May 15: Holidays and Celebrations Today

May 15^th 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 May 15^th as a most special day for so many different reasons.

Here are several of the most popular May 15^thholidays (arranged alphabetically):

Cold Sophie (Germany)

Germans traditionally expect one final cold snap of the season on May 15^th, so this holiday is a day for appealing to traditional mythological goddesses(including Cold Sophie, the Ice Saint) for warmer weather. After this date, German horticulturalists begin and tending planting their spring gardens.

Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (Various)

Although we are not sure why this is an actual holiday, many folks do mark May 15^th as Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season. Certainly, May 15^th is worth celebrating, if an area has been hurricane free to date. Perhaps this is why May 15^th has also been called "Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean Day."

Ides of May (Ireland)

May 15^th is marked by a celebration of the ancient Roman priestesses of Vesta (the vestal virgins), who danced and performed legendary rituals (tossing human-like dolls into the river) during May's full moon to preserve the natural water supply for crops and fertility.

International Day of Families

A 1994 declaration from the United Nations mad May 15^th the International Day of Families. Worldwide, families may gather to spend special times together.

Israeli Independence Day

May 15^th is the usual celebration of Israel's establishment as an independent state. Some years, however, the date changes slightly, so that the holiday does not conflict with the Sabbath. The 2008 occasion marks Israel's 60^th anniversary.

National Chocolate Chip Day (U.S)

Pass the Toll-House cookies, please. Does anyone really need an excuse or a national holiday to consume more chocolate chips?

National Sea Monkey Day (U.S.)

Remember the magic sea monkey kits? How many children have added water to those mysterious packets and waited for their colorful sea monkey kingdoms to grow?

Nylon Stockings Day (U.S.)

In 1941, the first nylon stockings were sold in New York City. Some 72,000 pairs were sold the first day. May 15^th has become Nylon Stockings Day to recognize this fashion invention. In addition, with the onset of spring's warmer days, May 15^th may be the last day most women actually wear hosiery until the fall.

Paraguayan Independence Day (Paraguay)

In Paraguay, May 14^th and 15^th mark a two-day celebration of the South American nation's 1811 independence from Spanish rule.

Peace Officers Memorial Day (U.S.)

Each year, on May 15^th, we recognize and honor police officers and other peace officers who gave their lives to serve and protect the American public. The third week of May is known as National Police Week.

Relive Your Past Day (U.S.)

Do you remember the first record album you ever purchased? May 15^th is the day to dust off the vinyl, eight-track, cassette or compact disc. Crank up the tunes.

Special Saints Days (Various)

St. Dympna's Day honors the patron saint of insanity, mental health workers and sleepwalking on May 15^th.

St. Hallvard, the patron saint of Oslo, Norway, and legendary protector of innocence, is lauded every year on May 15^th, particularly in Norway.

San Isidoro's Day, celebrated on May 15^th in Spain and Mexico, recognizes the patron saint of farmers and ranchers.

Straw Hat Day (U.S.)

Spring is here. Why not don a straw hat on May 15^th? After all, it's America's National Straw Hat Day.