National Sweater Day
February 6
National Sweater Day in the U.S. falls on February 6th due to the chilly weather most of the nation is experiencing. Although hand knitting of wool had been practiced for about 2,000 years, it was not until the 15th century that the first knitted shirts or tunics were produced on the English Channel islands of Guernsey and Jersey; hence the English name jersey. The knitted garments were made by the wives of fishermen and sailors from natural wool, which, by retaining its oil, protected against the cold even when damp. The use of the jersey spread throughout Europe, especially among workingmen. In the 1890s it was adopted by athletes in the United States and called a sweater.
National Chopsticks Day
February 6
People have been using chopsticks for more than 5,000 years and almost 1/3rd of people in the world still use them. The Chinese use 45 billion chopsticks annually. Using chopsticks involves over 30 joints and 50 muscles in the fingers, wrist, arm, shoulder as well as thousands of nerves. 80 percent of chopsticks made in Japan are made in the little city of Obama, named like President Obama, population about 32,000.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Ronald Reagan – 40th President of the United States – born in Tampico, Illinois
Babe Ruth – New York Yankee Baseball Player – born in Baltimore, Maryland
