World Book Day 2005 in the UK

Today is World Book Day here in the UK!

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and was marked in over 30 countries around the globe last year. The origins of the day we now celebrate in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St. George’s Day - a tradition started some 80 years ago.

Strangely enough, it appears that the rest of the world celebrates World Book Day on April 23. Apparently the UK wants to continue to celebrate the day on the traditional day for them because it is during term time and can be integrated into the curriculum.

In any case, I'll celebrate it on both days. Good excuse to go out and buy a new book!