World Windmill Day
May 9
A windmill is a structure that converts wind power into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades, specifically to mill grain (gristmills) and also as stations to route water from flooded areas. Furthermore, they could also pump water from deep below ground to water agricultural areas. Windmills were used throughout the high medieval and early modern periods. The horizontal or panemone windmill first appeared in Greater Iran during the 9th century and the vertical windmill in northwestern Europe in the 12th century. When the popularity of windmills peaked in the 19th century in Europe, there were an estimated 200 thousand windmills.
World Belly Dancing Day
May 9
Described by some as the oldest dance in the world, belly dancing is said to date back at least to the time of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.). The transformation of belly dancing to what it is today can be traced back to a performance by a Syrian woman named Little Egypt at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Billy Joel – Singer & Composer – born in Bronx, New York
Candace Bergen – Actress – born in Beverly Hills, California
