Weiberfastnacht 2019

Today, all throughout Germany’s Rhineland region, you can find locals celebrating Weiberfastnacht, or Women’s Carnival Day. During these celebrations of the Carnival, women in cities like Mainz, Cologne, and Düsseldorf enjoy the unofficial holiday by partaking in customs ranging from snipping off men’s ties to storming town halls.

The Weiberfastnacht tradition dates back to a 19th-century uprising in the small town of Beuel where a group of washerwomen grew tired of working 16 hour days, while the men got to go out and celebrate Carnival. In 1824 they founded the Beuel Ladies’ Committee and stormed city hall, an early expression of women’s rights in Germany. Their legacy lives on with celebrations all along the Rhine River.

The festivities begin precisely at 11:11 am when parades move through the streets to a soundtrack of light-hearted Schlager music as everyone enjoys food, drinks, and fun. Women also dress in vibrant and eclectic costumes, as depicted in today’s Doodle by Hamburg-based guest artist Christina Gransow.  

Happy Weiberfastnacht 2019!

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Trịnh Công Sơn's 80th Birthday

Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and legacy of Trịnh Công Sơn, a prolific and powerful Vietnamese musician, songwriter, poet, and painter.

Born in Đắk Lắk in Vietnam’s central highlands on this day in 1939, Sơn was raised in a Buddhist family by parents who both wrote poetry. His father was imprisoned for several years during Sơn’s youth in the capital city of Buôn Ma Thuột for his vocal resistance to the Vietnamese War. In fact, around the age of 10, Sơn spent a year living with him in Thừa Phủ Prison. Educated at the Lycée Francais school in the ancient imperial capital city of Huế, Sơn also studied philosophy at Lycée Jean Jacques Rousseau in Saigon.

Sơn first worked as a teacher before pivoting careers to become a songwriter in the 1950s. His songs protesting the Vietnam War—particularly those on the 1966 collection Songs of Golden Skin—were popular with soldiers on both sides of the conflict. After the war ended, much of his family fled their homeland, but Sơn chose to stay, writing songs about the unification of North and South Vietnam that displeased government authorities, who sent him to do forced labor in a “re-education camp.” Following his release, he continued to record music and paint throughout his life.

Widely considered one of Vietnam’s most important modern musicians, Sơn was admired by international singers such as Joan Baez. His song “Ngủ Đi Con” (Lullaby) about the mother of a fallen soldier was a hit in Japan. Today, his music is still recorded by popular Vietnamese singers, such as Hồng Nhung.

Happy Birthday, Trịnh Công Sơn!

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Dominican Republic Independence Day 2019

¡Feliz Día de la Independencia, República Dominicana!

Today marks the 175th anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s declaration of Independence at Puerta del Conde in Santo Domingo.

February tends to be a festive time of year throughout the Caribbean, with Carnival taking place on many islands during the weeks before the beginning of Lent. The celebration of national pride gives the Dominican Republic another reason to rejoice. The oldest carnival in the Caribbean, Carnaval Dominicano, happens every Sunday in February building to a crescendo on February 27 when the streets of all of the nation’s 31 provinces—especially cities like Santo Domingo, La Vega, Santiago, Montecristi, and Cabral—are filled with masked revelers in colorful garb amidst the sound of bells, whistles, and vejigazos.

The Dominican Republic’s tricolor flag waves proudly above the merriment. There’s even a traditional dish called La Bandera Dominicana (“the Dominican flag”), which consists of a hearty platter of white rice, red beans, and stewed meat fueling locals for the celebration.

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Antonio Rivas Mercado’s 166th Birthday

An icon of Mexican architecture, Antonio Rivas Mercado left an indelible mark all over Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After extensive training in Europe, he returned home where he restored historic haciendas and government buildings, and taught at the National School of Fine Arts. He also designed such landmarks as the iconic Monumento a la Independencia aka “El Ángel,” (The Angel) in downtown Mexico City, which is depicted in today's Doodle by Mexican guest artist Elena Boils. 

Born in Tepic, the capital of Nayarit, on this day in 1853, Mercado was sent by his parents to study in Europe, sailing by himself at age eleven. After graduating from England’s Jesuit College of Stonyhurst, he traveled to Paris, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and at the Sorbonne.

Returning to Mexico in 1879, Mercado undertook important restorations such as the Hacienda de Tecajete in the State of Hidalgo and the facade of the City Hall in Mexico City. Mercado was known for a distinctly eclectic style, as seen in his designs for the Juárez de Guanajuato Theater, built between 1892 and 1903, which combines a neoclassical exterior with Neo-Moorish interior.

