Conversation 28

NATIONAL MAINE DAY

On December 21st, National Maine Day recognizes the 23rd state to join the union and the most eastern one, too!

Populated by Wabanaki tribes when European explorers first arrived, Maine would later be colonized by French and English settlers, leaving Maine’s possession in constant debate. Fast forward to 1820; the state was carved out of Massachusetts as part of the Missouri Compromise.

Today, with her rocky shores and idyllic New England backdrop, Maine allows a moment to experience the light and sounds at a pace that’s more natural. Lobster, once so abundant it was served to prisoners and servants, is now a delicacy and just one of Maine’s many ocean delights.

Artists flourish in Maine. From fiction to landscapes, the state has inspired poets, writers, painters and more for centuries. From the Acadia to Kennebunk, from the highlands to the valleys, Maine is open all year round.

NATIONAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ REMEMBRANCE DAY

National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day on the first day of winter remembers those in the homeless community who have died the previous year. The day reminds us to honor them and remember the life they lived.

YULE

On the arrival of the Winter Solstice, we observe Yule.

Also known as Jul, Yule predates the Christmas holiday by thousands of years. Linguists debate the origin of the word Yule. Some suggest the word is derived from “Iul,” the Anglo-Saxon word for wheel. This makes a connection to a Celtic calendar, the Wheel of the Year. However, in the Norse culture, “Jul” refers to the god, Odin. Odin was celebrated during Yule as well.

Yule celebrations included bonfires, decorating with holly, mistletoe, and the boughs of evergreen trees, ritual sacrifices, feasts, and gift-giving.

ANNE AND SAMANTHA DAY

Celebrated bi-annually on the summer solstice and the winter solstice, Anne and Samantha Day honors Anne Frank and Samantha Smith.

Anne Frank
Anne Frank moved generations with the words she recorded in her diary – the diary of a young Jewish girl. Born June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany, on the cusp of one of the most significant upheavals in world history, she was the second daughter of Otto and Ruth Frank.

The Frank family fled Nazi Germany for the relative safety of Amsterdam, Netherlands after Germany began its campaign in 1939 by attacking Poland. By 1942, the Netherlands would be occupied by the Nazis as well.

Weeks after receiving a red checkered diary for her 13th birthday, Anne’s family and the families of her father’s employees were forced into hiding. The year was 1942. Anne and her family survived in hiding in the empty space at the back of her father’s company building. It was here Anne wrote daily. Her diary became a place of solace when despair was overwhelming.

In August of 1944, betrayal split her family apart, separating the men from the women. The Germans forced the Franks into hard labor under brutal conditions in concentration camps. Her father would be the only family member to survive. He would later discover Anne’s diary left behind.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY

Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21st commemorates the birth of a challenging word game enjoyed by millions worldwide.

PHILEAS FOGG WIN A WAGER DAY

Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day on December 21st commemorates a date in fictional history. In the classic novel, Around the World in 80 Days by French Novelist, Jules Verne, December 21st is the date illustrious main character Phileas Fogg must complete his challenge to win a wager of £20,000.

NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY

On December 21st, seafood lovers celebrate National French Fried Shrimp Day. Enjoyed all year long, this delicious dish delights many across the country.

WINTER SOLSTICE

The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs annually between December 20th and December 23rd.

HUMBUG DAY

Humbug Day on December 21st recognizes the Ebenezers, the Scrooges, grinches, and curmudgeons who the joy out of the holiday season.