BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY

August 16, 2026August 13, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 16 Comments

Meet Leo (orange) and Hariett (black). They enjoy long naps together and anything catnip. Our YouTube channel. We accept Amazon donations to care for ferals. We provide food, water and veterinary along with TNR as we can manage it.

Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th aims to dispel all myths surrounding black cats. Additionally, the day shouldn’t be confused with National Black Cat Day.

Superstitions aside, cats are simply adorable, even black ones. These feline creatures in their sleek, black coats may carry an air of mystery. However, most cats do. Along with that, their ability to find mischief or to avoid you equals that of tabbys, cinnamons, gingers, calicos, whites or grays.

However, one black cat fact that holds true is they are less likely to be adopted. Just like black dogs, this variety of cat gets shunned at shelters. Despite this, black cats still respond to love and attention no differently than other felines.

So, let a black cat cross your path. They aren’t witches. More than likely, adopting a black cat will help keep the mouse population down around the place. Expect the number of cuddles in your life to increase, too!

Charlie was abandoned by his previous owners. After a diligent search for his owners, we adopted him. He was already so socialized and sweet, we could not even consider consigning him to a shelter. We already had 3 cats but there was no way this personality would do well in a shelter.

He started out as my kitty, due to some health issues and a natural preference he now adores my husband. They talk, and Charlie will talk and lead you to his treats.

Sadly Charlie crossed the rainbow bridge 3 years ago. We have several Ferals that we care for including an Alfie, Righty, Kitten and Blackie. The latest ones that have become part of our feral group are Domino and Stripes.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackCatAppreciationDay

Consider adopting a black cat. Take photos of your black cat, too! Support your local shelters and volunteer. You can groom a black cat (or any cat for that matter), give him cuddles, and maybe even take one home. Overcome your fears and use #BlackCatAppreciationDay while sharing your new-found love for those black cats on social media.

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BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

Celebrate this day to dispel myths and fears of Black Cats. Every home should have the privilege of a mini panther.

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INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY

July 5, 2026June 22, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

International Kissing Day on July 6 celebrates the enjoyable activity of kissing, and the part it plays in cultures throughout the world. The day reminds people to recognize the simple value of a kiss between friends, lovers, family, and even pets. It’s a celebrated day that many businesses, websites, and social media sites tie in to for promotions of their products or services.

Kissing is associated with romantic feelings, but there are more types of kisses. In recent history, before it was common for people to be able to write, an “X” would be signed. Then the signer would kiss the X as a pledge to honor the signature. (Could this be where the “X” symbol came to represent a kiss?)

Some societies kiss on the cheek as a greeting. While other kisses signal a kinship. Watch a parent or a grandparent with a young child, and you’ll see tender kisses.

It’s an ageless activity. Research shows that 5% of people over the age of 45 are locking lips at least 31 times a week.

According to a book by Michael Penn called Kissing Christians, “Early Christians kissed one another in highly specific settings that distinguished them from the non-Christian population. The earliest Christian reference to the ritual kiss is at the end of I Thessalonians: ‘Greet one another with a holy kiss.’ The Christian ritual kiss or ‘kiss of peace’ was used during prayer, Eucharist, baptism, ordination, and in connection with greetings, funerals, monastic vows, and martyrdom.”

More Kissing Facts

A study of kissing reported in the book The Art of Kissing by William Case found:

Passionate kissing burns 6.4 calories a minute.
A Hershey’s kiss contains 26 calories, which takes five minutes of walking–or about four minutes of kissing–to burn off.
The study of kissing is better known as philematology.
Lips are 100 times more sensitive than the tips of the fingers.

INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY HISTORY

International Kissing Day seems to have began in 2006. The day was launched to focus on the kissing that takes place between lovers and to celebrate the place it holds in our society.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalKissingDay

Are you ready for some kissing? Listen to an NPR interview on the science of kissing. Organizers around the world host events to celebrate International Kissing Day. Look for an event for those who have lovers and those who are looking for them.

Perhaps your community will sponsor a “Kiss-in.” It lets you test drive a potential date’s lips before you ever hook up with them for an actual date.

On social media, use #InternationalKissingDay to join in the conversation.

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National Kissing Day

June 21, 2026June 22, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

We won’t limit you or time you on this affectionate holiday, but National Kissing Day on June 22 encourages us to pucker up for a smooch. Whether the kiss comes from your significant other, your children or pets, share the love!

The kiss has been a part of our culture for thousands of years. The reasons we kiss vary, too. While affection and attraction may be the most common reason for kissing, the kiss has also been used as a greeting. In some cultures, kissing a cheek may date back to Christian rituals. In Ireland, the custom of kissing the Blarney Stone has existed for centuries and is said to bestow the kisser with the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness. Another medieval tradition that hopefully has been extinguished is the practice of kissing the feet or royalty or those in power. A similar act of kissing includes kissing the ring of someone to show fealty.