Mercado made a lasting impact as director of the National School of Fine Arts of Mexico City, where he separated the Architecture and Civil Engineering curriculum into two separate disciplines. His legacy lives on through his home in Mexico City’s Colonia Guerrero—also the home of his daughter, writer and patron of the arts Antonieta—which was restored and opened to the public.

Feliz cumpleaños, Antonio Rivas Mercado!

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Kuwait National Day 2019

On this day in 1950, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne, becoming Emir of the State of Kuwait. He would go on to lead the diplomatic initiative that resulted in the Gulf State declaring independence from the British Empire on June 19, 1961, and signing a new constitution affirming Kuwait’s status as a sovereign state in 1962.

In recognition of Sheikh Al-Sabah’s diplomatic accomplishment, Kuwait celebrates its national day each year on this day. A day off from work and school, many celebrate by gathering with their family for outdoor celebrations while the red, white, black, and green flag flies everywhere.

The day is a great time to enjoy authentic Kuwaiti cuisine as well. While fūl, hummus, and falafel are always popular, the national dish is machboos, a bowl of fragrant rice made with mutton, chicken, or fish fresh from the Gulf, topped with spicy broth and red sauce called dakoos.

Many Kuwaitis also dress in traditional garb—dishdashas for men and daraas and abayasfor women. While adults enjoy parades, concerts, light shows, and firework displays, children celebrate the occasion playing with water balloons and squirt guns. Don’t be surprised if you get soaked—it’s all part of the fun.

Happy National Day, Kuwait!

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Estonia Independence Day 2019

Today marks the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Estonia declaring its independence from the Soviet Union. As big as last year’s centennial festivities were, this year brings another important milestone: it’s been 30 years since Estonia’s blue, black, and white flag was raised over the Pikk Hermann tower atop Toompea Castle—the Estonian seat of power for centuries—setting the stage for Estonia’s return to independence in 1991.

From the capital city of Tallinn to historic Tartu, from Narva and Pärnu to Kuressaare on Saaremaa island, proud citizens of this northern Baltic state will take time to celebrate their national pride today. Commemorations include laying of wreaths at the memorials of President Konstantin Päts and other state figures as well as the Monuments of the War of Independence, a military parade through Freedom Square in Tallinn, and concerts.

Happy Independence Day, Estonia!

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Steve Irwin's 57th Birthday

Today’s slideshow Doodle celebrates and explores the life and legacy of wildlife conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin, who inherited a love of large reptiles early on in life and shared it with the world through his work at the Australia Zoo and his popular TV series The Crocodile Hunter. Irwin and his family dedicated their lives to the preservation and appreciation of earth’s wildlife and wild places.

Born in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia on this day in 1962, Irwin was raised by Lyn and Bob Irwin, who gave him an eleven-foot python for his sixth birthday. He named the snake Fred. During the early 1970s, the Irwins moved to the Sunshine Coast in the Australian State of Queensland and opened Beerwah Reptile Park.

Learning to wrestle crocodiles since the age of nine, Irwin volunteered with Queensland's East Coast Crocodile Management Program, helping to capture and relocate endangered saltwater crocodiles—the largest of all living reptiles—to protect them from being harmed. He was involved in all aspects of managing his family’s park, which was renamed Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and eventually the Australia Zoo.

Soon after he took over management of the park, Irwin met his future wife Terri who was visiting the zoo. They spent their honeymoon capturing crocs, and the footage they shot became the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter, which grew into a runaway hit show seen in more than 100 countries by over 500 million people.

Thanks to the show, Irwin’s enthusiasm for saving endangered (and dangerous) animals quickly became as popular as his one-word catchphrase “Crikey!” It was also a family effort— while Steve and Terri hosted the show together, their children Bindi and Robert became fixtures on the show as well.

In 2001, the Australian government awarded Irwin the Centenary Medal for a lifetime of service, and in 2004 he was nominated for Australian of the Year. Among his many accomplishments was the discovery of a new species of snapping turtle, which was named Elseya irwini in his honor. In 2018 he was also posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today, Irwin's legacy lives on through his family’s continued animal conservation work and with the celebration of Steve Irwin Day each November 15, an international celebration of wildlife, family, and fun including fundraising events to benefit the Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors program.

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Special thanks to the family of Steve Irwin, particularly Terri, Bindi, and Robert Irwin for their partnership on this project. Below, Terri shares her thoughts on Steve’s legacy.

Pictured: Steve with his wife Terri, his daughter Bindi, and his son Robert.

