February 28 in Pop Culture History

February 28th is…

Car Keys and Small Change Day is celebrated on February 28th each year and is an occasion to recognize the practical utility of pockets. Pockets have been a part of clothing for centuries, providing a convenient place to store small items like car keys, coins, and other personal effects. While the holiday is not specifically about car keys and small changes, it serves as a reminder of the everyday items that often end up in our pockets.

Chocolate Souffle Day: Chocolate soufflé consists of eggs, sugar, and melted chocolate that create a light and fluffy treat, perfect for after dinner or as a special indulgence. The history of chocolate soufflé is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in France in the late 19th century. It became popular in the United States mid-20th century and is now a classic dessert served in many fine-dining restaurants. 

Floral Design Day is observed annually on February 28, celebrating the art of floral design. The day was created to commemorate the birthday of Carl Rittner, founder of the Rittner School of Floral Design in Boston. The day is officially recognized, as proclaimed by the Governor of Massachusetts, William F. Weld, in 1995. The day is a way to appreciate floral design’s unique and creative aspects and its impact on art and design.

Global Scouse Day is an annual celebration of Liverpool’s traditional dish, Scouse, a hearty stew made of beef or lamb and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. This day is celebrated to honor the cultural heritage of Liverpool and its local cuisine. It’s a day to enjoy and appreciate the tasty, comforting dish that has been a staple in the city for many years. The day is usually celebrated with communal meals, cooking competitions, and other events that showcase the dish and its popularity.

Public Sleeping Day is a day to take a nap wherever you please (depending on local laws). Whether in the park, on public transport, or even at your desk, this day promotes the benefits of rest.

National Tooth Fairy Day is a day for children to celebrate the magical tooth fairy. (Also August 22)

Tooth Fairy Day pays homage to the delightful deity known as the Tooth Fairy, who graciously leaves money or small presents under the pillows of those who have lost a tooth, particularly young children. There is some debate as to whether the Tooth Fairy is celebrated in February or in August. However, more signs point to Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated on February 28. The origins of the Tooth Fairy still remain a bit of a mystery, but he or she (the jury is still out as to whether or not the Tooth Fairy is male or female) has been referenced as far back as the Middle Ages. It is thought that the Tooth Fairy myth was conjured to calm a frightened child after experiencing the strange sensation of losing a tooth.

The early Europeans buried children’s teeth so witches and evil spirits couldn’t use them for voodoo. The Vikings believed that children’s teeth had magical powers to help them fight in battle. They would pay their children for their lost baby teeth and string them onto necklaces and other jewelry. Over time, people began to share stories about a Tooth Mouse who scampers around town and steals children’s teeth in the middle of the night. The mouse’s story evolved into the story of the Tooth Fairy, who leaves treasures under children’s pillows in exchange for their lost teeth.

1784 – John Wesley chartered the first Methodist Church in the United States. An Anglican, Wesley wanted a church structure for his followers after the Anglican Church abandoned its American believers during the American Revolution.

1827 – The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was incorporated. It was the first railroad in America to offer commercial transportation for people and freight.

1854 – The Republican Party was organized in Ripon, WI. It was primarily anti-slavery people.

1885 – The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) was incorporated in New York as the subsidiary of American Bell Telephone.

1935 – Wallace Carothers discovered Nylon while working at DuPont.

1839 – The non-existent word “dord” was published in Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition.

1940 – Basketball was televised for the first time. The game was Fordham University vs. the University of Pittsburgh

1953 – Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Frances H.C. Crick announced that they had found the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes.

1970 – # 1 Hit February 28, 1970 – April 10, 1970: Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water

1976 – February 28, 1976 – March 5, 1976: Rhythm Heritage – Theme From S.W.A.T.

1981 – February 28, 1981 – March 20, 1981: Eddie Rabbitt – I Love a Rainy Night

1983 – CBS sitcom M*A*S*H ended after 11 seasons, airing a special two-and-a-half-hour episode watched by 77% of the television viewing audience.

1993 – Near Mount Carmel in Waco, Texas, agents of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) launch a raid against the Branch Davidian compound. At least 80 people, including 22 children, were killed.

1996 – KISS reunited at the Grammys in full makeup and costume.

1998 – # 1 Hit February 28, 1998 – March 13, 1998: Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On

2002 Sotheby’s auction house announced that Peter Paul Reubens was the creator of the painting The Massacre of the Innocents, not Jan van den Hoecke as previously believed.

2004 – # 1 Hit February 28, 2004 – May 21, 2004: Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris – Yeah!

2009 – # 1 Hit February 28, 2009 – April 10, 2009: Flo Rida – Right Round

2013 – Pope Benedict XVI resigned as the pope of the Catholic Church – the first pope to do so since 1415.