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Wacky Wednesday: December 9

Today isn’t filled with the usual amount of wackiness. That doesn’t we can’t make a little wackier on our own. We still have many old English insults to go through for our wacky words. First is Gnashgab. This is an 18th century northern English word for someone who only ever complains. We’ve all met someone like that. For a short time, I was someone like that. I’m better now. Our next word is Gobermouch. This is an old Irish word for a nosy, prying person who likes to interfere in other people’s business. I think I used to be like that too…

We only have a couple holidays to celebrate today. First, we have National Pastry Day. Pastry is a name given to a multitude of baked goods. They are most often made with ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, butter, shortening, baking powder, and eggs. Pastries can be traced as far back as the ancient Mediterranean. Our final holiday today is Weary Willie Day. This day recognizes the art of clowning and the impact it has on our lives. This holiday was named for the character made famous by Emmett Kelly, who was born on this day in 1898. He was the first sad, down-on-his-luck clown or as I like to call it, the Hobo Clown.

So, get yourself a pastry from your favorite bakery, give some change to that Hobo Clown in your lives, and avoid the Gnashgabs and Gobermouches. Go make someone’s day a little wackier.

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Coffee and Contemplation: Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated worldwide on December 6, the anniversary of the death of a third-century saint known as Saint Nicholas. He is the inspiration of the modern-day Santa Claus but don’t confuse this celebration with Christmas. Though they have similarities, the tradition of leaving gifts in stockings or shoes is believed to have been started by Saint Nicholas and later incorporated into Christmas. St. Nicholas is known for selling all 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. 

Sailors, travelers, clergy, school children, and thieves, to name a few, all claim Saint Nicholas as their patron saint. He was born in what is now modern-day Turkey. This holiday is sometimes called the Feast of Saint Nicholas. This is the day to offer small, meaningful gifts. These could be candy, chocolate, or even a note to someone special. It need not be something elaborate. Start the holidays early with little mini gifts tonight. I’m down for this idea of a feast. Thanksgiving was recent but I’m hungry again. Perhaps that’s what I’ll start calling Thanksgiving from now on. The US celebrates the Feast of Saint Nicholas a couple weeks early. That sounds like an easy way to explain to foreigners what Thanksgiving is all about.

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International Ninja Day

They could be behind you and you wouldn’t know. One could be sitting next to you as you read this. Ninjas. International Ninja Day recognizes the history and influence in pop culture of the Ninja. Whether it’s a historical period film of feudal Japan, or a bunch of mutated turtles who were trained by a mutated rat, Ninjas have become a large part of pop culture in the US. The international holiday was started in 2003 by Ninja Burger to celebrate the Ninja Speed their burgers were delivered. You are encouraged to learn about the art of Ninjitsu and not eat a bunch of burgers. 

Ninjas were also called Shinobi. They were covert agents and mercenaries in feudal Japan. Their specialties included espionage, deception, and surprise attacks. This irregular warfare was considered dishonorable and beneath the honor of the Samurai. Despite the influences of pop culture, historic accounts of real ninjas are scarce. I’d wager this is because they were skilled in the art of deception and ‘invisibility.’ They were invisible in the way Batman hides in the dark to be invisible. I would like to point out there is no International Samurai Day and I feel this is equally important to learn about. So…watch out for Ninjas!