Photo credit: Australia Zoo

Steve Irwin was a loving father and husband who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and wild places. He accomplished this life mission through his wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter, his world famous Australia Zoo, and his charity Wildlife Warriors. He was best known for his rescue and research work with endangered saltwater crocodiles, the closest living relative of the dinosaurs, now the largest reptiles on earth. Today we continue his mission by working to overturn recent legislation in Queensland which allows crocodile egg harvesting from vulnerable crocs in the wild to support the commercial leather trade. Steve’s legacy will definitely live on.

Pictured: Steve in his comfort zone.

Photo credit: Australia Zoo

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Doodle by Guest Artist Shanti Rittgers

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Lantern Festival 2019

Today marks the start of Yuan Xiao  (元宵節) or The Lantern Festival—the climactic finale of Chinese New Year celebrations all over the world. This joyous tradition has been practiced for more than 2000 years, dating back to China’s Han Dynasty. It’s a time for gazing at the moon, enjoying lion dances, eating rice balls, telling riddles, and lighting lanterns for a variety of reasons.

Once known as Shang Yuan (上元), early lantern festivals were designed as offerings to the gods. Families lit lanterns near their homes to represent a holy place. Today’s lanterns vary widely in size and design. The Kongming lantern  (孔明燈—kǒng míng dēng) represents happiness while the sky lantern (天燈—tiān dēng) is lit for newlyweds or couples without children.

Families also gather on this day for a holiday feast, featuring yuan xiao—also known as tāng yuan (湯圓) in the South—rice dumplings filled with syrup and bean paste.

Many people write riddles or love notes on their lanterns, sending them skyward with high hopes of attracting their secret crush. The Lantern Festival is sometimes considered the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day—along with the Qixi festival (七夕). What could be more romantic than the sight of a nighttime sky filled with glowing lanterns?

Happy Lantern Festival!

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Lithuania Independence Day 2019

Today’s Doodle commemorates Independence Day in Lithuania, a nation in eastern Europe with a long, proud history. During medieval times, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stretched from the Baltic to the Black Seas, making it the largest state in Europe. In 1795, the country’s alliance with Poland came to end after more than 200 Years as partners, after which most of Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire. This continued until a period of German occupation during World War I. On this day in 1918, the Council of Lithuania unanimously adopted the Act of Independence, a document proclaiming the nation as a sovereign democratic state with Vilnius as its capital.

Lithuanians celebrate Independence Day in all major cities. Schools and various businesses close down and many citizens dress in the national colors of yellow, green, and red—representing golden fields of grain, green forests, and patriotic pride.

The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater hold special performances in the capital city and free concerts in Cathedral Square are open to the public. Family and friends gather to enjoy Lithuanian folk music, dance, and traditional delicacies like cepelinai dumplings and Šakotis or tree cake.

Happy Independence Day, Lithuania!

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Serbia National Day 2019

Today is Dan državnosti Srbije, the National Day of Serbia, also known as Statehood Day or Sovereignty Day. This occasion marks two important anniversaries. The first of these is the 1804 uprising, led by Dorde Petrovic aka Karadjordje, which set the stage for Serbia’s revolution against Turkey’s Ottoman Empire. The second is the 1835 adoption of the Sretenje Constitution. Otherwise known as the Constitution of the Principality of Serbia, this handwritten document made Serbia one of the first in Europe to adopt a democratic system of government.

Celebrated over the course of two days, the official state holiday coincides with the Eastern Orthodox holiday of Candlemas. Festivities commence with a church service and memorial to those who made sacrifices for Serbia’s independence. A wreath is laid at the memorial to Karadjordje, and leaders speak on the solemn occasion. All across the country, there are concerts and plays, as well as receptions hosted by Serbia’s Royal Family. Families gather to enjoy slivovica (plum brandy) and traditional fare like cevapi, a hearty meal of minced meat that is Serbia’s national dish.

Happy National Day, Serbia!

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Madhubala's 86th Birthday

Today’s Doodle by Bangalore-based artist Muhammed Sajid celebrates Madhubala, an icon of Indian cinema who was also widely known as “The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood.” Raised in the slums of Bombay, she supported her family as a child star and soon became a leading lady known for her elegance on screen and considerable acting abilities.

Born in Delhi on this day in 1933, Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi was raised in a town located near the Bombay Talkies film studio. She appeared in her first film at the age of 9, billed as Baby Mumtaz. In 1947 she landed the lead role in Neel Kamal at the age of 14, taking the name Madhubala. As the family’s main breadwinner, she worked tirelessly to support her parents and four sisters. Madhubala appeared in nine films during 1949, including a spellbinding breakout performance in the box office hit Mahal. ​

While her breathtaking appearance earned comparisons to Venus, Madhubala was a gifted actor with an understated style well suited for comedies, dramas, and romantic roles alike. She fell in love with Dilip Kumar, her costar in the 1951 romance Tarana, but her father, who managed her career, interfered. The actors’ chemistry in the epic historical drama Mughal-e-Azam—one of the most popular and expensive movies in Bollywood history—was undeniable and unforgettable.

