February 2 in Pop Culture History |
February 2nd is…California Kiwi Day: Dedicated to appreciating the incredible health benefits of eating kiwifruits. Candlemas: The feast is a celebration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, described in the Gospel of Luke. The day traditionally includes the blessing and procession of candles, which are lit as part of prayer services. Celebrated by Catholic and Protestant churches, Candlemas has been a part of religious traditions for centuries. Change Your Windshield Wipers Day: This serves as a reminder to promptly check your windshield wipers for wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Taking care of your wipers can help keep you safe by providing good visibility in rain, snow, and fog. Crepe Day: This day marks the traditional French pancakes, which are thin and light, made from a batter of flour, eggs, and milk. Crepes have existed since at least the 13th century, but they have only gained widespread popularity in the last few decades. Groundhog Day: A day to celebrate and observe the weather forecasting abilities of the groundhog. According to folklore, winter will continue for six more weeks if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow. But early spring is on its way if it doesn’t see its shadow! Heavenly Hash Day: This day marks the traditional confection combining crushed nuts, chocolate, and marshmallows. The sweet treat dates back to the early 1900s and is sometimes known as “Rocky Mountain Chocolate.” Self Renewal Day: This is a reminder to reflect and renew ourselves, taking a break from our daily routine. It’s a chance to focus on our goals and plans, motivating us to make positive life changes. Sled Dog Day: This day marks a tribute to the amazing sled dogs that have helped shape human history. From the native Inuit tribes of North America who first domesticated them to more modern-day adventurers like Roald Amundsen, who relied on them during their famous expedition to the South Pole, these loyal and hardworking canines have played an important role in our past and present. Ukulele Day: A celebration of the ukulele, an instrument that’s quick to catch on and easy to learn. Whether it’s traditional Hawaiian music, contemporary covers, or your own original composition, the sound of the ukulele brings joy to music lovers everywhere. |
Groundhog DayIf you have watched the comedic Bill Murray movie “Groundhog Day,” you already have an idea. The star of the show is none other than the groundhog, also affectionately known as a woodchuck. According to the age-old legend, the fate of the upcoming weather hinges on the actions of this furry weather forecaster. As the groundhog emerges from its burrow, all eyes are on its shadow—or lack thereof. This festive holiday has its roots in an old European tradition from the 1800s and has been a celebrated event in Pennsylvania since 1887. The prediction is simple and adds a charming touch to this yearly tradition. If the groundhog sees its shadow, prepare for six more weeks of winter. But if the shadow stays hidden, we celebrate because spring is coming early. While the concept may sound quaint, Groundhog Day has become a cherished event that draws crowds eager to witness the groundhog’s meteorological debut. Punxsutawney, a town in Pennsylvania, claims the title of the Groundhog Day capital, hosting a grand celebration each year. They even have a dedicated website for this event. The most famous groundhog and weather predictor is Punxsutawney Phil, who has been at the forefront of the festivities for generations. Beyond the merriment, Groundhog Day is a lighthearted reminder of the interconnectedness between nature and our daily lives. In an era dominated by advanced weather forecasting technologies, the tradition endures as a charming nod to a simpler time when communities relied on nature’s signals to plan for the seasons ahead. |
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1046 – The “Little Ice Age” began in Europe. 1653 – New Amsterdam (now the City of New York) was incorporated. 1876 – National League (now Major League Baseball) of baseball was founded 1887 – The first Groundhog Day was observed in Punxsutawney, PA 1892 – The bottle cap with cork seal was patented (#468,226) by William Painter, from Baltimore. 1893 – The Record of a Sneeze was filmed by Thomas Edison. It was the first filmed ‘close up.’ |
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1914 – Charlie Chaplin’s first film appearance, Making a Living premiered in early theaters. 1922 – Ulysses by James Joyce was published. 1925 – Dog sleds, led by Gunnar Kasson, reached Nome, Alaska with diphtheria serum, inspiring the Iditarod Race. 1925 – Sears & Roebuck opened their first retail store, in Chicago. 1928 – Great Fall River Fire, Massachusetts 1950 – What’s My Line debuted on CBS. 1961 -Nearly 600 passengers aboard the hijacked Santa Maria liner were finally landed and released in Brazil. 1964 – G.I. Joe action figures (they are not ‘dolls’!) went on sale for the first time, featuring the four branches of the US military. 1967 – The American Basketball Association (ABA) was established. It only had four teams (New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs) and later merged with its competition, the National Basketball Association (NBA). 1974 – # 1 Hit February 2, 1974 – February 8, 1974: Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were 1979 – Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose in New York City. 1980 – An FBI operation called ABSCAM, an undercover operation regarding US congressional corruption was made known to the public. 1985 – # 1 Hit February 2, 1985 – February 15, 1985: Foreigner – I Want to Know What Love Is 1989 – Sky Television began broadcasting in the UK. 1990 – President De Klerk of South Africa lifted the 30-year ban on leading anti-apartheid group the African National Congress (ANC). 1992 – # 1 Hit February 1, 1992 – February 7, 1992: George Michael & Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me 2000 – Oxygen debuted on cable. 2013 – # 1 Hit February 2, 2013 – March 1, 2013: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz – Thrift Shop #1 Hot 2019 – February 2, 2019 – March 8, 2019: Ariana Grande – 7 Rings |