08 May - National School Nurse Day USA

 

National School Nurse Day is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to recognizing the contributions and impact of school nurses. It falls on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week, which is typically celebrated during the first week of May each year.

School nurses play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of students in educational settings. They provide a wide range of services, including first aid, administering medication, managing chronic health conditions, conducting health screenings, and offering health education and counseling.

National School Nurse Day serves as an opportunity to honor the dedication and hard work of school nurses, as well as to raise awareness about the critical role they play in supporting student health and academic success. It's a time to express appreciation for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to keeping students safe and healthy throughout the school year. Many schools and communities may organize special events, recognition ceremonies, or gestures of gratitude to commemorate this day and show their support for school nurses.

 

08 May - Alexander Wolcott patented his ' Mirror Camera '

 

On May 8th, 1840, Alexander Wolcott, an American inventor, received a patent for his "mirror camera," marking a significant milestone in the history of photography. This patent is considered the first in photography.

Wolcott's mirror camera utilized a reflecting mirror to project an image onto a sensitized plate, capturing a sharper and more detailed image compared to earlier photographic techniques. While his invention laid the groundwork for future advancements in photography, it was soon superseded by the daguerreotype process, which gained more widespread popularity.

Nevertheless, Wolcott's contribution played a crucial role in the evolution of photography, paving the way for further innovations in the field.

 

08 May - World Donkey Day

 

World Donkey Day, also known as International Donkey Day, was established to highlight the significance of donkeys and address the challenges they encounter worldwide. Here are some additional details:

1. History: World Donkey Day was first celebrated in 2008, initiated by animal welfare organizations and enthusiasts to draw attention to the plight of donkeys and promote their welfare. The date of May 8th was chosen as it coincides with the birthday of Platero, a famous literary donkey from the book "Platero y Yo" by Spanish poet Juan Ramón Jiménez.

2. Purpose: The primary purpose of World Donkey Day is to raise awareness about the important roles donkeys play in various cultures and economies, as well as the threats they face, including overwork, abandonment, and mistreatment.

3. Activities: On World Donkey Day, various events and activities are organized globally to celebrate donkeys and educate the public about their needs and rights. These activities may include educational workshops, donkey care demonstrations, fundraising campaigns for donkey rescue organizations, and advocacy efforts to promote donkey-friendly policies.

4. Advocacy: Advocates use World Donkey Day as an opportunity to lobby for improved welfare standards for donkeys, such as better living conditions, humane treatment, and regulations to prevent exploitation and abuse. This includes raising awareness about issues like the illegal trade in donkey skins for traditional Chinese medicine and the use of donkeys in tourism industries where they may face harsh working conditions.

5. Conservation: In addition to domestic donkeys, World Donkey Day also raises awareness about wild donkey species, such as the endangered African wild ass and the critically endangered Somali wild ass. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting these species and their habitats are also highlighted on this day.

Overall, World Donkey Day serves as a platform to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, and resilience of donkeys while advocating for their well-being and protection.

 

08 May - Iris Day (United States)

 

Iris Day is celebrated on May 8th in the United States. This day is dedicated to appreciating and celebrating the iris flower, known for its vibrant colors and elegant appearance.

Iris Day provides an opportunity for people to admire the beauty of iris flowers, which come in a variety of colors including purple, blue, yellow, white, and pink. These flowers are popular for their striking appearance and are often used in gardens, floral arrangements, and landscaping.

On Iris Day, people may visit botanical gardens or flower shows to see displays of different iris varieties. Others may choose to plant iris bulbs in their gardens or give iris-themed gifts to friends and loved ones.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the iris holds symbolic significance in various cultures and traditions. It is associated with meanings such as wisdom, faith, hope, and courage, making it a meaningful flower for many people.

08 May - Harijan movement launched

 

On May 8, 1933, Gandhi commenced a 21-day fast as a form of self-purification and to draw attention to the plight of the Harijan community, who were considered "untouchables" in the caste system. This fast marked the beginning of a year-long campaign aimed at improving the social and economic conditions of the Harijans, advocating for their rights, and challenging the deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination in Indian society. Gandhi's actions during this period were instrumental in raising awareness about the struggles faced by the Harijan community and inspiring efforts towards their upliftment.

