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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

December 12 Celebrations: Virgin of Guadalupe, international health care, neutrality, the merry sound of ding-a-ling, gingerbread houses, succulent ambrosia, and the vibrant splendor of poinsettias

   


Reading about everyday celebrations can offer a variety of benefits, including:

  1. Broadening your perspective and appreciation for the world around you: By exploring different cultures, traditions, and customs, you can gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human experience. You may discover new ways to celebrate everyday moments and find inspiration for incorporating more joy and meaning into your own life.

  2. Enhancing your creativity and imagination: Reading about everyday celebrations can spark your creativity and imagination. You may find yourself inspired to create your own unique traditions or find new ways to appreciate the little things in life.

  3. Connecting with others and fostering a sense of community: Reading about how others celebrate can help you connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. You may find common ground and shared values, and you may even learn about new ways to celebrate together.

  4. Promoting gratitude and mindfulness: By taking time to appreciate the everyday celebrations that surround us, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and mindfulness. This can help us focus on the positive aspects of our lives and reduce stress and anxiety.

  5. Enriching your understanding of history and culture: Everyday celebrations often reflect the history and culture of a particular place or time. By reading about these celebrations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs, and customs of different societies.

  6. Providing a sense of escapism and joy: Reading about other people's celebrations can transport you to different worlds and provide a welcome break from everyday life. You may find yourself feeling more joyful, optimistic, and connected to the wider human experience.  Some links in this article are commissionable links. This means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I truly believe in, and I hope this disclosure does not deter you from clicking on my links.

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                                                     Dec 12 Celebrations Video Summary:



Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: This significant Catholic feast day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531. The Virgen de Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint and is revered for her role in bringing Christianity to the indigenous people of the Americas.


The story of the apparitions is said to have begun on December 9, 1531, when Juan Diego was walking to Mass when he heard a woman's voice calling him. She asked him to gather flowers from the top of Tepeyac Hill, even though it was winter and the hill was bare. Juan Diego found a profusion of roses growing in the snow and gathered them in his tilma, a simple cloak. When he presented the roses to the bishop, he opened his tilma and revealed the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe imprinted on it.

The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is considered a miraculous relic, and it is said to have never faded or deteriorated. It is also said that the image has miraculous powers, and people from all over the world come to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to pray for her intercession.


The Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a major holiday in Mexico, and it is celebrated with great fanfare. There are large pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and people also gather in churches and homes to pray and celebrate. The holiday is a time for family and community, and it is a reminder of the Virgin Mary's love for all people.


International Universal Health Coverage Day: Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.

United Nations General Assembly

Every year on December 12th, the world observes International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, urging nations to hasten their progress toward achieving UHC. This global initiative emphasizes the belief that access to affordable and high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.

The goal of UHC is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location, has access to essential healthcare services without financial hardship. This includes preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care services, as well as essential medicines and vaccines.


UHC is essential for achieving sustainable development goals, including reducing poverty, improving maternal and child health, and promoting gender equality. It is also a key factor in building strong, equitable, and resilient health systems.

While significant progress has been made towards UHC in recent years, there are still millions of people around the world who do not have access to essential healthcare services. This is due to a variety of factors, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare facilities, and discrimination.

On UHC Day, we call on governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to work together to accelerate progress towards UHC. We also call on individuals to demand access to quality healthcare for all.

Together, we can achieve the goal of UHC and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

Here are some ways you can take action to support UHC:

  • Learn more about UHC and the challenges and opportunities in your country.
  • Talk to your government representatives about the importance of UHC.
  • Support organizations that are working to promote UHC.
  • Make healthy choices for yourself and your family.

Every action you take can help to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.

Additional Resources:


International Day of Neutrality: Introduced by the UN General Assembly in 2017, this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of neutrality in international relations and to promote the development of a more peaceful and stable world.


It was established on 2 February 2017 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly, following a proposal by Turkmenistan, which has been a permanently neutral state since 1995.

The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of neutrality in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation between nations. It also highlights the role of neutral countries in providing humanitarian assistance and mediating conflicts.

Key principles of neutrality:

  • Non-participation in armed conflict: Neutral states do not take sides in armed conflicts and refrain from using their military forces to participate in such conflicts.

  • Impartiality: Neutral states maintain an impartial attitude towards all parties to a conflict and do not favor one side over the other.

  • Non-alignment: Neutral states are not aligned with any military bloc or alliance and pursue their foreign policy independently.

Benefits of neutrality:

  • Promotes peace and stability: Neutrality can help to prevent the outbreak of conflicts by discouraging potential aggressors from attacking neutral states.

  • Facilitates dialogue and cooperation: Neutral states can act as mediators in conflicts and help to facilitate dialogue between warring parties.