Which leads to hand-kissing. While this gesture suggests loyalty to someone, it has a friendlier connotation than that of kissing feet. For some, it’s a sign of respect and affection.

But National Kissing Day offers more than a history lesson. It encourages us to reconnect and draw closer to our loved ones. Whether it’s a peck on the cheek or a passionate kiss, when we receive one from someone we love, kissing brings joy. Kissing triggers the release of endorphins which in turn tells our brain it’s happy. When we kiss, our anxiety is reduced and our blood pressure lowers, too. Maybe those boo-boo kisses from mom carry some real power.

NATIONAL KISSING DAY HISTORY

While researching the history of National Kissing Day, we did not find a source for June 22nd. However, several events took place around that date starting in 2002. An episode of the United Kingdom soap opera Hollyoak aired on June 25, 2002. The episode featured characters Ellie and Ben who set a record for the longest film kiss. Actors Sarah Baxendale and Marcus Patrick kissed for three minutes and fifteen seconds in a kissing contest hosted for International Kissing Day. While they may have been celebrating the holiday in England that takes place on July 6, it’s still an impressive feat. However, other records have been set since, including some long-lasting kisses on episodes of The Bachelor.

Explore More…

5 NATIONAL KISSING DAY KISSES

Celebrate the power of a kiss. Pull your partner into a passionate kiss or practice your kissing style with them. You can also:

Watch movies with great kissing. We suggest Cinema Paradiso directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.
Time yourself. Can you beat the longest kissing record in the world? Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranat currently hold the record at 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds. Sure hope they used long-lasting breath mint!
Share a story about your first kiss.
Not all kisses go well. Share stories of kisses gone wrong. That includes those accidental kisses.
What’s your favorite on-screen kiss? Is it from the Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Body Guard, or Crazy, Stupid Love?

Let us know how you’re celebrating by using #NationalKissingDay on social media.

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#NationalKissingDay — The Voice Of Enigma

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VALENTINE’S DAY

February 13, 2026January 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards.

Ancient History

Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions.

Another possible origin for Valentine’s Day takes us back to a pagan festival called Lupercalia. As a way to discourage participation in the fertility festival, the Christian church placed St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February.

Modern Celebrations

Since the Renaissance, we’ve been exchanging Valentine’s cards. These handmade missives of romance grew into a more commercial venture by the Victorian era. Today, school children exchange Valentine greetings, too. They prepare for the day by making unique boxes to receive their many hearts, cupids, and pun-filled rhymes.

Chocolates and candy have also become a part of the celebration. While couples tend to be the focus of the day, singles celebrate being single, too. Friends take each other out or reject the overall notion of Valentine’s Day. Dinner and a movie, candlelight, and flowers also fit the bill for couples. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for florists.

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VALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY

Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival that occurred on February 15th.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ValentinesDay

You can surprise your special someone with flowers, chocolate or a card. Bring a smile to their face with an original poem or homemade meal. So put on this playlist and enjoy some special time with your special Valentine.

Get something special for your Valentine and use #ValentinesDay to post on social media.

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MOTHER’S DAY 2024

May 11, 2024March 31, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition of recognizing the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. Everyone has one or has someone who is like a mother to them. On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers. Whether we shower her with gifts, take her to a fancy dinner or make her a homemade card, what moms want most is to be surrounded by the love of her family. Knowing the people they love are safe, sound, and healthy is a mom’s number one priority.

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MOTHER’S DAY HISTORY

Mother’s Day has been celebrated around the world since, well, since motherhood. In the United States, Julia Ward Howe inspired the first movement toward a national observance during the Civil War. Appealing to the public for a “Mother’s Day for Peace” after witnessing the devastation left by war, Howe went on an international crusade. While her efforts never gained formal recognition for an official observance, she was acknowledged posthumously in 1988 for her achievements and her efforts for women’s rights.

In 1905, Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis successfully introduced the idea for a national holiday recognizing mothers. Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis had followed Howe’s campaign and had pursued her own volunteer efforts during the Civil War. Ann Marie died on May 9, 1905, and her daughter, Anna, missed her mother greatly. She started a dedicated letter-writing campaign to declare an official Mother’s Day. Through Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, the first observance occurred on May 10, 1908.

This day, to honor Anna Jarvis’s mother, grew into a national observance until in 1911 when every state participated. Soon it was spreading internationally, and on May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday to be held on the second Sunday of May.

HOW TO OBSERVE MOTHER’S DAY

Pay tribute to your mother this holiday. Surround her with the love she deserves and shower her with the affection and attention you know she wants. For those of us whose moms are no longer with us, spend some time remembering the woman you miss. Visit with those who remember her and honor her memory. If you’re a mom, revel in the attention. You deserve it!

Remember to put mom first on Mother’s Day and use #MothersDay to share on social media.

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