The "festival" of lingerie may be unfamiliar to many people because it isn't a real festival like Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, or New Year's Day, which have specific legal provisions, historical origins, and days off.
The "festival" of lingerie is more like an extension of social activities, designating a specific day in daily life for events that some consider important, requiring attention or celebration.
In my opinion, although these aren't genuine festivals, their significance is indeed considerable and important for many people.
Additionally, such festivals don't last just one day; much like New Year's celebrated on different days in different places, China has the Spring Festival, while abroad there's Christmas and New Year's. Similarly, the "festival" of lingerie naturally has various origins, diverse significance, and therefore, different celebrations in various regions. This article compiles some recognized "festivals," ignoring those too niche.
01 No Bra Day
Date: Initially July 9, changed to October 13 annually.
Origin: Originated from a medical event in Toronto, Canada, initiated by a plastic surgeon. Initially intending to encourage breast cancer survivors to consider breast reconstruction surgery, it led to Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, abbreviated to B.R.A Day, coinciding with the term 'bra.' Later altered to 'no bra day' and shifted from July to October.
Significance: In many domestic media articles, this day encourages refraining from wearing bras due to their presumed harmful effects on the body, promoting health check-ups to prevent breast cancer.
Criticism and Controversy: Some consider it a day for 'flaunting,' completely detached from breast cancer, even associating it with sexuality. Simultaneously, others view breast cancer as a severe illness and consider reconstructive surgery as exploitation of women. They believe such 'normalization' of appearance is unnecessary, unlike prosthetics significantly impacting life. Encouraging this 'normalcy' might undermine the severity of the disease.
Personal Perspective: Reconstructive surgery might aid those deeply affected by the loss of their breasts, but the severity of breast cancer must never be overlooked. Many women lose their lives due to this disease, and its implications are not just limited to breast damage. The cause of breast cancer isn't solely wearing bras, a misconception that not only misrepresents bras but could also lead those at risk to ignore potential dangers.
The right approach: Those with a family history must be cautious, undergo frequent checks, and seek immediate medical attention upon detection of issues. Smoking and drinking also harm breast health, so cutting down or quitting is advisable.
The high incidence period for breast diseases is generally between 45 and 55 years old, during menopause. Even if one was previously healthy, regular check-ups are essential during this period. Typically, after 35, the risk increases, necessitating yearly checks to avoid delaying optimal treatment, where early detection is the best method.
02 Pink Ribbon Day
Date: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 18 is Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Prevention and Control Day, and the third Friday in October is Pink Ribbon Care Day.
Origin: Initiated by Charlotte Haley, who used peach-colored ribbons at 68 to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention. She believed that although the US allocated $1.8 billion to cancer research, only 5% was used for breast cancer. She distributed cards adorned with peach ribbons as a self-driven campaign to people around her.
Significance: Though initially a grassroots initiative, it's now broadly acknowledged officially. Many female celebrities refrain from wearing any clothes on this day to emphasize breast cancer and other female diseases in magazines or media.
Criticism and Controversy: Due to commercialization, numerous businesses produce goods using the pink ribbon motif, turning what began as a campaign into a tool for profit. The initiator likely declined commercial partnerships to avoid copyright issues.
Personal Perspective: Prioritizing breast cancer awareness is crucial. The statistic that one in every nine women suffers from breast cancer is staggering. Commercial activities raising awareness about breast cancer might not be entirely negative as publicizing charitable causes has limitations.
Recommendation: Businesses could include breast cancer literature in free samples or quizzes related to breast cancer on their websites, offering samples, vouchers, and engaging in appropriate promotional activities in schools or communities to ensure the charitable or non-profit nature isn't entirely replaced.
03 National Underwear Day
Date: August 5 every year.
Origin: Frespair organized the event in 2003, mainly conducted in New York and online social platforms. Many underwear companies sponsor it and hold underwear shows in Times Square. Both men and women participate by wearing underwear.
Starting as a commercial event, but due to perceived positive health aspects, it became an annual event.
Significance: Unlike the previous two festivals, this one focuses more on underwear itself. Often, for practicality, people choose nude-colored underwear rather than their preferences. This day encourages people to focus more on their preferences rather than just practicality. It doesn't encourage nudity but emphasizes wearing preferred underwear publicly or posting pictures on social media to display personality and confidence.
Many websites also feature donation information, hoping to help impoverished women purchase underwear. Among basic necessities, especially for impoverished women, clean, well-fitting underwear is the most desired female item.
Criticism and Controversy: Unlike the other two festivals, it showcases women's confidence, love, and attention toward underwear, hence receiving fewer criticisms and controversies.
