October 12 - National Freethought Day

 

Happy National Freethought Day! Annually on October 12, today encourages people to be free thinkers and base their opinions on facts, science, logic, and reason. Today promotes logic and evidence-based decision making. 

Additionally, the observance offers an opportunity for freethinkers to have a sense of community. It also provides a way to open a dialogue and share their opinions. 

 
HOW TO OBSERVE 

 
Think rationally and use #FreethoughtDay to post on social media. 

 
HISTORY 

 
Several groups since at least 1997 have promoted Freethought Day. Organizations such as the Freethought Society, American Humanist Association (AHA), and Secular Coalition For America are just a few.

 

https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/ 

https://secular.org 

The organizers selected the date of October 12 due to a series of events dating back to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.  

Throughout the trials, questionable evidence and accusers’ claims of witnessing devils and specters caused the case to be halted.  

Eventually, the hysteria surrounding the case and a letter written by the Massachusetts Governor William Phips on October 12 declared “spectral evidence” inadmissible in court.  

Up until that point, at least twenty accused had already been executed. The governor’s letter saved hundreds of lives.  

At some point, the trials did resume and “spectral evidence” was allowed but largely discounted and those convicted were swiftly pardoned by Phips. 

How can you apply freethought today? 

#FreethoughtDay 

@americanhumanist 

@SecularCoalition 

@thefreethoughtsociety 

@nichecinema 

October 12 - National Farmer's Day

 

Happy National Farmer's Day! On October 12, today offers much-deserved praise to the hard-working farmers across the nation.  

In the midst of harvest-season, the day pays tribute to the men, women, and families who put food in the grocery stores and on our tables every day.  

National Farmer’s Day was previously known as Old Farmer’s Day. 

https:/www./nationaldaycalendar.com/7-inventions-that-changed-how-farmers-produce-food/  

From very early in American culture, farmers set an example with their endless hard work. 

Not only do they provide a nation with the food we eat, but they also contribute to our economy in numerous ways.  

Before seeds even find their way into the ground, farmers supply a stream of jobs.

 

From manufacturing, marketing, and tourism, farmers keep small and large communities going strong. Additional products and areas that rely on agriculture include: 

• • leather 

• • apparel 

• • restaurants 

• • beverages 

• • textiles 

• • trucking 

• • railroad 

• • forestry 

• • pharmaceuticals 

• • transportation 

Some cities and towns across the United States celebrate their own versions of Farmer’s Day. 

Dates are scattered throughout the year with celebrations and festivals. Many of them are held in September and October. 

October does seem fitting for celebrating National Farmer's Day as it is near the end of the harvest. Many farmers will be able to take a rest from their hard labor to join in the celebration of this holiday. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

While thanking a farmer is one way to celebrate the day, consider these opportunities to learn more about farming. 

• • Learn more about the farm to table process. 

• • Discover more about all the foods you consume. 

• • Attend small-town festivals. These often showcase the food and culture of farm life. By supporting the festivals, you’re also supporting the farmer and their communities.  

•  • Support local farmers. How? 

• • Buy fruits and vegetables from a farmer’s market. 

• • Another way to support local farmers is by investing in cooperative farming. 

• • Visit pick your own farms. These farms not only offer fresh fruits and vegetables but hands-on experience harvesting. While you’re not using equipment, you will get to enjoy an afternoon with friends and family. It’s also an educational experience as well.  

• • Other fun and educational farm experiences are found at pumpkin patches. These farm settings offer a wide variety of activities full of autumn produce often grown locally. When you show your support for your farmers, you also support your community. 

• • Visit your local small-town historical societies. Not only do they record the history of the town, but with it the history of the farmers who helped to build the foundations of small-town America. 

Do you want to know more? Look at these 5 Ways Agriculture Impacts Our Lives. Use #NationalFarmersDay to post on social media. 

 
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/5-ways-agriculture-impacts-our-lives/ 

 
HISTORY 

 
Records of National Farmer’s Day events exist dating back to the 1800s. However, National Day Calendar® has not determined the exact origins of the day. 

 
#NationalFarmersDay 

@theoldfarmersalmanac 

@TheFarmersAlmanac 

@nichecinema