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Antarctica Day
Dec 1
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Antarctica: where the only thing lower than the temperatures is your chance of getting a tan!"
Brrrrrrr! On December 1, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 nations, designating the continent as a haven for peace and scientific exploration. Antarctica, unique among continents, has no native human population, but it hosts several thousand scientists and support staff who periodically inhabit its icy expanse to conduct research. At the South Pole station, some of these intrepid scientists partake in quirky traditions during their downtime, including the infamous 300 Club. This daring feat involves waiting for the temperature to plunge to a bone-chilling -100°F, then warming up in a scorching 200°F sauna before making a naked dash to the Geographic South Pole marker and back, braving a staggering 300-degree temperature swing in mere minutes. Emulate their mad dash (clothed of course) with this popular jig which is sure to keep all 4 active couples warmed up nicely! 🤪 🧊🧊 🧊 🐧 🐧 🇦🇶
Antarctica Bound
Antarctica Day was inaugurated in 2010 to celebrate the December 1, 1959 signature of the Antarctic Treaty, which was adopted “with the interests of science and the progress of all mankind.”
Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Technically, Antarctica is a desert, with annual precipitation of only 8 inches along the coast and far less inland.
As of 2016, there are about 135 permanent human residents, but anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people reside throughout the year at the research stations scattered across the continent. Organisms native to Antarctica include many types of algae, bacteria, fungi, plants, protista, and certain animals, such as mites, nematodes, penguins, seals and tardigrades.
The first formal use of the name "Antarctica" as a continental name in the 1890s is attributed to the Scottish cartographer John George Bartholomew.
For some fascinating facts about Antarctica, including "You cannot work there without having your wisdom teeth and appendix removed!" click the picture of the geographic south pole.
See below for the dance performed by the Charlotte Scottish Country Dance Society in 2012.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
