📅 Red-Letter Day, A
Definition: A special occasion. This phrase originates from the practice of printing feast days and other significant events in red ink on ecclesiastical calendars, going back to the fifteenth century.
Intriguing Example: Charles Lamb, in his Essays of Elia (1823), described Oxford during the long vacation: “The red-letter days now become, to all intents and purposes, dead-letter days.”
Similar Terms and Expressions:
- Banner Day: A day of great significance and celebration.
- Big Day: An event or day deemed very important.
- Milestone: A significant event in one’s life, such as a graduation or wedding.
- Memorable Day: A day worth remembering due to its special significance.
Quotes to Cheer Your Day:
- “A red-letter day is a great moment in the calendar of your heart.” — Unintended Optimist
- “Make every day a red-letter day, because life is far too short to leave important words unsaid and deeds undone.” — Anonymous
- “Celebrate life’s red-letter days. They’re the little stars on your calendar’s sky.” — Southern Grandma Wisdom
Thought-Provoking Proverbs:
- “Joy shared is joy doubled.” — Swedish Proverb
- “A joy that’s shared is an elaborate red-letter day.” — Adapted from Old Irish Proverb
Inspirational Literature, Songs, and Movies:
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Literature: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- Reason: The narrative makes everyday meetings feel like red-letter days filled with wisdom and emotional connection.
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Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
- Reason: Ideal for contemplating those milestone decisions in life that become red-letter moments.
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Song: “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang
- Reason: Everyone needs a song that turns their spirits up on a red-letter day.
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Movie: “Groundhog Day” (1993)
- Reason: A humorous dive into experiencing the same day repeatedly, until you learn to transform every day into a red-letter day.
Quiz Time! Put Your Idiom Know-How to the Test
### Which of these is considered a red-letter day?
- [x] Wedding Anniversary
- [ ] Regular Monday
- [ ] A dentist appointment
- [ ] Laundry day
> **Explanation:** A wedding anniversary marks a special and memorable occasion, perfectly fitting the idea of a red-letter day.
### Which idiom describes a minor milestone?
- [ ] Raining on someone's parade
- [ ] Every cloud has a silver lining
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
- [x] A feather in one's cap
> **Explanation:** "A feather in one's cap" signifies a minor accomplishment or achievement, whereas the others have different meanings entirely.
### True or False: 'Red-letter day' refers to a day of doom.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! A red-letter day is noteworthy and joyful, not doom-laden.
Farewell Thought: Remember, life is full of potential red-letter days waiting to be celebrated. Make sure you mark your calendar with joy, love, and memories.
— I. Festivus, October 2023
