04 April - Qingming Festival

 

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important traditional Chinese festival observed on April 4th or 5th of the lunar calendar each year. The festival is a time for people to remember and honor their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings of food, flowers, and other items.

Qingming Festival has been celebrated in China for over 2,500 years and has deep cultural and historical significance. It is believed to have originated from the Hanshi Festival, a day of paying homage to ancestors during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC).

Apart from tomb-sweeping activities, Qingming Festival is also a time for outdoor activities such as flying kites, taking walks, and enjoying the blooming of spring flowers. Traditional Qingming foods such as qingtuan (green dumplings), crispy cakes, and spring rolls are often enjoyed during this festival.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in observing Qingming Festival, both in mainland China and among Chinese communities around the world, as people seek to reconnect with their cultural heritage and ancestral roots.

 

04 April - School Librarian Day

 

School Librarian Day is celebrated annually on April 4th to honor the contributions and hard work of school librarians. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in promoting literacy, supporting education, and fostering a love for reading among students. School librarians curate collections of books and educational resources, provide guidance and assistance to students and teachers in research and information literacy skills, and create welcoming environments that inspire learning and exploration.

On School Librarian Day, schools and communities may organize events and activities to recognize the efforts of school librarians, such as award ceremonies, appreciation lunches, or social media campaigns expressing gratitude and support. It's a time to acknowledge the invaluable role that school librarians play in nurturing young minds and shaping the future of education.

04 April - Children's Day (Hong Kong, Taiwan)

 

Children's Day is indeed celebrated in Hong Kong and Taiwan on April 4th each year. This special day is dedicated to celebrating children and highlighting the importance of their well-being, happiness, and rights.

In Hong Kong, Children's Day is a time for families to spend quality time together, often involving outings to parks, amusement parks, or other recreational activities. Schools and community organizations may also organize events and activities to entertain and educate children, such as performances, games, and educational workshops.

Similarly, in Taiwan, Children's Day is a joyous occasion marked by various festivities and activities. Schools may hold special assemblies or performances to honor students, and families often spend the day together engaging in fun and meaningful activities. There may also be public events and celebrations organized by local governments or community groups to entertain and delight children of all ages.

Overall, Children's Day in Hong Kong and Taiwan is a time to celebrate the innocence, creativity, and potential of children, while also advocating for their rights and well-being. It's a day for families and communities to come together to cherish and support the youngest members of society.

 

03 April - World Aquatic Animal Day

 

The world celebrates World Aquatic Animal Day, a day dedicated to showing appreciation and highlighting the significance of aquatic animals. Launched by the Aquatic Animal Law Initiative as part of the Animal Law Clinic and Center for Animal Law Studies, this day is all about raising awareness through law, policy, education and advocacy to meet the immense challenges that aquatic animals face. The term “aquatic animals” encompasses all animals that live in the water for most of their lives: fish, amphibians, marine mammals, crustaceans, reptiles, molluscs, aquatic birds, aquatic insects and even animals such as starfish and corals. These animals play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy planet and life on planet. Despite their importance, many people lack knowledge about marine life, which leads to the overconsumption, neglect and abuse of aquatic animals. Shedding light on our impact on aquatic animals is critical as *trillions* of animals are being caught in the oceans while billions are farmed, both under conditions of extremely high suffering and low welfare. Of course, there are also challenges of overfishing, bycatch, ghostgear and animal abuse. Groups such as the Aquatic Animal Law Initiative are combining their passion for the marine environment and their knowledge of the law to help protect these vulnerable aquatic animals. 

03 April - Hridaynath Kunzru death anniversary

 

Hridaynath Kunzru, born on 01 October 1887, and he passed away on  03 April 1978., was an Indian civil servant, diplomat, and writer. He was an influential figure during India's struggle for independence and later served as a diplomat in various capacities.

Kunzru was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, and he pursued his education in law from Oxford University. He became involved in India's nationalist movement and worked closely with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

During the struggle for independence, Kunzru held several important positions within the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in organizing various movements and campaigns against British colonial rule. He was imprisoned multiple times for his participation in the freedom movement.

After India gained independence in 1947, Kunzru continued to serve his country in various capacities. He held diplomatic posts in several countries, including Egypt, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan. He also served as India's Ambassador to France and later as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

In addition to his political and diplomatic career, Kunzru was a prolific writer and contributed articles and essays to various newspapers and journals. He wrote on a wide range of topics, including politics, history, and literature.

Hridaynath Kunzru's life and career reflect his deep commitment to the cause of Indian independence and his dedication to public service. He is remembered as a prominent figure in India's struggle for freedom and as a respected diplomat and writer.

 

02 April - Human Cannonball

 

The human cannonball act is a spectacle that has captivated audiences for centuries. The first documented human cannonball performance took place on 02 April 1877,  This event marked the debut of a daring and thrilling form of entertainment that continues to awe audiences around the world.

