December 5 - International Ninja Day

 

Happy International Ninja Day! Today recognizes the fascination associated with the history and pop culture of the ninja. 

The word "ninja" derives from the Japanese characters "nin" and "ja." "Nin" initially meant "persevere," but over time it developed the extended meanings "conceal" and "move stealthily." In Japanese, "ja" is the combining form of sha, meaning "person." 

The ninja emerged as mercenaries in the 15th century, where they were recruited as spies, raiders, arsonists and even terrorists. Historically, they served samurai warriors and spied on or assassinated an enemy.  

Amongst the samurai, a sense of ritual and decorum was observed, where one was expected to fight or duel openly. 

While some sources suggest they were fallen samurai, most point to the common man – and woman. They walked among the farmers and servants of everyday life. 

 

When is International Museum Day? 

However, the skills of a ninja were passed down from generation to generation. If a father were a ninja, then he would likely train his son or daughter to be one as well.

In Japan, museums focus on ninja history and lifestyle.

 

• • Ninja Museum of Igaryū – The museum features the tools of the trade, demonstrations, and residence. 

  • Kōka Ninja Village – Attend ninja camp and challenges. Tour the museum and many more facilities. 

Many novels and films have brought the way of the ninja to the mainstream. From Japanese action films to animated turtles, ninja movies covered the spectrum.  

Spy novels, comic books, and series captured the imaginations of every age. Their mystery fed storylines across genres until ninja became a genre all its own. 

HISTORY 

Celebrate the day by learning more about ninjas. Read about their history or watch a ninja documentary. Try to move as quietly and as quickly as a ninja. Share your ninja tricks and secrets with someone. Learn a martial art. 

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  • In Search of the Ninja: The Historical Truth of Ninjutsu (2012) by Antony Cummins 

  • Ninjas Secret History Of The Ninja Uncovered (Full Documentary) (2014) – National Geographic 

Use #InternationalNinjaDay to post on social media. 

 
HISTORY 

 
In 2003, Ninja Burger created International Ninja Day as a way to celebrate the ninja speed with which their burgers are delivered. 

 
#InternationalNinjaDay

#RIPKirbyMorrow

@ninjaburgerdotcom 

@KillBillMovie 

@teenagemutantninjaturtles 

@OfficialLEGONinjago 

@martialartsbaltimore 

@natgeo 

@nichecinema 

December 5 - National Repeal Day

Happy National Repeal Day! On December 5, today commemorates the day that the Prohibition Era ended in the United States. 

Prohibition grew out a practice of moderation rooted in the Protestant churches in the Unites States. 

By the 1830s, consumption of alcohol, especially hard spirits, was affecting the nation.  

Most participants were male. Those who supported who joined the Temperance movement saw alcohol as the root of all evil.  

The movement took hold at a time when women had few rights, and the country was debating slavery. 

Ethics and mores were changing. The Temperance movement shifted the view on alcohol use from moderation to eradication. 

The following decades would see organizations such as the Prohibition Party, Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and Anti-Saloon League formed.  

By 1838, Tennessee would pass the first legislation prohibiting the sale of alcohol. Some new states would enter the union as dry states.  

In 1919, the 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, the legislation did not prohibit the consumption of such drinks. 

The Amendment went into effect in 1920, and numerous businesses closed. Beyond the loss of brewers and bars, governments lost tax revenues.  

Additionally, the cost of enforcing prohibition was expensive. Those determined to produce, transport, and sell alcohol created a black market that crisscrossed the nation. Their illicit methods became notorious and the stuff of legend. 

In 1929, the stock market crashed. 

During the years of Prohibition, use of the term “gangster” increased. The term “moonshine” reached its peak usage. 

Prohibition’s “great experiment” was a significant failure. The term “bootlegger” would reach its peak usage as Prohibition neared the end of its lifespan.  

On February 20, 1933, U.S. Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment repealed the 18th Amendment and was ratified on December 5 that same year. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Learn more about the history of the 18th and 21st Amendments. Drink your favorite cocktail. 

Try a new cocktail. Visit a speakeasy reminiscent of days gone by. While you do, be sure to invite friends to join you. 

WARNING: Please drink responsibly! Never drink and drive. Use #NationalRepealDay to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

The day that prohibition ended has been celebrated since 1933. Newspapers across the country reported repeal celebrations. Al Capone was even reported as praising the end of prohibition from his prison cell.  

Some areas postponed celebrations until the 6th, but distilleries geared up, ready for production. 

In the last couple of generations, fascination with the Prohibition years, styles, and history has grown. Celebrating the 21st Amendment has since increased. 

#NationalRepealDay 

@congressdotgov 

@nichecinema