National Day of the Cowboy on the fourth Saturday in July recognizes the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West.
The era of the cowboy began after the Civil War in the heart of Texas. Cattle were herded long before this time, but in Texas, they grew wild and unchecked. As the country expanded, the demand for beef in the northern territories and states increased. With nearly 5 million head of cattle, cowboys moved the herds on long drives to where the profits were.
The draw of riches and adventure mixed with tales of violence. Among the grand backdrop of the Great Plains, the mythological image of the cowboy emerged.
Where the dust settles reveals much of the stoic truth of the American cowboy and cowgirl. The life of a cowboy required a particular ability to live in a frontier world. To do so requires respect, loyalty, and a willingness to work hard.
In the words of former President George W. Bush, “We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”
NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY HISTORY
According to the National Day of the Cowboy Organization, this day “…is a day set aside to celebrate the contributions of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage.” The NDOC continuously pursues national recognition of National Day of the Cowboy. Currently, 14 states recognize this day. The first celebration was in 2005.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDayOfTheCowboy
Celebrate with a cowboy you know and post on social media using #NationalDayOfTheCowboy. Enjoy a western novel or movie, attend a rodeo, and embrace the cowboy way of life.
Rubies, the dazzling red gemstones associated with July birthdays, have captivated hearts for centuries with their fiery beauty and rich symbolism. Known as the “King of Gemstones,” rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, prized for their deep red hues ranging from vibrant scarlet to rich burgundy. Historically, rubies have been treasured by royalty and warriors alike, believed to bring protection, prosperity, and invincibility in battle. Today, they remain a symbol of love, courage, and vitality, making them a perfect gift for those born in July or anyone seeking a gemstone with timeless allure.
Symbolism and Meaning of Rubies
Beyond their striking appearance, rubies carry profound meanings across cultures. In ancient times, they were thought to hold the power of life due to their blood-like color, symbolizing strength and passion. Eastern traditions associated rubies with prosperity and good fortune, often placing them in temples and royal jewelry. In metaphysical beliefs, rubies are said to energize the heart chakra, enhancing motivation, confidence, and emotional well-being. Whether worn as a statement piece or a subtle accent, rubies embody power, devotion, and a zest for life.
Rubies and Romance: The Stone of Love
Rubies have long been linked to romance, rivaling even diamonds in their association with deep, enduring love. Their rich red hue evokes the intensity of passion, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts. In some cultures, rubies were exchanged as tokens of affection, believed to strengthen the bond between lovers. The gem’s fiery energy is said to ignite desire and commitment, making it an ideal symbol for couples who share a profound connection. Whether set in a vintage-inspired ring or a modern pendant, rubies add a touch of timeless elegance and heartfelt sentiment to any jewelry collection.
Celebrating July Birthdays with Rubies
For those born in July, rubies are more than just a birthstone—they’re a personal emblem of courage, love, and vitality. Whether gifted as jewelry or kept as a talisman, rubies carry a legacy of strength and beauty. Their versatility allows them to shine in both classic and contemporary designs, making them a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a meaningful and luxurious gift, a ruby piece is sure to delight any July-born loved one. With their rich history and enchanting allure, rubies truly are a gemstone that transcends time, making every wearer feel regal and adored.
Every year on June 21st, the International Day of Yoga raises awareness about the benefits of this mind and body practice. It’s also a day to encourage people around the world to engage in Yoga.
The word yoga means to unite or to join. This symbolizes the union of body and consciousness, and the philosophy originated in India about 5,000 years ago. One of the original goals of yoga was spiritual growth. Another goal was mastery over the physical and mental body. Today, two billion people around the world do yoga, some a form of exercise, and others to relieve stress. They have discovered all of yoga’s health benefits and that attributes to its growing popularity.
Some of these health benefits include:
Improves flexibility
Builds muscle strength
Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
Increases blood flow
Lowers blood pressure
Regulates adrenal glands
Improves balance
Prevents some digestive problems
Eases pain
For those who want to give yoga a try, they should consider the different types of yoga. For example, Vinyasa yoga focuses on different postures and is the most athletic of all yoga styles. During Yin yoga, participants practice in seated postures and hold positions for longer periods of time. For a more meditative yoga, Anusara yoga focuses on the mind-body-heart connection.
There is even prenatal yoga, which is geared toward moms to be.Expectant moms practice prenatal yoga because it concentrates on pelvic floor exercises and breathing. One more modern type of yoga is called goat yoga. And yes, it’s practiced in the presence of goats.
Each type of yoga incorporates different poses and postures. Each of the poses has spiritual significance. Some of the most popular poses include Anjali mudra (the posture for prayer), mountain, tree, cobra, happy baby, downward-facing dog, and Savasana.
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India proposed the draft resolution for International Day of Yoga. Recognizing the universal appeal of Yoga, 175 member states endorsed the resolution. On December 11, 2014, the UN proclaimed June 21st as International Day of Yoga. June 21st was chosen as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This date also holds special significance in countries across the globe.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfYoga
The celebration encourages yoga practitioners and studios around the world to hold family-friendly yoga classes. And many do! They host them in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. Some of these yoga events schedule vendors, food trucks, and workshops, too.
To participate in this day:
Attend a yoga event in your community.
Learn about the different types of yoga.
Buy a new yoga mat or some new yoga pants.
Try a new style of yoga you’ve never done before.
Watch a movie that features yoga and meditation, such as Kumare, Nobody’s Trip to Nowhere, or Living Yoga.
To help spread awareness for this day, share your favorite yoga pose on social media with #InternationalDayOfYoga.
