This is one of those holidays that is totally nuts. In fact, it is not even listed on a lot of the “What holiday is today?” websites. The gist of it is that it celebraters three things. First say the title fast a few times, what word does it sound like? Bicentennial, right? What does bicentennial stand for? 200 years, right? There are no other theories as to why this day is called that. To celebrate this part of the holiday, yell Bison-ten Yell Day and ask folks what you are saying.
Second this day celebrates the birthday of a longtime friend of mine. The problem is that this buddy is so shy I don’t even know their gender. He/she (hopefully) jokingly celebrates his/her 200th birthday EVERY year (they tout they were born in 1813). Ok, yes, my friend is totally bonkers, but they are really nice and loyal and … well… from my viewpoint, invisible. On our outings on the lake, I have asked time and again, why 200? And all I get in response is, “Bison-ten Yell Day.” I kid you not. Actually, this day celebrates the 200th birthday of an invisible being every year. You can celebrate this day by having a birthday party for this imaginary friend or … well, there are so many ways to have fun with this.
Third, this day actually celebrates the person(s) who came up with war signals. The verbal and hand signals that have directed soldiers in the battlefield who could not hear and/or see their commander. I am uncertain if this includes the military musicians call Fifers whom, as far back as medieval times, used their shrill flutes and drums to relay commands. It is something like the audible and (hand or otherwise) signals given to sports players now a days. There are so many uses for unique hand signals besides military and sports: driving (all types of road vehicles), baby, stock exchange, firefighting, gestures for an audience, crane and hoist, lifeguard, agriculture, classroom signals, scuba diving, … etc. To celebrate learn some hand signals. One fun one is what teenagers (as of June 2021) hand signals mean. Or some sign language to help you communicate with the hearing impared. Finally, here are 10 common hand signals you DON’T want to use abroad.