Umbrella Day
National Umbrella Day is celebrated on February 10th each year to recognize the history, usefulness, and cultural significance of umbrellas. The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin umbra, meaning “shade” or “shadow.” Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Greeks used umbrellas as sun protection before they became rain shields. The collapsible umbrella was invented in China over 4,000 years ago. In the 18th century, Jonas Hanway, a British traveler, popularized umbrella use among men in England—before that, they were mainly seen as accessories for women.
Modern umbrellas come in all forms, from compact travel designs to high-tech wind-resistant versions.
Flannel Day
Flannel Day is celebrated on February 10th as a fun way to appreciate the warmth, comfort, and style of flannel fabric. While not an official holiday, it has gained popularity among those who love cozy fashion, especially during colder months. Flannel is a soft, woven fabric made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It is often brushed for extra softness and warmth. Flannel shirts, in particular, became iconic in lumberjack culture, grunge fashion of the 1990s, and cold-weather outfits.
Here are some significant historical events that happened on February 10th throughout history:
Historical Events
1258 – The Mongols sack Baghdad
The forces of Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, destroyed Baghdad, ending the Islamic Golden Age and the Abbasid Caliphate.
1763 – Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years’ War
This treaty between Britain, France, and Spain reshaped colonial holdings, with Britain gaining Canada and Florida while France lost much of its North American territory.
1840 – Queen Victoria marries Prince Albert
Queen Victoria of Britain married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, forming a famous royal partnership that influenced European politics.
1863 – The first U.S. fire extinguisher patent is granted
Inventor Alanson Crane received a patent for an improved portable fire extinguisher.
1933 – First singing telegram is delivered
The Postal Telegram Company introduced the singing telegram in New York City.
1942 – The first gold record is awarded
Glenn Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo became the first gold-certified record after selling 1.2 million copies.
1962 – The U.S. and Soviet Union engage in Cold War diplomacy
American spy pilot Francis Gary Powers was exchanged for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel on the Glienicke Bridge in Berlin, marking one of the most famous spy swaps of the Cold War.
1996 – Deep Blue defeats Garry Kasparov in chess
IBM’s Deep Blue became the first computer to defeat a world champion in a single chess game. Kasparov, however, won the overall match.
2009 – Satellite collision in space
A defunct Russian satellite (Kosmos 2251) collided with an American satellite (Iridium 33), marking the first-ever accidental collision between two artificial satellites in Earth’s orbit.
Notable Birthdays
1890 – Boris Pasternak – Russian author, known for Doctor Zhivago.
1894 – Harold Macmillan – British Prime Minister (1957–1963).
1929 – Jerry Goldsmith – American film composer (Star Trek, Alien, The Omen).
1930 – Robert Wagner – American actor (Hart to Hart, The Pink Panther).
1950 – Mark Spitz – American swimmer, nine-time Olympic gold medalist.
1955 – Greg Norman – Australian golfer, former world No. 1.
1991 – Emma Roberts – American actress (American Horror Story, Scream Queens).
Notable Deaths
1755 – Montesquieu (b. 1689) – French philosopher known for his ideas on the separation of powers in government.
1837 – Alexander Pushkin (b. 1799) – Russian poet and writer, considered the father of modern Russian literature.
2005 – Arthur Miller (b. 1915) – American playwright (Death of a Salesman, The Crucible).
2012 – Whitney Houston (b. 1963) – Iconic American singer and actress.
