23 February - George Frideric Handel birth anniversary

 

George Frideric Handel (23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-born Baroque composer who later became a British citizen. He is best known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions, with his most famous work being the oratorio Messiah (1741), which includes the iconic "Hallelujah" chorus.

Born in Halle, Germany, Handel initially studied law before fully dedicating himself to music. He traveled to Italy, where he was influenced by Italian opera, before settling in London in 1712. There, he became a dominant figure in English music, composing numerous operas such as Rinaldo and Giulio Cesare and later shifting to oratorios like Samson and Judas Maccabaeus.

His music is known for its grandeur, dramatic expression, and melodic brilliance. Handel was also a favorite of the British royal family and composed Music for the Royal Fireworks and Water Music for royal occasions. He went blind in his later years but continued composing and performing until his death in 1759. He is buried in Westminster Abbey, a mark of his lasting legacy in British music.

23 February - “Islamabad’ declared as new capital of Pakistan in 1960

 

On February 23, 1960, the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan decided to designate the new capital of the country as "Islamabad." Prior to this decision, since Pakistan gained independence in 1947, Karachi had served as the capital. However, due to various reasons, including the geographical location and strategic considerations, it was decided to move the capital to a more central location.

Islamabad, which means "City of Islam" in Urdu, was chosen as the new capital. The city was purposefully built to replace Karachi and officially became the capital on August 14, 1963. The decision to establish Islamabad as the capital was part of broader efforts to develop a new, well-planned city that could better serve as the administrative and political center of Pakistan.

 

23 February - The first mass inoculation of children against polio with the Salk vaccine began in Pittsburgh.

 

On February 23, 1954, the first large-scale trial of the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The trial involved nearly 2 million children, known as the "Polio Pioneers," who received the vaccine. This marked a significant step in the fight against polio, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease that had caused widespread fear and epidemics. The success of the trial eventually led to the widespread use of the Salk vaccine, which played a crucial role in the near-eradication of polio in many parts of the world.

22 February - The Great White Fleet returned to the United States after completing a worldwide voyage

 

On 22 February 1909 the Great White Fleet—a group of sixteen battleships of the United States Navy, painted in white with gilded scrollwork—returned to the United States after completing a worldwide voyage. The fleet was led by the USS Connecticut (BB-18) and had embarked on its journey on December 16, 1907, under the order of President Theodore Roosevelt.

This journey was a demonstration of American naval power and aimed to showcase the United States' growing military and maritime capabilities. Over fourteen months, the fleet traveled around 43,000 nautical miles, visited 20 ports on six continents, and engaged in various diplomatic and goodwill missions.

The successful return of the fleet marked a significant moment in U.S. naval history, reinforcing America’s global presence and signaling its emergence as a major world power.

22 February - Play More Cards Day

 

"Play More Cards Day" is a playful and lighthearted observance that encourages people to engage in card games and enjoy the social aspects of playing cards with friends and family. While there isn't a specific date universally designated as "Play More Cards Day," some sources suggest that it's celebrated on February 22.

The idea behind the day is to promote the enjoyment and benefits of playing card games. Card games can be a fantastic way to bring people together, whether it's a simple game of Go Fish with family members or a more strategic card game with friends. Playing cards can foster social interaction, laughter, and friendly competition.

To celebrate Play More Cards Day, you can gather friends or family and choose a variety of card games to play. Whether it's classics like Poker, Rummy, or Spades, or newer and unique card games, the goal is to have fun and appreciate the social connections that card games can create. It's a reminder to take a break from digital screens and enjoy some traditional, face-to-face gaming with a deck of cards.

22 February - Carnival in Italy 2025

 

Carnival in Italy, known as "Carnevale" in Italian, is a festive season that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. It is a time of vibrant celebrations, parades, costumes, music, and various events. The exact dates of Carnival can vary each year, as it is linked to the Christian liturgical calendar, specifically the period before the Lenten season.

Key features of Carnevale in Italy include:

1. Venice Carnival: The Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous and elaborate carnivals in the world. Participants wear elaborate masks and costumes, and the city is filled with masquerade balls, parades, and various events. The use of masks allows people to participate anonymously and indulge in a sense of mystery and revelry.

