23 May - National Taffy Day

 

National Taffy Day is celebrated annually on May 23rd in the United States. This day is dedicated to the sweet, chewy candy known as taffy, which has been a popular treat for generations. Taffy is typically made by boiling a mixture of sugar, butter, flavoring, and coloring until it reaches a specific temperature, then pulling and stretching it until it becomes light and chewy. The candy is then cut into bite-sized pieces and wrapped in wax paper to keep it fresh.

Taffy has a rich history in American confectionery, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th century. One of the most famous varieties is saltwater taffy, which originated in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Despite the name, saltwater taffy does not actually contain seawater, but it may include a small amount of salt in the recipe.

National Taffy Day is a perfect occasion for taffy lovers to indulge in their favorite flavors, which range from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like watermelon, peanut butter, and peppermint. Many candy stores and confectioners celebrate the day with special promotions and events, making it a delightful day for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy making taffy at home or savoring store-bought varieties, National Taffy Day is all about celebrating this beloved candy and the joy it brings.

23 May - National Wig Out Day

 

National Wig Out Day is  celebrated in the United States on the Friday before Memorial Day. This playful and lighthearted day encourages people to don wigs of all styles and colors, stepping out of their everyday routines to embrace a fun and whimsical change in appearance. The day promotes self-expression, creativity, and a sense of community as individuals and groups participate in wig-themed events, parties, and social media challenges.

The origins of National Wig Out Day are rooted in the spirit of fun and camaraderie, providing an opportunity for people to let loose and enjoy a bit of humor and novelty. Whether used to make a bold fashion statement, play a character, or simply bring a smile to others, wigs serve as the centerpiece for this unique celebration.

 

23 May - John Bardeen birth anniversary

 

John Bardeen (23 May 1908 – 30 January 1991) was an American physicist and electrical engineer who made monumental contributions to the field of electronics and solid-state physics. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Bardeen is best known for being the only person to have won the Nobel Prize in Physics twice. His first Nobel Prize, awarded in 1956, was for the invention of the transistor, along with William Shockley and Walter Brattain, which revolutionized the electronics industry and paved the way for modern computers and communication technology. His second Nobel Prize, awarded in 1972, was shared with Leon N. Cooper and Robert Schrieffer for the development of the BCS theory, which explained the phenomenon of superconductivity. Bardeen's work has had a profound and lasting impact on both theoretical and applied physics, making him one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

23 May - C. Kesavan birth anniversary

 

C. Kesavan (May 23, 1891 – July 7, 1969) was an Indian social reformer, political leader, and writer, known for his significant contributions to the social and political landscape of Kerala. Born in the village of Mayyanad in the Kollam district of Kerala, Kesavan emerged from a relatively modest background, which influenced his perspectives on social justice and equality. Throughout his life, Kesavan played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, promoting social equality, and participating in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He is remembered for his involvement in the Vaikom Satyagraha, his advocacy for land reforms, and his prolific literary contributions aimed at spreading awareness about social issues. Kesavan's legacy continues to inspire many in Kerala and beyond, marking his life as a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice and democratic principles.

23 May - South Carolina is admitted as the 8th U.S. state.

South Carolina was admitted as the eighth state of the United States on 23 May 1788, following its ratification of the U.S. Constitution. This ratification allowed South Carolina to join the Union under the framework of the new federal government established by the Constitution.

This ratification marked its official entry into the Union under the newly established federal government outlined by the Constitution. Prior to this, South Carolina was one of the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 and subsequently became one of the thirteen original states of the United States under the Articles of Confederation.

23 May - Buddha Purnima (Jayanti)

 

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide in honor of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaishakha, which usually falls in April or May. This year Buddha Purnima is today - 23 May 2024

Buddha Purnima is considered one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the followers of Buddha all over the world. Buddhists engage in various religious activities and perform acts of kindness and charity on this day.

The day is marked by the recitation of Buddhist scriptures, offering of prayers, and the chanting of mantras. The Buddhist flag is hoisted in most Buddhist countries, and people visit Buddhist temples to pay their respects to Buddha. In some countries, such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, the day is a public holiday, and many people visit their local temple to offer prayers and offerings.

One of the most significant aspects of Buddha Purnima is the practice of the Eightfold Path, which is the foundation of Buddhist teachings. The Eightfold Path consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Buddhists believe that following this path leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment.

