Shine on, you crazy lighthouse! 🌊🗼💡
Tall, Bright and Saving Lives One Flash At A Time
A lighthouse is essentially a tall tower with a bright light at the top, built along coastlines, on islands, or even in the middle of the sea.
Lighthouses don’t just stand there looking pretty. Their primary job is to guide ships through treacherous waters, past dangerous areas and safely into harbors.
Sometimes in a foggy world, you just need a tall friend with a bright outlook.
More Than Just Pretty Towers
The first lighthouses were far less glamorous than their modern counterparts being just a bonfire on a hill. But they got the job done.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, built around 280 BC, was the first known lighthouse as we know them today. Standing about 100 meters tall, it set the standard for centuries and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Today, lighthouses are often automated and use a variety of light sources, from incandescent bulbs to fancy lasers
The Origin of Lighthouse Day
It all started way back in 1789 when the U.S. Congress approved an Act to establish and support lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. This act could be summarized as: “Let there be light…houses!”
Fast-forward 200 years to 1989 and Senator John H. Chafee (Rhode Island’s finest) waves his tricorn hat and declares August 7th as National Lighthouse Day. The crowd erupts in applause and even the ghost of Captain Ahab sheds a salty tear.
Thus, National Lighthouse Day was born, lighting up our calendars every August 7 and eventually fueled by the world wide web growing into an international celebration of keeping ships safe from becoming permanent residents of Davy Jones’ Greedy Locker.
We here at Wild Calendar like to drop the “National” part because good vibes should be international!
Stand Tall And Shine Bright
You could celebrate this day by visiting a local lighthouse. Climbing those winding staircases is a workout that comes with a panoramic view. Many lighthouses host special tours and events on this day.
Not near a lighthouse?
You can learn more about lighthouses with a good book or a documentary.
Host a lighthouse-themed party with seafood snacks or just seafood shaped snacks, lighthouse-shaped cookies.
Gather your crew for a Maritime Movie Night. Pop some popcorn and watch classic seafaring films like “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Sea Beast” or even “20.000 Leagues Under the Sea”.
The sky… eh the sea’s the limit?
If anyone gives you the side-eye or asks why your couch has a broomstick attached to it with a sheet fastened to it like it’s a sail, just tell them Wild Calendar sent you. Better yet, offer them some fish-shaped cookies and invite them to join the fun!
Be a Lighthouse In a Foggy World
Now don’t be a shipwreck, go forth and celebrate Lighthouse Day!
Whether you’re climbing to new heights, baking up a storm or just raising a toast to these coastal colossi that have guided us through dark and stormy nights.
May your paths be lit, your metaphors be vivid and may your compass always point toward adventure!
Happy Lighthouse Day!
#LighthouseDay #NationalLighthouseDay
You might also like these events:
Marine Mammal Rescue Day
International Day of the Seal
Nautilus Night
International Cephalopod Awareness Days
Meow Like a Pirate Day
World Sea Turtle Day
