May 12 National Days

May 12 is the 132nd day of the year (133rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 233 days until the end of the year. A large portion of today’s observances focus on health and well-being—from honoring nurses and hospitals to raising awareness for chronic illnesses and encouraging regular checkups.

National Days on May 12th — May 12th National Days

Several observances on May 12 are tied to Florence Nightingale’s birthday, while others highlight mental, physical, or community health. A few days, like National Women’s Checkup Day, shift each year depending on weekday placement.

Here’s a full overview of the 13 national and international days observed on May 12.

National and International Days on May 12

International Day of Plant Health / Plant Health Day: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2022, this global observance aims to raise awareness of how healthy plants support food security, biodiversity, and sustainable ecosystems. The day was inspired by the success of the International Year of Plant Health in 2020 and promoted primarily by Zambia, with additional support from countries like Bolivia and the Philippines. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that up to 40% of global food crops are lost to pests and plant diseases. This day encourages actions that protect plants while promoting safe agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

International ME/CFS Awareness Day: Founded by Action CIND in Canada in 1993, this day brings attention to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and related chronic conditions. It falls on Florence Nightingale’s birthday—many believe she may have experienced symptoms of ME/CFS herself. The condition severely limits physical and mental energy, often making even basic activities difficult. The day highlights how vital it is to understand, support, and advocate for people living with ME/CFS and other chronic immunological and neurological diseases.

International Nurses Day: Celebrated on May 12 to honor Florence Nightingale’s 1820 birthday, this day recognizes the compassion, skill, and dedication of nurses around the world. Nightingale’s work during the Crimean War led to major reforms in hospital sanitation and patient care. The International Council of Nurses officially commemorates the day, and in many countries it falls within National Nurses Week. It’s a reminder of how much nurses contribute to public health and personal well-being.

National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day: Observed since 1992, this awareness day sheds light on fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges. The date was chosen to honor Florence Nightingale, who may have experienced fibromyalgia symptoms herself. The day often overlaps with related observances such as International Awareness Day for ME/CFS and other chronic illnesses. It serves to increase visibility and promote better treatment options for those affected.

National Hospital Day: Established in 1921 by magazine editor Matthew O. Foley and officially supported by President Warren G. Harding, National Hospital Day was created to rebuild trust in hospitals after the 1918 influenza pandemic. May 12 was chosen to align with Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The day originally invited the public into hospitals to meet staff and learn about health services. In 1953, the observance expanded into National Hospital Week, maintaining its mission to celebrate hospitals as centers of care and education.

National Limerick Day: This day honors the birth of English writer and illustrator Edward Lear (1812–1888), who popularized the limerick in his 1846 “Book of Nonsense.” Limericks are short, humorous five-line poems with a distinctive rhyme pattern. While the founder of National Limerick Day remains unknown, the day has been celebrated since at least 1984 and continues to inspire poetic creativity and laughter.

National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day: Founded in 2020 by Anne C. Totero during the COVID-19 pandemic, this day was created to thank mental health professionals for their essential support. In 2022, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers officially proclaimed the observance. The day highlights the role of therapists, counselors, and other providers who help people navigate mental health challenges, while also aiming to reduce stigma around seeking help.

National Nutty Fudge Day: Celebrated every year on May 12, this day invites people to enjoy classic chocolate fudge filled with crunchy nuts. Fudge became popular in the late 19th century, especially after Vassar College student Emelyn Battersby Hartridge made and sold large batches in 1888. Nutty fudge remains a favorite in places like Mackinac Island, Michigan, where traditional candy shops continue the old-fashioned methods.

🍫 Similar sweet celebrations include National Fudge Day on June 16 and National Chocolate Day on October 28.

National Odometer Day: Celebrates the invention and evolution of the odometer, a device that measures distance traveled. The term comes from the Greek words for “path” (hodos) and “measure” (metron). Mechanical versions date back to the 1600s, but the first automobile odometer was patented in 1903 by Arthur and Charles Warner of Beloit, Wisconsin. Today, odometers—digital or analog—are a standard feature in vehicles, reminding us how far we’ve traveled and tracking trip mileage and maintenance needs.

National Sapphire Segulah Day: Founded in 2022 by La Dana Lucious of Great Exploit Ministries, this day honors single parents of children with special needs. “Sapphire” represents preciousness, while “Segulah” is a Hebrew term for treasure. The goal is to recognize the unseen labor, love, and sacrifice these parents make each day. Through this observance, communities are encouraged to show appreciation and support for caregivers often managing complex, demanding situations with limited resources.

National Tampon Day: This day aims to promote menstrual health education and challenge outdated stigmas around menstruation. The modern tampon was invented by Dr. Earle Haas in 1929, inspired by a friend who used a sponge for menstrual protection. Earlier innovations included Johnson & Johnson’s disposable pads in 1888 and the sanitary belt of the 1890s. National Tampon Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of menstrual hygiene products and support access to safe, comfortable options for everyone who menstruates.

National Women’s Checkup Day* (Second Monday in May): This health-focused observance encourages women to schedule regular checkups and screenings. It’s part of National Women’s Health Week, promoted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The day emphasizes the importance of preventive care—identifying risks early, discussing concerns with healthcare providers, and building healthy habits.

💊 This day complements similar awareness events like Cervical Health Awareness Month in January and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

National YA DIG Day: Founded in 2020 by the Adizahyr To Live Foundation, this day honors Shauncy Lanier Davis, a man who encouraged others by saying “YA DIG”—short for “You Are Destined In Greatness.” After his passing, the day was established to carry forward his message of positivity and self-worth. Participants write encouraging notes, speak kind words, and help others feel seen. It’s a day dedicated to lifting people up and celebrating inner strength, similar in spirit to World Kindness Day on November 13.