It seems like everything and every day has a holiday.
Take today for instance. Yes, the date May 4 doesn’t immediately pop into your head as day worth remembering like Christmas or Halloween, but it’s a special day for enthusiasts of all sorts.
The biggest group celebrating today will likely be “Star Wars” fans. Even people who haven’t seen the films will recognize one of the most iconic lines, “May the Force be with you.”
“Star Wars” Day wasn’t a yearly event at my house - more like a monthly one. As soon as we were old enough to work the VCR by ourselves, my siblings and I spent at least one evening a month for years watching at least one or all movies in the original trilogy.
To this day, I can do a decent Chewbacca impression. It’s not playing the violin or mastering chess, but hey, it’s something.
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So, why celebrate on this today of all days? The answer is wordplay: “May the Force” and “May the fourth” sound similar. That’s pretty much it. Sorry if you were hoping for a more profound explanation.
If “Star Wars” isn’t your bag, then you can always hold a conservation awareness event in honor of Bird Day.
Judging by the excitement generated by Terminator and the rest of the Peregrine falcon gang that hang around town for the summer, I’m surprised Grand Forks doesn’t throw a parade on this day every year.
But, don’t confuse Bird Day with National Bird Day. The latter is Jan. 5 and aims to draw attention to exploited birds kept in captivity - a less happy occasion. Bird Day also shouldn’t be confused with International Migratory Bird Day, which traditionally falls on the second Saturday of May. There’s still time to organize that parade.
None of these holidays tickle your fancy? Maybe Renewal Day is more your thing. It’s a broad observance that doesn’t target a specific type of renewal.
You want to renew your marriage vows, rekindle a relationship with a long-lost friend or rediscover your love for exotic cheeses? Today is the day for the rejuvenation all of those things and more.
Still not in a celebrating mood?
Maybe we should look at food-theme observances. Today is National Candied Orange Peel Day. Yes, you’re favorite component of Christmas fruitcake has its own day.
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If you prefer your orange with less peel and more liquid, then get out your juicer because today is also National Orange Juice Day.
I prefer my drinks fermented, which is why out of all the holidays listed for today I will be celebrating National Homebrew Day. It’s a day of appreciation for those who enjoy good beer and enjoy making it in the comfort of their home.
I’d say something like that should be celebrated every day, but then perhaps National Hangover Day would come around more than once a year.
