February 20 is a big day. Each year on this date, people bundle up and go outside into the crisp winter air. Waving their hands over their heads, they look to the sky and shout "Hoodie-hoo!" What are they doing? These folks are celebrating Hoodie-Hoo Day. This yearly event was created by radio host Thomas Roy. It's a day to chase away the winter blues.
Hoodie-Hoo Day is just one of many unusual celebrations popping up on calendars. Here are some others:
Everything You Do Is Right Day (March 16)
Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day (July 27)
Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19)
So, who comes up with these offbeat celebrations?
Some are made up by people like Roy. But many are created by big businesses hoping to turn a profit from special events. National Promposal Day, for instance, was the invention of Men's Wearhouse. The rent-a-tux company wanted to generate suit sales. And fast-food giant Chick-fil-A came up with Cow Appreciation Day to sell more chicken.
Still other special days are created by people to raise awareness about a cause. For example, pet trainer Ami Moore sought to boost appreciation for pups. She created National Hug Your Dog Day.
Chase's Calendar of Events is the official record of such occasions. The current catalog of special days has 752 pages! Anyone can send an idea for a celebration to Chase. But editor-in-chief Holly McGuire says that ideas must be appropriate. She also says they must "touch on things everybody feels really close to." Hence, the calendar includes Lost Sock Memorial Day. It seems the mystery of missing socks is something most people understand.
Some of these days may seem strange, but many experts say that people benefit from marking even the oddest of occasions: They say celebrations release positive feelings and reduce stress. So go ahead and enjoy Lazy Day—it might even be good for you!
QUESTION 1
1 / 4
Which passage from the article best supports the idea that celebrations are good for people's health?
But many are created by big businesses hoping to turn a profit from special events.
Anyone can send an idea for a celebration to Chase.
Still other special days are created by people to raise awareness about a cause.
They say celebrations release positive feelings and reduce stress.