National Sunglasses Day

As the sun casts its radiant glow, spreading brightness all around, an incredible sense of happiness washes over us. The sun, our life-giving star, showers us with light, warmth, and vitality daily. However, this golden entity does have a darker side. If underestimated, the sun can lead to severe health issues like skin cancer, eye damage, and heatstroke. Thankfully, National Sunglasses Day is here to remind us of the importance of sporting sunglasses whenever we step into the sunlight.

What is National Sunglasses Day?

Observed globally on June 27, National Sunglasses Day was instituted to counteract the rising incidences of eye cancer. Recent research reveals that donning sunglasses can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease by up to 50%. Hence, National Sunglasses Day serves as an essential reminder to always protect our eyes when engaging in sunlit activities.

The History of National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the sun while taking care of your eyes and enhancing your style. Besides serving as a vital barrier against the scorching summer heat, sunglasses are a fashionable accessory worth flaunting all year round. Everyone should own a pair of sunglasses suitable for every event, whether it’s a casual stroll around the block or reading at home on a drizzly day. Initiated in 2009, the annual observance of National Sunglasses Day acknowledges our beloved eyewear accessory’s pivotal role.

When is National Sunglasses Day?

National Sunglasses Day takes place on June 27. This unique day, instituted by the Vision Council, celebrates the sun while also raising awareness about the importance of eye protection and the risks associated with UV exposure.

National Sunglasses Day Dates

This year National Sunglasses Day is celebrated on Thursday, Jul 27, 2023

How is National Sunglasses Day Celebrated?

National Sunglasses Day is a day to commemorate the importance of sunglasses and what they can do for our eye health. In honor of this holiday, here is a list of tips for how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day.

Wear Your Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from UV rays and other dangers such as pollution. It also reduces the strain put on your eyes by staring at screens all day.

Treat Yourself to a New Pair of Shades

If you want to celebrate National Sunglasses Day, the best way to do so is by treating yourself or a loved one to a new pair of shades. Our optical locations have a curated collection of designer brands, so stop in and browse today.

Share Your Best Shot on Social Media.

During National Sunglasses Day, it’s a great time to share your best shots on social media. Whether you’ve got a selfie with your new shades or a pic of you and your family in some sunny locale, make sure to hashtag #nationalsunglassesday for a chance to be featured by our optical team.

Why We Love National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity of wearing sunglasses to safeguard our eyes from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. The eye care community emphasizes the sun’s UV rays’ potential to cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other permanent eye conditions. Thus, sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory but a significant tool for eye protection.

Embracing the Sun: Passions and Hobbies

The sun’s omnipresence significantly influences several passions and hobbies, instilling them with an added layer of enjoyment and challenge. While we rightly recognize the sun as a potential risk for our health if underestimated, it also serves as a significant source of inspiration and an integral part of many recreational pursuits.

Sunrise and Sunset Chasing

For the early risers and the twilight lovers, chasing sunrises and sunsets is a passion that can lead to captivating photography and moments of awe-inspiring natural beauty. This hobby allows for exploration and appreciation of our surroundings, all while basking in the sun’s vibrant hues.

Astronomy and Solar Observation

For stargazers and space enthusiasts, the sun is an enormous source of intrigue. With the use of special filters and equipment, solar observation allows for the exploration of solar phenomena like sunspots and solar flares. It’s a reminder of our place in the universe and the power of the star at the center of our solar system.

Learn more about astronomy as a passion and hobby

Outdoor Sports and Adventure Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts often relish the sun’s energy during their favorite activities. From beach volleyball to surfing, hiking to bird-watching, the sun enhances these experiences. With adequate sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen, these hobbies become the perfect way to commune with nature under the sun’s warm glow.

Gardening and Agriculture

For green thumbs, the sun is a crucial ingredient for their flourishing gardens. Understanding the sun’s patterns and effects on different plant species can transform a simple backyard into a lush oasis. This hobby not only nurtures biodiversity but also provides a satisfying, hands-on experience under the sun’s nurturing rays.

Learn more about gardening as a passion

Solar Art

From sun prints made using photo-sensitive paper to artworks that incorporate the sun’s position, artists have long found innovative ways to celebrate and use sunlight in their creations. This passion combines creativity with an appreciation for our most reliable source of light and warmth.

Celebrating the sun safely involves acknowledging its potential dangers and taking preventive measures, like wearing sunglasses. However, it also means recognizing the sun’s role in enriching our lives through various hobbies and passions.

Explore More Passions and Hobbies

This is just a sneak peek into the world of sun-infused hobbies and passions. For a comprehensive list of hobbies and passions that not only revolve around the sun but also various other elements of our fascinating universe, dive into our full list here.

Celebrating the Sun: Other Sun-Centric Events and Holidays

The sun plays a vital role in our daily lives and in various cultures around the world. In addition to National Sunglasses Day, several other events and holidays celebrate the sun and its importance. Here’s a look at some of them:

Summer Solstice

Known as the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, typically occurring on June 21, is a celebration of the sun at its zenith. This day marks the beginning of summer and is celebrated with various traditions worldwide. In the UK, people gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise, while in Scandinavia, it’s a time for feasting, bonfires, and maypole dances.

Winter Solstice

On the other side of the calendar, around December 21, we have the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. This event is significant as it represents the rebirth of the sun, with days gradually becoming longer afterward. It is often marked by festivals and celebrations, like the Yule traditions in Northern Europe and the Dongzhi Festival in China.

SunFest

SunFest is a multi-day music and art festival held annually in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event celebrates music, art, and the welcoming Florida sunshine. With the sun shining overhead, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of musical acts, art installations, and a fantastic selection of food and drink.

Inti Raymi – Festival of the Sun

Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun, is a traditional Incan ceremony that honors Inti, the sun god. Celebrated on June 24 in Cusco, Peru, the festival is filled with music, traditional dances, processions, and ritualistic performances, providing a vibrant look at the Inca’s rich cultural heritage.

National Sunscreen Day

Also known as “Don’t Fry Day,” National Sunscreen Day falls on the Friday before Memorial Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It serves as a reminder to everyone to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.

These events and holidays not only give us an opportunity to bask in the glory of the sun, but also to remember the significant role it plays in our lives and the necessity to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.

Conclusion

National Sunglasses Day is an invitation for every sunglasses enthusiast to revel in the sun safely! Whether you’re catching a game or basking by the pool, National Sunglasses Day is the perfect excuse to strut your favorite shades with pride.