  • Enables humanitarian assistance: Neutral states can provide humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict without being seen as taking sides.

International Day of Neutrality is celebrated by hosting events and activities that promote the principles of neutrality. These events can include lectures, seminars, film screenings, and exhibitions.


National Ding-a-Ling Day: This quirky holiday celebrates the humble musical instrument known as the "ding-a-ling," a hand bell often used in church bells and for announcing changes in the school day.


National Ding-a-Ling Day is a quirky holiday celebrated each year on December 12th. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it is generally believed to have originated in the 1960s as a way to spread joy and laughter while ringing bells.

The term "ding-a-ling" is often used to describe someone who hears bells in their head, and it is thought that this is why the holiday was chosen to coincide with the sound of a phone ringing. The idea is to reach out to friends and family who you haven't spoken to in a while, and to share some laughter and conversation.

There are no specific traditions associated with National Ding-a-Ling Day, but there are many ways to celebrate it. You could ring a bell, call a friend or family member, or simply make a point to be more positive and upbeat. The goal is simply to spread some joy and bring smiles to people's faces.

Here are a few ideas for how to celebrate National Ding-a-Ling Day:

  • Ring your doorbell or knock on someone's door and surprise them with a Ding-a-ling greeting.

  • Play a ding-dong song or jingle on your phone or computer.

  • Make a ding-a-ling cake or other festive treat.

  • Use the hashtag #DingaLingDay on social media to share your celebrations with others.


National Gingerbread House Day: This sweet holiday encourages people to get creative and build their own gingerbread houses, a traditional Christmas treat that often features festive decorations and whimsical details.



Each year on December 12th, National Gingerbread House Day is celebrated, encouraging people to get creative and build their own gingerbread houses.

The tradition of gingerbread houses dates back to the 16th century, when German bakers began making Lebkuchen, a gingerbread-like cookie. These cookies were often decorated with candies and icing, and eventually they were used to create miniature houses.

Gingerbread houses became popular in the United States in the 19th century, and they are now a beloved tradition during the Christmas season.

There are no rules when it comes to building a gingerbread house, so you can let your imagination run wild. You can use any type of gingerbread recipe, and you can decorate your house with any kind of candy, frosting, or other embellishments.

Here are some ideas for celebrating National Gingerbread House Day:

  • Have a gingerbread house decorating party with friends and family.

  • Enter a gingerbread house competition at a local bakery or community event.

  • Build a gingerbread house in the shape of your favorite holiday character.

  • Create a gingerbread village with multiple houses and other structures.

  • Use edible gingerbread house kits to make the decorating process easier.


National Ambrosia Day:

National Ambrosia Day is celebrated on December 12th each year, encouraging people to indulge in a refreshing and revitalizing dessert made with a combination of diced fruits, whipped cream, and often coconut or nuts.


The name "ambrosia" originates from Greek mythology, where it refers to the food of the gods, considered to be the nectar of immortality and bestowing divine power. In culinary terms, ambrosia typically features citrus fruits, such as mandarin oranges, grapefruit, or pineapple, along with shredded coconut and a fluffy topping of whipped cream. Sometimes, maraschino cherries or other dried fruits are added for extra flavor and texture.

While the exact origins of ambrosia as a dessert are unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the Southern United States in the 19th century. It has since become a popular holiday dish, particularly during the Christmas season.

To celebrate National Ambrosia Day, you can whip up your own batch of this delightful treat and savor its refreshing flavors. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (optional)
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • Additional toppings (optional): fresh mint leaves, pomegranate arils, toasted coconut flakes

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries (if using), marshmallows, and shredded coconut.

  2. Fold in the whipped topping until combined.

  3. Transfer the ambrosia to a serving bowl and garnish with additional toppings, if desired.

  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your ambrosia salad and savor its light, refreshing flavors as you celebrate National Ambrosia Day!


National Poinsettia Day: This day honors the poinsettia, a popular holiday flower known for its vibrant red and green colors. Poinsettias are often given as gifts or used to decorate homes and businesses during the Christmas season.


Each year on December 12th, National Poinsettia Day is celebrated in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the poinsettia to the United States from Mexico in the 1820s.

The poinsettia, with its vibrant red bracts and green leaves, has become a beloved symbol of the Christmas season. Its bright colors and festive appearance add a touch of joy and cheer to homes and businesses during the holidays.

There are many ways to celebrate National Poinsettia Day:

  • Visit a local garden center or florist and purchase a poinsettia to brighten up your home or office.

  • Learn more about the history and symbolism of the poinsettia.

  • Create a poinsettia centerpiece or arrangement.

  • Volunteer your time to help decorate a local holiday event with poinsettias.

  • Share photos of your poinsettias on social media using the hashtag #NationalPoinsettiaDay.


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