagine and dream the impossible dream like the Man of La Mancha.
National Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day
Let’s be honest for a second, who actually likes butterscotch?
I mean someone has to considering that it has been around since at least the 1850s, but it really isn’t for me.
You know what is for me though? Video games (as highlighted in my previous blog post), which is where this celebration originates!
In the game “Undertale” you find yourself transported to a strange world full of monsters, but one of the first monsters you meet turns out not to be so bad. In fact, they make you a pie, a butterscotch cinnamon pie! So when the game gained popularity, the fans decided to try and recreate this interesting amalgamation, and if they are to be trusted, it’s actually pretty good. So go if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to try and make this pie yourself on the 15th of September! Just don’t get it confused with National Butterscotch Pudding Day, which obviously is on the 19th.
Hobbit Day
Hobbits really are amazing creatures aren’t they? So obviously they would have a day dedicated to them!
Well in reality, this day is more dedicated to two hobbits whose birthdays fall on September 22nd, Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. Now, if you wanted to get super technical, Tolkien did say that the calendar of Middle Earth is off by about ten days, so it would really fall somewhere between the 12th and the 14th by Shire Reckoning, but you’d have to take it up with the American Tolkien Society.
Instead, why don’t you put on the extended edition of the Lord of the Rings films, or enjoy second breakfast. Regardless, no admittance except on party business.
Shamu the Whale Day
I’ll admit that I’m including this day purely for self indulgence, because orcas are my favorite animal.
I’ll try not to bore you with all the fun orca facts and instead just inform you that the 26th of September is Shamu the Whale Day!
This day is significant because it is the birthday of the first orca to survive after being born in captivity in 1985, but since then, this day has been used to raise awareness and implore people to learn about these magnificent creatures.
Okay fine, you get one fun fact. Did you know that one of the natural predators of moose is the orca? Though there are only a few documented instances of this being witnessed, it’s true! Moose can dive down 20 feet to get aquatic plants to eat and sometimes that can mean their untimely end. Fun, right?
Well, I hope now that your calendar is chock full of very important and very real holidays, and if not, know that there are so many more holidays to explore if you investigate it!
I just implore you to take some time to find some fun and whimsy in the world and fight off the dreariness of the shorter grayer days. Also, more information can always be found through the help of your local library, whether it is orcas, baking or hobbits; with one card there is endless possibilities.
But seriously though…who’s going to wake up Billie Joe and the rest of Green Day when September ends?