Earth Day
Earth Day is the name usually used in respect to various events intended to induce people to pay more attention to the fragile and vulnerable environment of the Earth. Earth day is in fact a civil initiative and any individuals, groups of people and organizations are free to join it. There are two major periods for celebrating the Earth day: in March (around the vernal equinox) and on the 22nd of April. Besides, many participants and groups of initiators plan and organize various events dedicated to the Earth day around the day of summer solstice in order to make the most out of the warm weather and people's free time.
Initially the Earth Day was celebrated on the day of summer solstice in order to mark the moment when the spring begins (in the Northern hemisphere). The UN marks the Earth Day usually on the 21st of March. In 1971 the UN Secretary General signed a special proclamation dedicated to this day. Every year the famous Peace Bell is rung on this day in the UN headquarters in New York City.
The first one-time Earth Day was celebrated on the 22nd of April in 1970 in the United States. Its success inspired its organizers for establishing annual festivities and observances. Initially the event was organized by a group of students and since active student movements were very popular at the moment, the initiative drew much attention. Although they didn't have enough funds to organize something really mass public events, somehow they took place (like a 20-million demonstration and joining of hundreds of schools).