December 6 - National Microwave Oven Day

 

Happy National Microwave Day! On December 6, today honors one appliance that changed the way we use the kitchen.  

Quite by accident, self-taught American physicist and inventor Percy Spencer discovered a way to heat food safely with microwaves.  

While working with an active radar in 1945, he noticed a candy bar in his pocket was melting. 

The high-powered microwave beams created a heating effect ideal for cooking. Spencer deliberately attempted cooking popcorn with the microwaves.  

Next, he tried cooking an egg. The egg test was less successful than the popcorn. It exploded in his fellow engineer’s face! However, we can cook eggs in microwave ovens. Try poaching one.  

Spencer, employed by Raytheon, continued experimenting with different methods of heating food safely with microwaves. 

• • Raytheon filed a United States patent application for Spencer’s microwave cooking process on October 8, 1945. 

  • In 1947, Raytheon built the first commercially available microwave oven. It was called the “Radarange.” 
• • An estimated ninety percent of homes in the United States have a microwave in them. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

 
The microwave oven is more than an elaborate popcorn popper. Use this celebration to explore the many uses of the microwave oven. We’ve provided a few suggestions to get you started, but we also encourage you to share your favorites as well! 

• • make crispy bacon (and you won’t get burned either) 

  • melt chocolate for all that holiday dipping 
• • heat rice or bean-filled hot pads for achy muscles 
• • steam vegetables 
• • soften brown sugar 
• • dry herbs 
• • loosen labels from jars 

While testing these ideas out, take some time to clean your microwave, too. Steam a wet cloth for a minute on high and let stand for another minute. 

The steam softens any build-up. Then, wipe your microwave down with a little hot soapy water to remove any greasy splatter.  

Use #MicrowaveOvenDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this technological holiday. 

#MicrowaveOvenDay 

@GE 

@nichecinema 

December 6 - National Miners Day

Happy National Miners Day! Today honors the contributions of any and all miners across the country. 

Additionally, the day reflects on their sacrifices and offers time to show appreciation to the mining country’s hard-working individuals. 

As we honor their accomplishments and remember the tragedies that these hard-working individuals experience, the country must keep in mind that mining is one of America’s most dangerous jobs.  

Miners put their lives at risk every day. They contend with health and safety issues as well as an uncertain future. 

The Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 as well as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 were created to oversee the safety and health of all miners. 

We use products every day made from raw materials excavated from mines. These materials are a result of the work of the miners. These men and women play a much more critical role in our lives than most people realize. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Throughout the day, learn about mining history and how the industry changes year after year. Attend a mining memorial ceremony.  

While there, familiarize yourself with the dangers and health conditions associated with mining. Another way to participate is by becoming educated about mining.  

Thank miners for their hard work. Visit a mining museum. Watch a mining documentary. If you’re a miner, share your experiences with others.  

Use #NationalMinersDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

National Miners Day marks the anniversary of the worst mining accident in history on December 6, 1907, in Monongah, West Virginia.  The disaster resulted in the deaths of three hundred and sixty-two miners.   

In 2009, U.S. Congress proclaimed the day be observed each year on December 6. 

#NationalMinersDay

@alfcio 

@congressdotgov 

@nichecinema 

December 6 - St. Nicholas Day

 

Happy St. Nicholas Day! On December 6, today recognizes the third-century saint who became an inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.  

St. Nicholas is known for selling all of his possessions and giving his money to the poor. Raised as a devout Christian, St. Nicholas dedicated his whole life to serving the sick and suffering. 

Legendary stories about St. Nicholas later became part of the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.  

For example, during the third century, a daughter’s chances of marriage increased when her father offered a large dowry to prospective husbands. 

One story tells of a poor father with three daughters. He had no dowry to offer. On three separate occasions, Ol' St. Nicholas provided a dowry for each girl. 

Traditionally, families left their shoes by the fires at night so that they could dry. Legend says that St. Nicolas made gold appear in their shoes, drying by the fire. 

While St. Nicholas Day is not to be confused with Christmas, similarities do exist. Traditions include leaving gifts in shoes (or stockings) or the exchange of small gifts.  

Another tradition suggests leaving treats for good boys and girls. However, the naughty ones receive a twig or a chunk of coal. 

Interesting facts associated with St. Nicholas: 

• • He is the patron saint of a great many causes. Some of the causes include sailors, travelers, clergy, school children, and thieves, to name a few. 

  • He was born in the village of Patar, located on the southeastern coast of modern-day Turkey. 
• • Buried in a tomb in Myra, water believed to have healing powers formed in his grave. It is called the Manna of Saint Nicholas. 
• • December 6 is also known as The Feast of St. Nicholas, widely celebrated in Europe. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

 
Incorporate some St. Nicholas Day traditions into your holiday season. Slip a gift or surprise into someone’s shoe. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate.  

• • You could leave a special note or a small wrapped piece of chocolate.  

  • Leave a coin or an ornament for the tree. 
• • Tuck a stress ball or a new pair of socks into a loved one’s pair of shoes. 
• • A fun air freshener or small bath bomb are two more fun gifts to sneak into a pair of shoes. 

Share the story of St. Nicholas. Use #StNicholasDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated worldwide on the anniversary of his death, December 6. 
 

#StNicholasDay 

@nichecinema