July 1: Holidays and Celebrations Today

July 1st is a special holiday. In fact, every day's a holiday for someone and for some reason.

Although we may not know the origins of many of these holidays, avid celebrants will participate eagerly in marking July 1st as a most special day for so many different reasons.

Here are several of the most popular holidays celebrated on July 1st (arranged alphabetically):

Build A Scarecrow Day

If you have a garden, then July 1st is a day worth crowing about. It's Build a Scarecrow Day.

Pick a tattered old flannel shirt and a worn-out pair of jeans, and make your own crow-stopper. Use two poles or sticks for form the cross-frame, and set your scarecrow to work in your garden. Watch those crows disappear.

Happy Build a Scarecrow Day on July 1st.

Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day

July 1st is Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day, a dairy-lover's delight. What's your favorite flavor? How about trying a new treat? Does an unknown flavor tempt you today?

If you have an ice cream maker, you can play with unlimited possibilities. For example, you might like peanut butter and jelly ice cream, graham and honey ice cream, chocolate-raspberry ice cream or another combination.

Many folks simply opt for multiple scoops, so they can try unusual combinations of flavors. How does chocolate go with blue moon? Does strawberry blend well with mint chocolate chip?

Still others experiment with mix-ins and toppings to create unusual ice cream concoctions. Go all out, and enjoy it. It's July 1st, Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day.

By the way, July 1st is also Frozen Yogurt Day, so take your pick at the ice cream shop.

Early Bird Day

Procrastinators, take note! July 1st is Early Bird Day. Here's your chance to catch up and even get ahead.

According to a popular proverb from the 17^th century, "The early bird catcheth the worm." In other words, a little initiative can surely pay off.

What tasks have you been meaning to undertake? What assignments or projects are looming? July 1st is the day to get things rolling. It's Early Bird Day.

Gingersnap Day

Snap to it on July 1st. It's Gingersnap Day.

These low-fat crunchy cookies make a delightful snack for humans and horses alike. Not only that, but gingersnaps offer an excellent base for a crumbled pie or cheesecake crust.

Go ahead and indulge your snack cravings on July 1st, Gingersnap Day.

International Joke Day

Stop me if you've heard this one. July 1st is International Joke Day.

Beware! Quipsters, punsters and jokesters will try to bend your ear today. Perhaps you will be the comedian yourself and set others laughing on July 1st.

What makes a joke funny? Read "Humor Theory: A Trio of Ticklers" for comedy tips.

Have a hilarious day. It's International Joke Day on July 1st.

Special Saints Days (Various)

The Calendar of the Saints lists the following for July 1st: Aaron of Caerleon, Antonio Rosmini-Serbati, Arnulf of Mainz, Carilefus of Anisole, Castus, Cewydd, Domitian, Eparchius, Gall of Clermont, Golvinus of Leon, Jan Nepomuk Chrzan, Julius of Caerleon, Junipero Serra, Juthware, Leonorius of Brittany, Martin of Vienne, Nazju Falzon, Oliver Plunkette, Regina of Denain, Secundinus, Servan of Culross, Sherfute, Simeon the Gaul, Theodoric, Thomas Maxfield and Veep.

Notable Anniversaries on July 1st:

On July 1, 1899, three traveling salesmen from Wisconsin founded The Gideons International. They placed the first Bible in the Superior Hotel in Iron Mountain, Montana.

The first atomic bomb was tested at Bikini Atoll in Pacific Micronesia on July 1, 1946.

Various Other July 1st Holidays

July 1st is also American Stamp Day, American Zoo Day (1874), Balloon Airmail Day, Banker's Day (Guatemala), Bank Holiday (Taiwan), Biggest All Night Gospel Singing in the World, Birthday of Wei T'o (China), Burundi Independence Day, Canada Day (Canada), Caribbean Day, Communist Party Foundation Day (China), Devotion to Duty Day, Distressed Elves' Day, Dominion Day (Canada), Donkeyfest, Emancipation Day (St. Eustatius), Feast of Cranks, Feast of the Most Precious Blood, Freedom Day (Netherlands Antilles and Suriname), Freedom Festival, Gettysburg Battle Anniversary (1863), Gideons Founding Day, Halfway Point Day, Half-Year Day (Hong Kong), Heiva I (Tahiti, French Polynesia), Heroes Day (Zambia), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, La Fiesta de Burro, Mt. Fuji Day (Japan), National Financial Freedom Day, National Financial Freedom Day, National Postal Workers Day, Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett (Ireland), Popeye's Birthday, The Precious Blood Day (Haiti), Rwanda Independence Day, Republic Day (Ghana), Second Half of the New Year Day, Sir Seretse Khama Day (Botswana), Somalia Independence Day, Somalia National Day, Sony Walkman Birthday (1979), Special Recreation for Disabled Day, St. Cosmas and Damian's Day (Eastern Orthodox), St. Serf's Day, Territory Day (British Virgin Islands), Unlucky Day (Astronomy), Wild-Ass Hunters Association Conference of I.G.s and Zip Code's Birthday (1963).

Happy July 1stto one and all!

Other Notable Holidays:

Click here to check other calendar dates for notable holidays.