Another important aspect of Buddha Purnima is the practice of meditation. Buddhists believe that meditation is essential for achieving inner peace and enlightenment. On this day, many Buddhists engage in meditation and mindfulness practices to connect with their inner selves and attain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Buddha.

In conclusion, Buddha Purnima is a significant festival for Buddhists all over the world. The day is marked by acts of kindness, prayer, and devotion to Buddha, and the practice of the Eightfold Path and meditation. The festival serves as a reminder of the teachings of Buddha and the path to enlightenment.

23 May - Yogiji Maharaj birth anniversary

 

Yogiji Maharaj (23 May 1892 – 23 January 1971), born Jina Vasani, was a Hindu swami and the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan in the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS),a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. According to the metaphysics of BAPS, Yogiji Maharaj is considered to be the next iteration of Akshar after Shastriji Maharaj in the guru parampara, an unbroken line of "perfect devotees" who provide "authentication of office through Gunatitanand Swami and back to Swaminarayan himself." Together with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who acted as the administrative head of BAPS, he was instrumental in nurturing the growth of BAPS "through new programs, expansion into new areas, and the construction of temples".As guru, he consecrated over 60 temples and visited over 4000 towns and villages. He was particularly effective in attracting the devotion of youths and initiated a large number of them as ascetics.Furthermore, his multiple tours to Britain and East Africa were integral in the overseas expansion of BAPS. He died on 23 January 1971 after appointing Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his successor.

23 May - Pär Fabian Lagerkvist birth anniversary

 

Pär Fabian Lagerkvist was a Swedish author and poet who was born on May 23, 1891, in Växjö, Sweden, and died on July 11, 1974, in Stockholm, Sweden. Lagerkvist is considered one of Sweden's most prominent literary figures of the 20th century.

Lagerkvist's work often explored existential and philosophical themes, delving into the complexities of the human condition. He wrote poetry, novels, plays, and essays, covering a wide range of subjects including religion, morality, and the nature of evil.

One of Lagerkvist's most notable works is the novel "The Dwarf" (Swedish: "Dvärgen"), published in 1944. It tells the story of a dwarf named Piccoline, who serves as the court jester and observer in a fictional Renaissance court. Through the perspective of the dwarf, Lagerkvist offers a critical examination of power, cruelty, and the darkness of the human soul.

Lagerkvist was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1951 for his "vivid, earnest, and multifaceted artistry." The Nobel committee highlighted his ability to express "man's essential nature" and his exploration of "fundamental questions of good and evil."

In addition to "The Dwarf," Lagerkvist's other notable works include "Barabbas" (1950), a novel that imagines the life of the biblical character Barabbas after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and "The Sibyl" (1956), a play that delves into the mythological figure of the sibyl and the themes of power and prophecy.

23 May - Accordion patent granted to Cyrill Demian in 1829

 

On 23 May 1829, Accordion patent granted to Cyrill Demian in Vienna, Austrian Empire.

Accordions, are a family of box-shaped musical instruments of the bellows-driven free-reed aerophone type, colloquially referred to as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist. The concertina and bandoneón are related; the harmonium and American reed organ are in the same family.

Cyrill Demian, was an Austrian inventor of Romanian origin who made his living as an organ and piano maker with his two sons, Karl and Guido, On May 6, 1829, Cyrill and his sons presented a new instrument to the authorities for patent - the accordion. The patent was officially granted on May 23, 1829.

23 May - Otto Lilienthal birth anniversary

 

Otto Lilienthal, born on May 23, 1848, in Anklam, Prussia (now Germany), is widely regarded as the first person to make controlled, sustained flights with a glider.

Lilienthal conducted extensive research on the principles of flight and developed numerous glider designs. He based his designs on the study of bird flight and utilized a curved wing shape, known as camber, to generate lift. Lilienthal made over 2,000 flights with his gliders between 1891 and 1896.

By carefully observing the behavior of his gliders during flight, Lilienthal made significant contributions to the understanding of aerodynamics and control. He documented his findings in books and articles, including his influential work "Birdflight as the Basis of Aviation" published in 1889.

Tragically, Lilienthal's career came to an abrupt end on August 9, 1896, when he crashed during a glider flight in Berlin. The impact caused a severe spinal injury, and he died the next day at the age of 48.

Despite his untimely death, Otto Lilienthal's contributions laid the foundation for future aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers. His experiments and insights into glider flight significantly influenced the development of powered aircraft and helped shape the field of aviation as we know it today.