🗓️ On This Day - February 26th
On February 26th we caught “Thriller” fever, there were a million seeds in a vault in Norway, and we chose today to write a letter to an elderly person. But that really isn’t the full extent of this important date! What else happened on February 26th?
On this day
Secretariat ran for glory!
Secretariat, the legendary racehorse, was sold for a record $5.7 million on February 26th 1973. He had just won the Triple Crown, becoming one of the most decorated horses in thoroughbred racing history. Racing fans still talk about him to this day!
The power of music!
In 2008, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra made history by performing in Pyongyang, North Korea. The landmark concert was the result of a rare invitation from the North Korean government.
Seth speaks to the Senate.
On February 26th 2014, actor Seth Rogen testified before the United States Senate about Alzheimer's disease.
Rogen's mother-in-law was diagnosed with the disease, and he used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for increased funding for Alzheimer's research.
A million seeds!
The Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, celebrated its 10th anniversary on February 26th 2018, by adding its one-millionth seed. The Seed Vault serves as a backup for crop diversity, housing seeds from various countries in a secure and frozen environment to preserve their viability for future use.
Special Days Falling on February 26th
February 26th is the perfect day to celebrate all kinds of things - but these are our favorite holidays you may wish to mark yourself today!
National Letter to an Elder Day
National Letter to an Elder Day was founded by Love for Our Elders, in an attempt to encourage writing letters to older people to combat loneliness.
The day was started by Jacob Cramer, who discovered the problem of loneliness among seniors while volunteering at a local senior living community. He created a nonprofit and has since inspired 50,000+ letter writers worldwide.
National Tell a Fairytale Day
Once upon a time, we celebrated a day just for telling stories! Every February 26th, we observe National Tell a Fairytale Day. Though some stories are too long, and some are too short, many are just right! No one really knows from whence this tradition came, but maybe you can go on a quest to your local library or bookstore to find the answer!
National Set a Good Example Day
On February 26th we try to lead by example! Created by The Way to Happiness Foundation International in 2022, with an aim to inspire people to be kind to others and spread happiness, this is probably one of the most feel-good holidays out there. While a relatively new occasion, we can all stand to set a good example to people around us.
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This month in history
In 1992 National Embroidery Month was launched to help promote industrial embroidery. It is now an annual celebration which recognizes the art and tradition - it’s something you can get into as a beginner with ease! This event takes place every February, and while the origins were commercial, the month is now celebrated by hobbyists, fashion designers, and museums. The combined efforts help promote awareness and appreciation for this needlecraft.
Famous Birthdays on February 26th
Victor Hugo, French author (Les Miserables), born 1802
Levi Strauss, German clothing designer, born 1829
Alexander III, Russian Tsar, born 1845
Helen Clark, New Zealand Prime minister, born 1950
Li Na, Chinese tennis player, born 1982
If you were born on February 26th…
You were born in the 12th zodiac house, Pisces. Most often represented by two fish, this is of course a water sign! Like all water signs, you’re highly perceptive and feel deeply. Pisceans are a creative bunch, with many choosing to express their talents artistically.
This compassionate crew can sometimes err on the side of being too sensitive, not to mention the fact they are dreamers, meaning partners may struggle to live up to expectations!
Take a look over at our fact file for Pisces if you’d like to dive deeper into what this star sign signifies!
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