February 18th: A Day of Reflection, Discovery, and Unexpected Celebrations
- Nicolette
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
Welcome back to our February journey! We've explored global celebrations, hoops legends, and random kindness.
Now, February 18th arrives as a day of profound contrasts; a sacred beginning for millions, a cosmic discovery that changed how we see the solar system, and a collection of delightfully quirky celebrations that remind us not to take life too seriously.
Here at LetsGoWherever.com, we believe every day is an adventure and February 18 proves that adventures can be found in prayer, in the stars, in a glass of wine, or even in the humble battery that powers our world.
What is Special about February 18th?
February 18th is a day when the sacred and the quirky collide in the most wonderful way. In 2026, it marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Christian faith; a solemn season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual discipline observed by millions worldwide.
It's a day when foreheads are marked with ashes as a reminder of mortality and a call to renewal.
But February 18th is also a day of cosmic significance. On this date in 1930, a young astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona . For 76 years, Pluto reigned as the ninth planet in our solar system, capturing the imaginations of schoolchildren everywhere. Though later reclassified as a dwarf planet, Pluto remains a beloved symbol of discovery and the vast unknown that still awaits us.
And because life needs balance, February 18th also invites us to raise a glass on National Drink Wine Day, appreciate the power that keeps our devices running on National Battery Day, and marvel at one of history's most bizarre aviation achievements the day a cow named Elm Farm Ollie became the first bovine to fly in an airplane and get milked mid-flight .
National and International Holidays on February 18th
Religious and Global Observances
Ash Wednesday (2026): February 18, 2026, marks Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in Western Christianity . This solemn observance falls 46 days before Easter Sunday and is derived from the ancient practice of penance and fasting. During church services, worshippers receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, accompanied by the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or "Repent and believe in the Gospel." The ashes are typically made by burning palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday. Ash Wednesday emphasizes human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God, serving as a powerful reminder of spiritual priorities as believers embark on the 40-day Lenten season (excluding Sundays) of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter .
Ramadan Continues: February 18 falls during the holy month of Ramadan in 2026, which began at sundown on February 17 and continues through March . Muslims around the world observe this sacred time with fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, and acts of charity.
United States Observances
Pluto Day: On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh made one of the most famous astronomical discoveries of the 20th century . Using a "blink comparator" at Lowell Observatory, he compared photographs of the same section of sky taken on different nights and noticed a faint object that appeared to move against the background of fixed stars.
This object, eventually named Pluto after the Roman god of the underworld (and also partly to honor Percival Lowell, whose initials form the first two letters), was classified as the ninth planet. For 76 years, Pluto held planetary status until the International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet in 2006. Pluto Day celebrates this discovery and honors the spirit of scientific exploration. It's a day to reflect on how our understanding of the universe continues to evolve and to appreciate the vast mysteries that still await discovery beyond our cosmic neighborhood .
National Drink Wine Day: This popular observance celebrates one of the world's oldest and most beloved beverages . Wine has been produced for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of winemaking dating back to 6000 BC in Georgia. Today, wine is produced on every continent except Antarctica and plays a central role in countless cultural and religious traditions. National Drink Wine Day encourages enthusiasts to explore different varietals, learn about wine's history and health benefits (in moderation, of course), and share a glass with friends. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or something sparkling, today is your excuse to raise a glass .
National Battery Day: Celebrated on the birthday of Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the first true battery, this day highlights the essential role batteries play in modern life . Volta unveiled his "voltaic pile" in 1800, demonstrating that electricity could be generated through chemical reactions. Today, batteries power everything from flashlights and remote controls to electric vehicles and life-saving medical devices. National Battery Day encourages appreciation for this transformative invention and reminds us to recycle used batteries properly .
Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day: This may be the most delightfully specific holiday on the calendar . On February 18, 1930, a cow named Elm Farm Ollie became the first bovine to fly in a fixed-wing aircraft and the first cow to be milked in flight. The event took place during the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. Dairy farmer Elsworth W. Bunce milked the cow during the 72-mile flight, producing 24 quarts of milk, which were then parachuted down to spectators below. The purpose? To study how flying affected milk production. Elm Farm Ollie was reportedly a "contented" flyer and seemed undisturbed by her historic journey. This quirky holiday reminds us that history is full of wonderfully weird moments worth celebrating .
National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day: Seafood lovers rejoice! This food holiday celebrates a delicious dish that combines delicate flounder with a flavorful crab filling . The stuffing typically includes crab meat, breadcrumbs, butter, herbs, and spices, either rolled into flounder fillets or stuffed into a whole fish before baking. Popular in coastal regions and seafood restaurants, this dish represents the best of surf-and-turf combinations. Whether you're dining out or trying your hand at home cooking, today is the day to indulge in this oceanic delight .