The human cannonball act typically involves a performer being launched from a specially designed cannon or device into the air, where they travel a considerable distance before landing in a net or other safety apparatus. The act requires precise calculations of trajectory, speed, and distance to ensure the safety of the performer.

Over the years, human cannonball acts have evolved, with performers executing increasingly daring stunts and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. While the act is undoubtedly dangerous, rigorous safety measures are put in place to protect the performers, including extensive training, specialized equipment, and meticulous planning.

Despite the risks involved, human cannonball performances continue to be popular attractions at circuses, amusement parks, and other events, captivating audiences with their combination of spectacle, danger, and excitement.

 

01 April - William Dockwra,along with Robert Murray created the first Penny Post in London in 1680

 

William Dockwra (1635–1716) was a British entrepreneur and postal reformer. He is best known for his involvement in the establishment of the London Penny Post, a pioneering postal system in England during the late 17th century.

Dockwra, along with his partner Robert Murray, founded the London Penny Post on 01 April 1680. At that time, the postal system in London was inefficient and expensive, with delivery charges often being prohibitively high for many people. Dockwra and Murray sought to address this issue by introducing a uniform rate of one penny for the delivery of letters within the city.

The London Penny Post was a significant innovation in mail delivery. It offered regular and reliable service at an affordable price, making it accessible to a much broader segment of the population. Dockwra and Murray also introduced innovations such as prepayment of postage and the use of hand-stamps to mark letters with the date and time of posting.

Despite its initial success, the London Penny Post faced opposition from the existing postal authorities, who saw it as a threat to their monopoly. Dockwra and Murray were eventually forced to relinquish control of the Penny Post in 1682, but their efforts laid the groundwork for further postal reforms in Britain.

Although Dockwra's involvement in postal reform was relatively short-lived, his contributions were significant. The London Penny Post demonstrated the potential for a more efficient and accessible postal system, paving the way for further developments in mail delivery in the centuries that followed.

01 April - National One Cent Day

 

National One Cent Day is observed on April 1st in the United States. On this day, people celebrate the humble one-cent coin, also known as a penny. The penny has been a part of American currency since the very beginning, with the first one-cent coins being minted in 1793.

While the value of the penny has decreased over time due to inflation, it still holds significance in American culture. National One Cent Day is a time to reflect on the history and importance of the penny, as well as its role in everyday transactions.

Some people mark the occasion by collecting pennies, while others use it as an opportunity to donate spare change to charity. Additionally, there may be events or promotions at businesses that involve the penny, such as discounts or special deals.

Overall, National One Cent Day is a lighthearted observance that encourages people to appreciate the smallest denomination of U.S. currency and its contributions to the economy and daily life.

 

01 April - The Wrigley Company is founded in Chicago, Illinois

 

On April 1, 1891, the Wrigley Company was founded in Chicago, Illinois by William Wrigley Jr. Originally, the company sold products like soap and baking powder. However, it soon shifted its focus to chewing gum, which became its most successful product.

Wrigley's chewing gum, including brands like Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, became extremely popular, and the company grew rapidly. William Wrigley Jr. was known for his innovative marketing strategies, including the inclusion of free gum with purchases of baking powder. These tactics helped establish Wrigley's as one of the leading gum manufacturers in the world.

Over the years, the Wrigley Company expanded its product line to include other confectionery items and snacks. In 2008, the company was acquired by Mars, Incorporated, a global food conglomerate, but it continues to operate under the Wrigley name and remains a major player in the confectionery industry.

 

01 April - Jorge Isaacs birth anniversary

 

Jorge Isaacs Ferrer was a Colombian writer, politician, and ethnologist, best known for his acclaimed novel "María." He was born on April 1, 1837, in the city of Cali, Colombia, and died on April 17, 1895, in Ibagué.

Isaacs came from a prominent Colombian family of mixed race heritage. He received a well-rounded education, studying literature, languages, and sciences. However, he is primarily remembered for his literary contributions.

"María," published in 1867, is considered one of the most important works of Colombian and Latin American literature. The novel tells the tragic love story of Efraín, a young man from a wealthy family, and María, a beautiful and virtuous mulatto woman. Set in the lush landscapes of the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia, "María" explores themes of love, race, social class, and the clash between modernity and tradition.

Isaacs's writing style is characterized by its lyricism, detailed descriptions of nature, and exploration of human emotions. "María" has been praised for its romanticism and its vivid portrayal of Colombian society in the 19th century.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Isaacs was also involved in politics and served as a senator in the Colombian Congress. He was also interested in ethnology and conducted research on the indigenous peoples of Colombia.

Jorge Isaacs remains an important figure in Colombian literature, celebrated for his contributions to the development of the national literary tradition and for his enduring masterpiece, "María." His legacy continues to be honored in Colombia and throughout the Spanish-speaking world.