Have a very merry ... Darwin Day

[arienardo1 3]

Born and raised in a heavily religious country, I felt the need to explore which religious holiday was right for me.

Though I celebrate Christmas, it is mostly a time for family and togetherness. For others, it is a day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

As a non-believer, I wanted to know if there was a day for atheists to embrace their opinions about the world. That’s when I found out about Darwin Day.

Charles Darwin was one of the first few scientists to use reason as a way to explain why things are the way they are. On his voyage on the Beagle, Darwin collected, observed and recorded what he saw: fossils, new species of animals and similarities among animals.

Eventually, he found that the features of these animals changed over a long period of time. Darwin called this “evolution” and published this idea in “On the Origin of Species” in 1859.

Urged by other naturalists of his time, such as William Whewell, Darwin continued his research and developed the theory of natural selection. His ideas were published in the book with an unusually long title, “On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties; and on the Perpetuation of Varieties and Species by Natural Means of Selection.”

Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, introduced in “On the Origin of Species,” led to later books such as “Insectivorous Plants,” “The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilization in the Vegetable Kingdom” and “The Power of Movement in Plants.” Finally, he published his last book, “The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms,” in 1881.

Darwin died on April 19, 1882. His ideas have led scientists to further explore the world of evolution and the behavior of animals, including humans.

He took the time to observe the world and create a hypothesis that he expressed in books, not afraid that might offend people.

Darwin’s discoveries, ideas and thoughts were passed on to many generations and have brought us to Darwin Day. According to the International Darwin Day Foundation, “Darwin Day is a global celebration of science and reason held on or around Feb. 12, the birthday anniversary of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin.”

It has been an active holiday since 2001, and is continuing to expand as more and more people participate. Some have added to this holiday. Professor of biology Michael Zimmerman created the “Evolution Sunday” movement. Its purpose was to show how religion and evolution can coexist in various religious societies.

Darwin Day isn’t just a day for non-believers to embrace their opinions on the world. It is a day to remember the achievements made by Charles Darwin, and should be recognized by everyone, regardless of their religion.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

“Darwin Day is a global celebration of science and reason held on or around Feb. 12,

I think you are a couple months premature.