March 13 - National Earmuff Day

Happy National Earmuff Day! On March 13th, today recognizes the creation of the protection that keeps our ears warm. The annual celebration highlights the history of the fun and innovative invention each year. 

If you live in a cold climate like Chester Greenwood did, and had large, protruding ears, like Greenwood did, you might be thankful for his invention. National Earmuff Day honors the man who found a better way to keep our ears warm all winter long. 

After a day of ice skating in the cold, fifteen-year-old Greenwood came up with an idea to keep his big ears warm. Partnering with his grandmother who sewed tufts of fur between loops of wire, Chester soon had a working model. 

Farmington, Maine, where Greenwood was born, is now the “Earmuff Capital of the World”. 

On March 13, 1877, Greenwood was awarded a patent for his new creation. It was one of many would earn. Greenwood was a prolific inventor, but the invention he is most known for is the earmuff.  

He reportedly came up with the idea while ice skating and he asked his grandmother to sew tufts of fur between loops of wire. His patent was for improved ear protectors. 

For almost sixty years, Greenwood manufactured these ear protectors, which provided jobs for the people in the Farmington, Maine area. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Wear your favorite earmuffs and pick up a new pair. Give a pair to a friend or family member as a gift. Or, donate several to a shelter near you. 

Even with spring approaching, earmuffs will still come in handy. Be sure to use #NationalEarmuffDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The origin of this day honors Chester Greenwood. However, the research by National Day Calendar® remains somewhat muffled on the creator of the day. 

#NationalEarmuffDay
@LLBean 

@nichecinema 

March 13 - National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

Happy National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day! On March 13th, today an annual national science experiment of sorts. Open an umbrella indoors and pay attention to whether or not you suffer any bad luck.  

  

One often wonders how superstitions pass from one generation to the next.  One such old superstition says that opening your umbrella indoors will bring you bad luck.  

The day encourages you to test the superstition and note if any bad luck comes your way. While your at it, document the kinds of bad luck. Perhaps it isn’t bad luck. It may just be happenstance – things that would have happened whether you had opened an umbrella or not. 

While umbrellas have been around for over three thousand years, the origin of the superstition is strangely obscure. There is some suggestion that ancient Egyptians thought it offended the gods to open an umbrella where there was already shade.   

However, the more modern version of the superstition would suggest bad things happening as a result of poor timing or inconvenience. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Test the theory that opening an umbrella inside brings bad luck by doing so and noting any bad luck that comes your way.  You might reduce your risk of bad luck by opening the umbrella in a wide space versus a tight hallway to avoid knocking pictures off the wall.   

And may we suggest giving those around you a sign of warning as well. We wouldn’t want any eyes being poked out. Use #OpenAnUmbrellaIndoorsDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

Thomas Edward Knibb of Frederick, Maryland created this day to encourage people to find out if they had any bad luck when they opened the umbrella indoors. 

#OpenAnUmbrellaIndoorsDay 

@nichecinema 

March 13 - National Jewel Day

Happy National Jewel Day! On March 13th, today recognizes the makers, the jewelers and the special pieces that take our breath away. 

Each year, the day reminds us to wear those pieces and to appreciate the artisans who make them shine!  

Jewelers offer a wide variety of gemstones. They provide their customers with custom designs and often help craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Selecting from precious and semi-precious stones takes time. 

Most jewelers collaborate with artisans who work with clients to bring their vision to life. They also repair and clean heirloom pieces as well. 

Birthstones by Month 

• 
  
  • January – Garnet 
• • February – Amethyst 
• • March – Aquamarine 
• • April – Diamond 
• • May – Emerald 
• • June – Pearl 
• • July – Ruby 
• • August – Peridot 
• • September – Sapphire 
• • October – Opal 
• • November – Yellow Topaz, Citrine 
• • December – Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

If you have a special piece that’s been closed up in a jewelry box, bring it out for this celebration! It needs to see the light of day. 

Give a shout out to a jeweler who created that unique piece for you. Let others know about their talent, too.  

Pick out a new piece with your birthstone or the stone of someone important to you. Jewelry isn’t just for special occasions. Take it out for a spin and let it sparkle! 

Buy some jewelry, make some yourself or sign up for a class to learn the art of jewelry making. Freshen up your everyday attire with a little bling and use #NationalJewelDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this sparkling day. 

#NationalJewelDay
@TiffanyAndCo 

@ZalesJewelers 

@ThatsJared 

@nichecinema