Thumb Appreciation Day: This lighthearted holiday celebrates the incredible versatility of the human thumb . Opposable thumbs set humans apart from most other animals (though some primates have them too), allowing us to grip, pinch, manipulate tools, text on smartphones, and perform countless daily tasks. To honor the day, some people try going without using their thumbs for a while—a humbling experiment that quickly reveals how essential these digits really are. Others simply take a moment to appreciate everything their thumbs make possible, from playing musical instruments to giving a well-deserved thumbs-up .
Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: Because sometimes you need to shake up your routine . This playful observance encourages breaking the rules—just this once—and starting your day with a scoop (or two) of ice cream. While it may not be the most nutritious breakfast choice, it's a reminder not to take life too seriously and to find joy in simple pleasures.
National Hate Florida Day: A satirical holiday that pokes fun at the Sunshine State's reputation for bizarre news stories . It's all in good fun—Florida's eccentric charm is part of what makes it unique.
Weekly and Monthly Observances
February 18 falls during several important weekly and month-long observances :
Weekly:
Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 15–20, 2026)
National Pancake Week (February 16–22, 2026)
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week (February 15–21, 2026)
National Entrepreneurship Week (February 15–21, 2026)
Alzheimer's and Dementia Staff Education Week (February 14–21, 2026)
Monthly:
Black History Month
American Heart Month
Great American Pie Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Cherry Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
Birthstone and Flower
For those born on February 18th, their birthstone is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz symbolizing peace, courage, and stability . The birth flowers are the violet (symbolizing faithfulness, loyalty, and humility) and the primrose (representing modesty and virtue) .
Fun Facts About February 18th
From cosmic discoveries to literary milestones, February 18th is packed with fascinating historical events.
Astronomical Milestones
Pluto Discovered (1930): As mentioned, Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto at Lowell Observatory changed our understanding of the solar system . The name "Pluto" was suggested by 11-year-old Venetia Burney of Oxford, England, who thought the dark, cold planet suited the Roman god of the underworld. Tombaugh, who had no formal degree in astronomy at the time of his discovery, went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kansas; one can assume his college application was quite impressive .
Snow in the Sahara (1979): On February 18, 1979, snow fell in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria for the first and only recorded time in history . The Sahara is one of the hottest places on Earth, with average summer temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). While snowfall in the desert is extremely rare, this extraordinary weather event demonstrated that even the most predictable places can surprise us.
Literary and Cultural Milestones
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Published (1885): Mark Twain's masterpiece was published in the United States on this day . Often called "the great American novel," the book follows Huck Finn and the escaped slave Jim as they raft down the Mississippi River. It remains one of the most celebrated—and controversial—works in American literature for its unflinching examination of racism and its use of vernacular language.
First Academy Awards Announced (1929): The very first Academy Awards were announced on February 18, 1929 . The ceremony, held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, lasted just 15 minutes and honored films released between 1927 and 1928. Wings won Best Picture, and German actor Emil Jannings took home the first-ever Best Actor award. Today, the Oscars are one of the most-watched events in the world.
Winston Churchill's Maiden Speech (1901): The future British Prime Minister made his first speech in the House of Commons on this day . At age 26, Churchill addressed Parliament on the topic of the Boer War, beginning a parliamentary career that would span six decades.
Transportation and Technology
First Air Mail Flight (1911): On February 18, 1911, the first official flight with air mail took place in Allahabad, British India . Pilot Henri Pequet, just 23 years old, delivered 6,500 letters to Naini, about 10 kilometers away. This humble beginning launched an industry that would transform global communication.
Space Shuttle Enterprise's Maiden Flight (1977): The Space Shuttle Enterprise test vehicle went on its maiden "flight" while sitting on top of a Boeing 747 . The shuttle never actually flew in space; it was used for approach and landing tests, but this marked a crucial step in the Space Shuttle program.
First 3-D Film (1953): "Bwana Devil," the first 3-D feature film, premiered in New York City on February 18, 1953 . Audiences donned special red-and-blue glasses to experience the sensation of depth, sparking a brief 3-D craze in Hollywood.
Tragedies and Turning Points
Dale Earnhardt Dies (2001): Seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, known as "The Intimidator," died in a crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 . His death sent shockwaves through the racing world and led to significant safety
improvements in the sport.
IRA Bombings in London (1991): The Irish Republican Army exploded bombs at Paddington Station and Victoria Station in London in the early morning hours . While no one was killed, the attacks heightened tensions during the Northern Ireland conflict.
Wah Mee Massacre (1983): Thirteen people died in Seattle, Washington, in what remains the largest robbery-motivated mass murder in U.S. history .
Miscellaneous Moments
The Flying Cow (1930): We've covered Elm Farm Ollie, but it's worth repeating, this contented cow made aviation history and gave us one of the most memorable holidays ever created .
FBI Spy Arrested (2001): FBI agent Robert Hanssen was arrested for spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia . He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for what prosecutors called "possibly the worst intelligence disaster in U.S. history."
