July 12 National Days

July 12 is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 172 days remaining. Today’s topics span from the history of Morse code and the invention of the paper bag to the celebration of rum, pecan pie, and heterochromia.

Some observances, such as World Rum Day and International Skinny Dip Day, follow a moving date each year based on the day of the week. All others are fixed to July 12.

Below is a complete overview of the 12 national and international days observed on this date.

National and International Days on July 12

Etch A Sketch Day marks the launch of the classic drawing toy in 1960. Released during the baby boom era, the Etch A Sketch gave children a new way to create pictures using just two knobs and a screen. It was an instant success, selling for $2.99 and quickly becoming one of the most popular toys of its time. Recognized for its simple yet innovative design, it was added to the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998 and named to the Toy Association’s Century of Toys list in 2003.

International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, brings attention to the growing problems caused by sand and dust storms around the world. These storms can harm human health, damage crops, disrupt ecosystems, and worsen air quality. While some storms occur naturally, others are made worse by deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change. This day encourages countries to take coordinated action to reduce their impact, improve land management, and protect the people most affected.

International Skinny Dip Day* (Second Saturday in July) encourages people to experience the freedom of swimming without clothing in safe and appropriate settings. It also marks the conclusion of Nude Recreation Week. Launched in 2018 by the American Association for Nude Recreation, the day promotes comfort with one’s body and the benefits of naturist activities. That same year, Ireland hosted a record-breaking skinny dip with over 2,500 women raising funds for cancer support, showing how the event can blend personal freedom with community impact.

National Different Colored Eyes Day recognizes people with heterochromia—a condition where each eye is a different color. Founded by Jeanne Quinn of B Able, Inc., the day raises awareness of this rare trait and celebrates the individuality it reflects. Heterochromia can be present from birth or develop later in life, sometimes linked to underlying medical conditions. While many with heterochromia have no related health concerns, others may go through long periods seeking a diagnosis or understanding their symptoms.

National Eat Your Jello Day invites people to enjoy one of America’s most recognizable gelatin desserts. Jell-O was first trademarked in 1897 by Pearle Wait, who sold the brand to businessman Francis Woodward. Under Woodward’s direction, Jell-O became a nationwide success, eventually expanding into dozens of flavors and creative uses. This day offers a fun excuse to revisit its colorful and jiggly legacy.

National Hair Creator’s Day was started in 2021 by Zotos Professional, a hair care brand owned by Henkel. This day honors hairstylists not just as service providers, but as creative professionals who use hair as their medium of expression. Their work shapes how people feel about themselves, influences trends, and plays a key role in cultural identity. To support this vision, Zotos partnered with Art Feeds, a nonprofit that encourages creativity in children, showing that hairstyling can inspire confidence and artistic growth across generations.

National Pecan Pie Day encourages people to enjoy one of the most well-known American desserts with roots in the South. While the exact origin is unknown, one of the first published pecan pie recipes appeared in Lady’s Home Journal in 1897. The dessert gained widespread popularity in the 1930s after Karo Syrup began printing a recipe on its labels, helping define the classic version made with corn syrup, pecans, eggs, and vanilla. Over time, regional twists have added ingredients like chocolate, molasses, or bourbon. It’s commonly served with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

🥧 Related day: National Pie Day on January 23.

National Simplicity Day honors the birth of Henry David Thoreau in 1817. Thoreau was a writer, philosopher, and naturalist best known for Walden, a book that explores living simply and intentionally in nature. The day encourages people to step back from the pace of modern life, focus on what truly matters, and reconnect with the values of self-reliance, mindfulness, and clarity that Thoreau promoted through his work.

New Conversations Day encourages people to move beyond surface-level chat and engage in more thoughtful and meaningful dialogue. Founded by Steven Benbow through his platform Awkward Silence, the day promotes authentic connection by inspiring people to ask deeper questions and listen with curiosity. Whether speaking with friends, family, or strangers, the goal is to spark conversations that lead to greater understanding, fresh ideas, and genuine human connection.

Night of Nights marks the anniversary of the final commercial Morse code transmission in the United States, sent in 1999 from station KFS, formerly known as KPH. This message signaled the end of an era in maritime communication. In 2000, the Maritime Radio Historical Society began reviving the tradition by restoring station KPH in Point Reyes, California. Each year on this date, former operators and radio enthusiasts gather to transmit Morse code again, honoring the history of radio communication and the people who kept ships connected around the world.

📡  Related days: Night of Nights is one of several observances honoring Morse code. Morse Code Day on April 27 marks the birthday of Samuel Morse, while Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day on January 11 offers a fun way to explore the basics of the code.

Paper Bag Day honors the invention and lasting impact of the paper bag. The first patent was granted in 1859 to William Goodale, but it was Margaret E. Knight who later transformed the design by creating a square-bottomed version and a machine to produce it. Her innovation made the paper bag stronger, easier to use, and widely practical. Over time, it became a common part of daily life—used for groceries, lunches, and more recently, as a symbol of eco-friendly packaging. This day highlights how a simple invention can shape everyday habits and support sustainability.

🛍  Related days: Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3 promotes reducing plastic waste, while National Brown-Bag-It Day on May 25 highlights the benefits of bringing your own lunch to work or school.

World Rum Day* (Second Saturday in July) was founded in 2019 by spirits writer Paul Jackson to spotlight the history, craftsmanship, and global appeal of rum. The day is marked by tastings, tours, and events hosted by distilleries, bars, and enthusiasts around the world. It encourages people to explore the wide range of rum styles—from Caribbean and Latin American traditions to newer regional expressions—and learn more about one of the oldest distilled spirits still enjoyed today.

🥃 Related day: National Rum Day on August 16. See also our complete list of alcohol-related national days.