Appearing in over 70 films over the course of a tragically brief career, Madhubala—who would have turned 86 today—was called “The Biggest Star in the World” in 1952 by Theatre Arts magazine. In 2008 she appeared on a commemorative postage stamp in India, where she is remembered by many as one of the greatest to ever grace the silver screen.

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Valentine's Day 2019

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But when you get right down to it, today is all about one thing: the universal, undeniable power of love.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes—or even species! Consider the lovestruck critters featured in today’s Doodle. Irresistibly drawn to one another, they will wriggle, chomp, and spin webs through any obstacles to express their eternal devotion. 

Happy Valentines Day!

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Happy Birthday, Anitha!

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Celebrating Jacques Plante

Born in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec, Jacques Plante, aka “Jake the Snake,” was a record-setting French-Canadian hockey player who fell in love with the game early. Called up from the minor leagues to the Montreal Canadiens on this day in 1954, Plante soon became the starting goalie, helping the Canadiens achieve one of the most dominant runs in the history of the sport.

A pioneer of modern goaltending, Plante introduced a free-roaming style, often skating behind the net to help his defense control the puck. But it was an unfortunate incident that inspired perhaps his most important contribution to the sport. 

In November 1959, he was hit in the face three minutes into a game against the New York Rangers. After being stitched up, Plante returned wearing a fiberglass mask that he used in practice. 

“When I first put on the mask, the boys all told me I would scare the women,” Plante once joked. “If I went on the way I was going, pretty soon my face would look worse than the mask.”

Ignoring his coach’s objections, Plante continued wearing his mask for the rest of his NHL career - becoming the first goalie to regularly wear a protective mask during games. Other goalies soon followed suit.

The only NHL goalie to ever win five Stanley Cups in a row, Plante won the NHL's Vezina Trophy — awarded to the NHL’s best goalkeeper — seven times during his career. He also won the Hart Trophy for being the league’s most valuable player. In 1978, three years after his retirement, Plante was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. 

His legacy lives on through his book, On Goaltending, which broke down his innovations in detail, leaving a lasting impact on the game he loved.
 

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Explore how Jacques Plante revolutionized hockey on Google Arts & Culture through a story on his life featuring visuals from the LIFE Photo Collection.

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Celebrating Joseph Jacques Omer Plante

Lyubov Orlova’s 117th Birthday

Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and work of the Russian movie star Lyubov Orlova.

Born near Moscow on this day in 1902, Orlova began musical training at an early age. Her parents hoped she would become a classical pianist, and she impressed the Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin with her talent when she was still a little girl. She began her studies at the Moscow Conservatory and worked with the Moscow Musical Theater, singing in operas and dancing before making the transition to the big screen. 

She made her onscreen debut in the 1930s, and her breakthrough role was starring in the film Jolly Fellows directed by Grigoriy Aleksandrov, whom she would go on to marry. Together they produced many successful films, including Цирк (Circus) and Волга-Волга (Volga-Volga). Orlova was awarded various honors for her talents, including the prestigious title People’s Artist of the U.S.S.R.

Orlova was a strong believer that age was simply a state of mind. Always preferring to keep her exact age a mystery, her character in the play Lovely Liar even famously remarked: “I will never turn over the age of thirty-nine, even for a single day!” 

In the later years of her career, she returned to the stage, appearing at Moscow’s Mossovet Theater in plays directed by Yury Zavadsky. 

On what would have been her 117th birthday, we honor Lyubov Orlova, a legend of Soviet cinema.

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Mary Mounib’s 114th Birthday

Today’s Doodle, created by Cairo-based artist Shennawy, celebrates the life and work of Mary Mounib, a female actor who became an iconic figure in Egyptian cinema. 

Born on this day in 1905, Marie Salim Habib Nasrallah moved with her family from Damascus to Egypt, where they settled in Cairo. To help provide for her family, Mounib started working as a dancer at the Rawd al-Faraj amusement park before getting involved in local stage productions as a young girl. 

In the 1930s Mounib joined the Rihani Ensemble, founded by the legendary comedian Naguib el-Rihani, and went on to appear in many plays before making her screen debut in 1934 with Ibn El Shaab (Man of the People). She would continue to appear on screen throughout her long career in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Famous for playing the role of a protective mother, Mounib is remembered for her comic roles in Egyptian films like Inshudat El Radio (Song of the Radio), Nashid Al-Amal (The Chant of Hope), and Aser Elaeyon (The Prisoner of Her Eyes).

Happy Birthday, Mary Mounib!

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