Celebrity Birthdays on February 18th
February 18th has gifted the world with an extraordinary lineup of talent spanning science, film, music, sports, and literature.
Scientific Pioneers
Alessandro Volta (1745–1827): The Italian physicist who invented the first true battery—the voltaic pile—was born on this day . His work laid the foundation for modern electrical science, and the unit of electric potential, the volt, is named in his honor.
Ernst Mach (1838–1916): The Austrian-Czech physicist and philosopher made significant contributions to physics, including the study of shock waves . The Mach number, used to describe supersonic speeds, is named after him.
Literary Giants
Toni Morrison (1931–2019): One of the most celebrated American authors of all time, Morrison was born on February 18, 1931 . Her novels, including The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved, explore the Black American experience with unparalleled depth and beauty. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988, the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Her words continue to inspire readers worldwide: "Love is or it ain't. Thin love ain't love at all" .
Nikos Kazantzakis (1883–1957): The Greek writer and philosopher, author of Zorba the Greekand The Last Temptation of Christ, was born on this day . Nominated for the Nobel Prize nine times, he remains the most translated Greek author worldwide.
Len Deighton (1929): The British author of spy novels, including The IPCRESS File, turns 97 in 2026 .
Hollywood Icons
John Travolta (1954): The Oscar-nominated actor turns 72 . From his breakout roles in Saturday Night Fever and Grease to acclaimed performances in Pulp Fiction and Get Shorty, Travolta has been a Hollywood fixture for nearly five decades.
Cybill Shepherd (1950): The actress and former model, known for The Last Picture Show, Taxi Driver, and Moonlighting, turns 76 .
Matt Dillon (1964): The actor and director, known for The Outsiders, Drugstore Cowboy, and There's Something About Mary, turns 62 .
Molly Ringwald (1968): The iconic 1980s actress, star of John Hughes classics Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, turns 58 .
Juice Newton (1952): The Grammy-winning singer known for "Angel of the Morning" and "Queen of Hearts" turns 74 .
Jillian Michaels (1974): The fitness trainer and television personality, best known for The Biggest Loser, turns 52 .
John Hughes (1950–2009): The legendary director and writer who defined 1980s teen cinema with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, and National Lampoon's Vacation would have celebrated his 76th birthday.
International Stars
Roberto Baggio (1967): The Italian football legend, known as "Il Divin Codino" (The Divine Ponytail), turns 59 . One of the greatest players of his generation, Baggio won the Ballon d'Or in 1993 and led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.
Park Shin-hye (1990): The beloved South Korean actress, known for The Heirs and Memories of the Alhambra, turns 36 .
Max Changmin (1988): The member of legendary K-pop group TVXQ! turns 38 .
John Travolta (1954): We've covered him, but he deserves a second mention—he's that iconic.
Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988): The founder of the legendary automobile manufacturer was born on this day .
Yoko Ono (1933): The Japanese multimedia artist, singer, and activist, widow of John Lennon, turns 93 .
Gong Yoo (1979): The South Korean actor, star of Train to Busan and Goblin, turns 47.
Sports Legends
Joe Gordon (1915–1978): The Hall of Fame second baseman for the New York Yankees was born on this day . He won seven World Series championships and was the 1942 AL MVP.
Bobby Robson (1933–2009): The legendary English football manager who led England to the 1990 World Cup semifinals was born on this day .
Marita Koch (1957): The German sprinter who still holds the world record in the 400 meters (47.60 seconds, set in 1985) turns 69 .
Alexander Mogilny (1969): The Russian hockey star who was the first Soviet player to defect to North America turns 57 .
Colin Jackson (1967): The Welsh hurdler who held the world record in the 110m hurdles for over a decade turns 59 .
Connie Wisniewski (1922–1995): A star pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, she pitched two no-hitters and a perfect game .
Artists and Innovators
Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933): The American artist and designer famous for his stunning stained glass windows was born on this day . His work continues to grace museums and churches around the world.
Charles Lewis Tiffany (1812–1902): The founder of Tiffany & Co., the legendary jewelry company, was born on this day .
Miloš Forman (1932–2018): The Czech-American film director who won Oscars for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Amadeus was born on this day .
Notable Deaths on February 18th
Michelangelo (1475–1564): The Italian Renaissance master died on this day in 1564 . He was 88 years old—an extraordinary age for the 16th century.
Dale Earnhardt (1951–2001): The NASCAR legend died in the Daytona 500 on this day .
Frank Costello (1891–1973): The infamous mob boss, known as the "Prime Minister of the Underworld," died on this day .
Whether you're receiving ashes on your forehead, raising a glass of wine to Pluto, marveling at the memory of a flying cow, or simply appreciating the opposable thumbs that make this all possible, February 18th invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience from the sacred to the scientific, from the literary to the just plain silly.
Where will this wonderfully weird and deeply meaningful day take you? Let us know in the comments!
Here are other dates in February we think you would like:
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