National Pink Day is observed annually on June 23rd. This day is set aside for the color pink and all it represents.
First used as a color name in the late 17th century, pink is a pale red color which got its name from a flower of same name.
According to surveys in both the United States and Europe with results indicating that the color pink combined with white or pale blue is most commonly associated with femininity, sensitivity, tenderness, childhood and the romantic. Pink, when combined with violet or black is associated with eroticism and seduction.
Dating back to the 14th century, “to pink” (the verb) means “to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern.”
It would have been curious to find pink used in fabric or decor during the Middle Ages. Occasionally it was seen in women’s fashion and religious art. In the 13th and 14th century, the Christ child was sometimes portrayed dressed in pink, the color associated with the body of Christ. Pink was mainly used for the flesh color of faces and hands during the Renaissance.
The Rococo Period (1720-1777) was the golden age for the color pink. Pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe during this time. Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the mistress of King Louis XV of France, was known for wearing the color pink, often combined with light blue. At one point in time, Ms. Pompadour had a particular tint of pink made specifically for her.
Pink ribbons or decorations were worn by young boys in 19th century England. The men in England wore red uniforms and since boys were considered small men, boys wore pink.
Pink became much bolder, brighter and more assertive in the 20th century and 1931, the color “Shocking Pink” was introduced.
As one of the most common colors of flowers, pink serves to attract the insects and birds that are necessary for pollination.
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In the pink – To be in top form, in good health, in good condition.
To see pink elephants – To hallucinate from alcoholism.
Pink slip – To be given a pink slip means to be fired or dismissed from a job. First recorded in 1915 in the United States.
Pink-collar worker – Persons working in jobs conventionally regarded as “women’s work.”
Pink Money – the pink pound or pink dollar is an economic term which refers to the spending power of the LGBT community.
Tickled pink – means extremely pleased.
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HOW TO OBSERVE
The most apparent way to celebrate is to wear pink. Enjoy foods and beverages that are pink. Give a donation to any of the charities that use the color pink. Use #NationalPinkDay in social media.
Bitter cold January days call for nothing less than a long bath, candles lit, and cup after cup of hot tea to warm you up from the inside out. A hot, steamy cup of tea is perfect for any time of the day. Happy National Hot Tea Month, do yourself a favor and enjoy tea as much as you want this month!
We’ll break down for you what kinds of tea are good for your health at certain times of the day in just a minute. First, have you ever wondered where tea came from, and what made someone put leaves in hot water for flavor? Well, legend says in 2737 BC, a Chinese emperor was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled drinking water when some leaves blew into it. The emperor happened to be a renowned herbalist, and he decided to taste the infusion that had just been created by accident… He loved it, and that’s where tea comes from! Here are some of the best benefits tea has to offer:
Tea is packed with antioxidants. These help keep our bodies “young” and protect them from toxins.
It has less caffeine than coffee. (The kinds that do contain caffeine) usually contain about 50% less than coffee which means you can drink it without affecting your nervous system.
Research shows a correlation between tea and heart health. A recent study says people who drink tea have a 20% less chance of having a stroke or heart attack than those who don’t.
It can help with weight loss, especially when paired with a well-balanced diet and exercise. Tea is usually calorie-free, and it can give you energy and cause your body to burn more calories throughout the day.
It’s an immune system booster. Studies show that tea helps immune cells reach their targets more quickly.
HISTORY
The Tea Council of the USA was founded in 1950 and recognize National Hot Tea Month every January.
Sip some tea and post an aesthetically pleasing photo of it to social media using #NationalHotTeaMonth, #HotTeaMonth, or #TeaTime. The best part is, there’s a tea for literally any and every time of day! Some is packed with natural caffeine, other kinds are caffeine-free and created for you to drink at night to promote a deep, healthy night’s sleep. Let’s break down exactly what kind of tea to drink at what time of day for the healthiest results.
Early Morning: To start your day off right, try white tea first thing when you wake up. It’s gentle on a stomach that has been fasting (which we do when we sleep) and has a light, aromatic quality. For a big caffeine booster right away, choose a high quality white tea and boil with extremely hot water to bring out a lot of the caffeine.
Mid-Morning: Around 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning, move to a green tea. This will help give your metabolism a kick start, and it has a very light, uplifting, approachable flavor.
Lunch: Incorporate some tea with your lunch every day… Black tea is recommended at this time of day for a few reasons. It’s widely available, and easy to find if you’re out and about to grab a mid-day bite to eat. It’s also great paired with food, and you can choose your level of caffeine depending on how your energy levels are that day.
Post-Lunch: Pu-erh tea is a great choice for after lunch, because it only has a small amount of caffeine. Enough to help ward off that afternoon slump, but not so much that you’ll be up all night. It’s a perfect follow-up to a healthy, well-balanced lunch.
Evening: There are several great options for nighttime tea… Stay away from caffeine at this time of night, or you won’t get a restful night’s sleep. Some good teas to try that’ll calm you down and promote a good night’s sleep are Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower. Give them a try, do a little experimenting and figure out which ones work best for you.
On December 14th, National Alabama Day recognizes the Heart of Dixie.
The 22nd state to join the union, Alabama has played pivotal roles in U.S. history, scientific advancements and its magnificent landscapes attract visitors from far and wide.
Alabama enjoys 60 miles of shoreline along the Gulf Coast. While the coastal region is dotted with swamps and bayous, it also includes beautiful sandy beaches. Move northward from the coast, and the lowlands provide the fertile soils of the Black Belt, land that long yielded productive cotton crops. The Northern half of the state is dominated by the forested hills and valleys of the Appalachians.
As the original capital of the Confederacy until May of 1861 during the American Civil War, the small town of Montgomery set the stage for the secessionist government. Nearly 100 years later, the Civil Rights Movement would find a home and erupt across the state marching its vision to the rest of the country.
Official Alabama
State Capital – Montgomey State Nickname – The Yellowhammer State, State Motto – We Dare Defend our Rights State Bird – Northern Flicker State Game Bird – Eastern Wild Turkey State Amphibian – Red Hills Salamander State Flower – Camellia State Fish – Large Mouth Bass State Crustacean – Brown Shrimp State Fruit – Peach State Fossil – Basilosaurus cetoides State Mineral – Hematite State Tree – Southern Longleaf Pine State Song – Alabama State Quilt – Pine Burr Quilt
Agriculture, Military and Meat & Three
Bringing diversity to agriculture at a time when the boll weevil was wreaking havoc on cotton crops, George Washington Carver provided the opportunity for successful planting and harvesting of a legume that continues to be popular not only in the south but across the United States. The peanut brought new farming methods and agricultural stability to a suffering southern industry.
Home of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 332nd Fighter Group, the first African American military aviators, the science team that helped put man on the moon, and the first African American woman in space, Alabama is another state that keeps looking to the sky.
In Alabama, and all across Southern states, the meat and three will fill you up with more satisfying comfort food than you can find anywhere other than your mother’s kitchen. The restaurant style includes a mouth-watering homemade meat of your choosing – crispy fried chicken, juicy sweet ham or tender roast beef – and then a selection of three sides. A roll and dessert are usually included as well. All this is served in a relaxed, downhome atmosphere.
Alabama Flavor
Fried Catfish Shrimp Grits Boiled Peanuts Fried Okra Fried Pickles Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy Peach Cobbler Pecan Pie Banana Pudding
For a complete list of Illinois State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.alapark.com and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Explore Alabama’s rich history and remarkable landscapes. Get to know their people, culture and uncover the hidden places of Alabama! Use #NationalAlabamaDay to share on social media.