2. Parades and Festivities: Many Italian cities and towns celebrate Carnival with colorful parades, lively street festivals, and processions. Participants often wear costumes, and the atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and entertainment.

3. Traditional Foods: Carnival is also a time for indulging in special foods and sweets. Each region in Italy has its own traditional Carnival treats, such as "chiacchiere" or "frappe" (sweet pastries), "castagnole" (fried dough balls), and various types of sweets.

4. Masked Balls: In addition to Venice, other Italian cities host masked balls and parties during Carnival. These events often feature live music, dancing, and socializing in a festive and glamorous atmosphere.

5. Historical and Cultural Significance: Carnival has deep historical roots in Italy, dating back to ancient Roman and medieval traditions. It traditionally represents a period of revelry and celebration before the solemn season of Lent, a time of fasting and reflection in the Christian calendar.

Carnival is a dynamic and diverse celebration, with different regions of Italy showcasing their unique customs and traditions during this festive time. The festivities are not only marked by elaborate costumes and masks but also by a sense of joy and communal celebration

 

21 February - Malcolm X assassinated in 1965

 

Malcolm X, he was a prominent African American civil rights activist and a leader in the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, and he became a powerful advocate for the rights of African Americans during the turbulent 1950s and 1960s.

He initially joined the Nation of Islam, led by Elijah Muhammad, and became a prominent spokesperson for the organization. Malcolm X advocated for black self-defense, economic empowerment, and the rejection of white domination. However, he later broke with the Nation of Islam and embraced Sunni Islam after making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Malcolm X continued his activism for civil rights, emphasizing human rights and the importance of global solidarity among oppressed peoples. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on 21 February 1965, in New York City. Malcolm X's legacy endures, and he is remembered as a significant figure in the struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.

 

21 February - The first self-propelling steam locomotive made its outing

 

The first self-propelling steam locomotive, known as the "Puffing Devil," was built by Richard Trevithick, and it made its outing on 21 February 1801, at the Penydarren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. The locomotive successfully carried iron and passengers, marking a significant development in the history of rail transportation.

Peace symbols

 

A number of peace symbols have been used many ways in various cultures and contexts. The dove and olive branch was used symbolically by early Christians and then eventually became a secular peace symbol, popularized by a Dove lithograph by Pablo Picasso after World War II. In the 1950s the "peace sign", as it is known today (also known as "peace and love"), was designed by Gerald Holtom as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), a group at the forefront of the peace movement in the UK, and adopted by anti-war and counterculture activists in the US and elsewhere. The symbol is a superposition of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D", taken to stand for "nuclear disarmament", while simultaneously acting as a reference to Goya's The Third of May 1808 (1814) (aka "Peasant Before the Firing Squad").

20 February - Shabari Jayanti

 

Shabari Jayanti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the devotion and unwavering faith of Shabari, a prominent character in the Indian epic Ramayana. Shabari is revered as a symbol of pure devotion (bhakti) and is particularly celebrated in parts of South India, especially in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Significance of Shabari:

Shabari was a devoted disciple of the sage Matanga and a fervent devotee of Lord Rama. According to the Ramayana, she spent years in asceticism, waiting for Lord Rama to visit her hermitage. When Lord Rama finally arrived, she offered him berries that she had first tasted to ensure they were sweet, an act that symbolized her selfless love and devotion. Despite being of a humble background and from a tribal community, Shabari's devotion was so pure that she was blessed by Lord Rama himself.

Observance of Shabari Jayanti:

• Date: Shabari Jayanti is celebrated on the Saptami (7th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar.

• Rituals and Traditions: On this day, devotees remember and honor Shabari's devotion by reading and reciting her story from the Ramayana. Special prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and rituals are performed in temples, especially in those dedicated to Lord Rama. In some regions, people visit temples and participate in communal prayers to celebrate Shabari’s unyielding devotion.

• Cultural Importance: Shabari Jayanti is not just a celebration of a mythological figure but also a reminder of the spiritual teachings of the Ramayana, emphasizing that devotion and purity of heart transcend caste, creed, and social status. Shabari's story is often used to highlight the idea that true devotion is the path to attaining the grace of the divine.

Shabari Jayanti is thus a day to reflect on the values of humility, devotion, and the belief that divine grace can be attained by anyone who possesses a pure heart and sincere faith.