I was amazed that the month of October is filled with national and global holidays and celebrations. In addition to the spooky revelry of Halloween, October’s schedule includes multiple national days, weekly observances, and monthly occasions. In total there can be up to six (6) occasions on any given day. Example: International Day of Non-Violence, National Golf Lovers Day, and Halloween, just to name a few.
None of these shared holidays are Federal or State Holidays, unless you live in Nevada, where they have a State Holiday called Nevada Day. It is held every year on the last Friday of the month of October.
The most recognized day is Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13. Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual international health campaign started in October of 1985. It was accomplished with the help of former First Lady and breast cancer survivor, Betty Ford. The pink ribbon, started in 1992, was introduced as part of the campaign. The origins of the pink ribbon date back even further than Breast Cancer Awareness Month itself.
October the 13th is famous for another reason. It is famous for its tie to triskaidekaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th. Part of this phobia is from 14th century history. On Friday the 13th of October 1307, the Knights Templar in France were arrested by King Phillip the Fair and accused of heresy. Of course, the Templars were not guilty and were cleared of all charges by a later discovered Papal Bull. You see, King Phillip did not have money and was trying to force the Templars to open their pockets to him.
The first ribbon inspiration occurred in 1979 when the wife of a hostage who had been taken tied yellow ribbons around the trees in her front yard. Do you remember that song? She did this as a symbol of her desire to see her husband return home safely. The tradition is still practiced by many military families when their loved ones have not returned home safely or are missing.