08 May - Harry S. Truman birth anniversary

 

Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri, United States, and he passed away on December 26, 1972, in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. He was a Democrat who served as the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953. Truman's presidency was notable for its role in shaping the post-World War II era, including the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the founding of the United Nations, and the implementation of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe.

08 May - White Lotus Day (Theosophy)

 

White Lotus Day is a day of remembrance observed within the Theosophical tradition to honor the life and teachings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the co-founder of the Theosophical Society. It is celebrated annually on May 8th, marking the anniversary of Blavatsky's death in 1891.

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, often referred to as H.P. Blavatsky, was a prominent Russian occultist, philosopher, and author who played a central role in the establishment and propagation of Theosophy, a spiritual and philosophical movement that seeks to explore the underlying unity of all religions, sciences, and philosophies.

Blavatsky's writings, particularly her seminal works "The Secret Doctrine" and "Isis Unveiled," have had a profound influence on spiritual thought and esotericism, shaping the beliefs and practices of countless individuals and spiritual seekers around the world.

White Lotus Day provides an opportunity for Theosophists and others inspired by Blavatsky's teachings to reflect on her life, legacy, and contributions to the Theosophical movement and to humanity at large. It is a day for study, meditation, and commemoration, as well as a time to reaffirm one's commitment to the principles of Theosophy and the pursuit of spiritual truth and understanding.

The name "White Lotus Day" is derived from Blavatsky's identification with the White Lotus, a symbol of spiritual purity and enlightenment in various Eastern spiritual traditions, which she adopted as a personal emblem.

 

08 May - Miguel Hidalgo's birth anniversary

 

Miguel Hidalgo's birth anniversary is celebrated on May 8th. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Mexican Catholic priest and a leader of the Mexican War of Independence. Born on May 8, 1753, in Pénjamo, in what is now the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, Hidalgo played a crucial role in sparking the movement for Mexican independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Hidalgo is best known for his famous speech, known as the "Grito de Dolores," delivered on September 16, 1810, in the town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo), Guanajuato. In this speech, Hidalgo called for the end of Spanish rule and rallied the people of Mexico to join the fight for independence.

The "Grito de Dolores" marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, a protracted struggle that ultimately led to Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. Although Hidalgo was captured and executed by Spanish forces in 1811, his legacy as a champion of Mexican independence lives on.

Miguel Hidalgo's birth anniversary is celebrated throughout Mexico with various events, including parades, reenactments, cultural performances, and ceremonies. It is a day to honor Hidalgo's courage, vision, and commitment to freedom, as well as to reflect on the significance of Mexican independence and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

08 May - Liberation Day Czech Republic

 

Liberation Day in the Czech Republic, observed on May 8th, commemorates the end of World War II and the liberation of Czechoslovakia from German occupation.

On May 8, 1945, German forces surrendered, bringing an end to the war in Europe. The liberation marked a significant moment in Czech history, as it brought an end to years of oppression and suffering under Nazi rule. The Czech people celebrate this day to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and to remember the victims of the war.

Liberation Day is typically marked by various commemorative events, including memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, historical exhibitions, and public gatherings. These events serve as an opportunity for people to reflect on the impact of the war and to pay tribute to the courage and resilience of those who resisted tyranny.

The day holds great significance in the Czech Republic, symbolizing the triumph of democracy, peace, and human rights over tyranny and oppression. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving freedom and democracy and of the need to remain vigilant against threats to these values.

08 May - Emancipation Day (Columbus, Mississippi)

 

Emancipation Day in Columbus, Mississippi, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and specifically celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the local community. It is typically observed on May 8th each year.

Columbus, like many cities and towns across the United States, marks Emancipation Day with various events and activities. These may include educational programs, historical reenactments, cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, music performances, and community gatherings.

The day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history, as well as to honor the resilience and contributions of those who fought for freedom and equality. It also provides a platform for dialogue about ongoing issues related to social justice and civil rights.

Emancipation Day in Columbus, Mississippi, holds particular significance for the local community, as it acknowledges the city's history and the journey toward freedom for its residents. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and preserving the stories and experiences of those who have overcome oppression and injustice.