May 18th: Ascending in Unity, Celebrating Heritage and Poetry

May 18th is a day of profound spiritual significance for many nations, as they observe Ascension Day, marking 40 days since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension to heaven. This day is marked by church services and, in some regions, processions and outdoor festivals.

Countries from Andorra to Venezuela, including Austria, Benin, Denmark, France, and many others, mark this day with their unique cultural touch. In Germany, it's also Father's Day, or Vatertag, often celebrated with manly pursuits like wagon-pulling filled with beer and food.

In the Faroe Islands, Ascension Day is part of 'Summer's Grand Beginning', a series of public holidays marking the advent of summer.

On the other side of the globe, Haiti celebrates Flag and Universities Day. This day commemorates the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803 and is also dedicated to the country's educational institutions. It's a time of parades, speeches, and other celebrations highlighting the country's history and the importance of education.

Finally, in Turkmenistan, they observe the Day of Revival, Unity, and the Poetry of Magtymguly. This day pays tribute to the 18th-century spiritual leader and poet, Magtymguly Pyragy, who is a significant figure in Turkmenistan's national identity.

From spiritual commemorations to the celebration of national symbols and revered figures, May 18th takes us on a journey of faith, national pride, and cultural heritage. 

Some historic events in arts and sciences that took place on May 18th:

Science

In 1910, Halley's Comet passed Earth, coming within 0.15 astronomical units, the closest approach by the comet to date.

In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. The eruption, which measured 5 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, has been declared as the most disastrous volcanic eruption in modern U.S. history.

In 1927, the Bath School disaster occurred in Michigan. The event involved a series of violent attacks perpetrated by Andrew Kehoe that killed 38 elementary schoolchildren and 6 adults, and injured at least 58 other people.

In 1969, Apollo 10 was launched from Kennedy Space Center. It was the fourth manned mission in the United States Apollo space program and was a dress rehearsal for the first Moon landing, testing all of the components and procedures.

Arts

In 1897, Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" was published. The gothic horror novel introduced the character of Count Dracula and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy.

In 1912, American singer and actor Perry Como was born. He was known for his warm baritone voice and his popular television show, "The Perry Como Show."

In 2001, "Shrek" the animated film, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, was released.