10 June - World Handicrafts Day

World Handicrafts Day, observed annually on June 10th, celebrates the rich heritage and cultural significance of handicrafts across the globe. This day is dedicated to recognizing the skills and creativity of artisans who preserve traditional crafts, passing down their intricate techniques through generations. Handicrafts are not only a vital part of cultural identity but also play a significant role in local economies, providing livelihoods to countless artisans, especially in rural areas.

World Handicrafts Day highlights the diversity of handmade crafts, from pottery and weaving to woodwork and jewelry making, showcasing the unique artistry of different cultures. It encourages support for the handicraft industry, promoting the purchase of handmade goods to sustain these artisans and preserve their traditions in the face of mass production and globalization. Various events, such as exhibitions, workshops, and fairs, are organized to celebrate this day, offering artisans a platform to display their work and share their skills with a broader audience.

By commemorating World Handicrafts Day, we honor the dedication and talent of craftsmen and women worldwide, fostering appreciation for their contributions to our cultural and artistic landscapes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these crafts, ensuring that the art forms and the stories they tell continue to thrive for future generations.

10 June - The Belmont Stakes

 

The Belmont Stakes, one of the most prestigious events in American horse racing, is held annually on the first or second Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Known as the "Test of the Champion," the Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Established in 1867, it is the oldest of the Triple Crown races and covers a grueling distance of 1.5 miles, making it the longest and most challenging race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The Belmont Stakes has a rich history, with many memorable moments and legendary horses. Securing victory in this race is a significant achievement on its own, but it becomes even more monumental for a horse attempting to complete the Triple Crown—a feat achieved by only a select few, including famous names like Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify. The event draws a large crowd of spectators, including celebrities and horse racing enthusiasts, all eager to witness the thrilling combination of speed, strategy, and endurance.

In addition to the race itself, the Belmont Stakes is a festive occasion, featuring a variety of traditions and celebrations. The winner is draped in a blanket of white carnations, known as the "Flowers of the Belmont," symbolizing purity and victory. The atmosphere at Belmont Park is electric, with fans indulging in the excitement of the race and the surrounding festivities, making it a highlight of the horse racing calendar and a cherished American sporting tradition.

10 June - Abolition Day is observed each year in Guyana

 

Abolition Day in Guyana, observed annually on 10 June , commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 and the subsequent end of the apprenticeship system in 1838. This significant day marks the liberation of enslaved Africans who endured centuries of brutal exploitation and oppression. In Guyana, Abolition Day is not only a time to remember the struggles and resilience of ancestors but also a celebration of freedom and human rights. The day is marked by various cultural events, including historical reenactments, educational programs, and vibrant cultural displays that honor the contributions of African heritage to Guyanese society. It is a poignant reminder of the nation's journey towards equality and justice, reflecting on past injustices while celebrating the enduring spirit of freedom and the continuous efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

10 June - The Dragon Boat Festival (2024)

 

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in June. This ancient festival, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, is famous for its colorful dragon boat races and rich cultural traditions. The most well-known legend associated with the festival is the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period, who drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against government corruption. To honor his memory, locals raced their boats to retrieve his body and threw rice into the river to prevent fish from eating it, which evolved into today's dragon boat races and the tradition of eating zongzi—sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Other customs include hanging calamus and wormwood on doors to ward off evil spirits, wearing perfume pouches for protection, and drinking realgar wine believed to detoxify the body. While rooted in Chinese culture, the Dragon Boat Festival is now celebrated worldwide, bringing communities together through shared heritage and vibrant festivities.

10 June - World Eye donation Day

 

World Eye Donation Day, observed annually on June 10th, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of eye donation and encouraging people to pledge to donate their eyes after death. This day plays a vital role in educating the public about the significant impact eye donation can have, particularly in restoring vision to individuals suffering from corneal blindness. Corneal transplants, made possible through eye donation, can vastly improve the quality of life for recipients, allowing them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Eye donation involves the retrieval of corneal tissue from deceased donors, which is then transplanted into recipients with damaged or diseased corneas. The process is respectful and does not disfigure the donor. To support this noble cause, individuals can register with local eye banks, inform their families of their decision, carry donor cards, and include their wishes in legal documents.

World Eye Donation Day also honors those who have donated their eyes, highlighting the profound gift of sight they have given to others. The day encourages communities to engage in spreading information, hosting awareness events, partnering with organizations, and volunteering with eye banks. Through collective efforts on this day, the gap between the demand and supply of corneas can be reduced, ultimately contributing to the reduction of corneal blindness and enhancing the lives of many.

 

10 June - Herbs and Spices Day

 

Herbs and Spices Day is celebrated annually on June 10th to honor the diverse and flavorful world of herbs and spices. This day is an opportunity to explore the culinary, medicinal, and cultural significance of these aromatic ingredients that have been used for centuries in cuisines and traditional medicine around the globe.

Significance of Herbs and Spices Day

1. Culinary Use: Herbs and spices are essential in cooking, enhancing the flavor, aroma, and color of food. They can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
2. Health Benefits: Many herbs and spices have medicinal properties. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health and wellness. For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger is known for aiding digestion.
3. Cultural Heritage: Herbs and spices are integral to many cultural traditions and cuisines. They are often used in rituals, celebrations, and traditional remedies.

Popular Herbs and Spices

• Basil: Common in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines, used in sauces, salads, and soups.
• Cilantro (Coriander): Widely used in Latin American, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes, known for its fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Cinnamon: A sweet spice used in baking, desserts, and savory dishes, especially in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
• Turmeric: Known for its bright yellow color and used in Indian cuisine, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger: Used in both sweet and savory dishes, it’s popular in Asian cuisines and known for its digestive benefits.
• Thyme: Common in Mediterranean cuisine, it adds a subtle earthy flavor to soups, stews, and meats.
• Rosemary: A fragrant herb used in Mediterranean dishes, especially with roasted meats and vegetables.

Ways to Celebrate Herbs and Spices Day

1. Cooking: Experiment with new recipes that incorporate a variety of herbs and spices. Try making a dish from a different cuisine to explore new flavors.
2. Gardening: Start a small herb garden at home. Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint are easy to grow and can be used fresh in cooking.
3. Educational Activities: Learn about the history and health benefits of different herbs and spices. Consider attending a cooking class or workshop focused on their use.
4. Sharing: Share your favorite herb and spice recipes with friends and family, or host a potluck where everyone brings a dish featuring a different herb or spice.

Herbs and Spices Day is a delightful reminder of the rich and varied flavors that these natural ingredients bring to our lives, encouraging us to appreciate and explore their many uses.

 

10 June - The Gateway Arch St. Louis, Missouri, United States opened to the public in 1967

 

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall (192 m) monument in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Clad in stainless steel and built in the form of a weighted catenary arch,it is the world's tallest arch and Missouri's tallest accessible structure. Some sources consider it the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.Built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States and officially dedicated to "the American people", the Arch, commonly referred to as "The Gateway to the West", is a National Historic Landmark in Gateway Arch National Park and has become an internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis, as well as a popular tourist destination.

The Arch was designed by the Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947, and construction began on February 12, 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965,at an overall cost of $13 million (equivalent to $92.6 million in 2018).The monument opened to the public on 10 June 1967.It is located at the 1764 site of the founding of St. Louis on the west bank of the Mississippi River.