# The Fascinating Origins of National Bean Day on January 6
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Chapter 1: The Significance of Bean Day
You might recall the playful playground rhyme:
Beans, beans, the musical fruit,
The more you eat, the more you toot,
The more you toot, the better you feel,
So let’s have beans for every meal!
Following the establishment of the American Heart Association (AHA) in 1924, which encouraged a heart-healthy diet rich in legumes, a second verse emerged:
Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart,
The more you eat, the more you fart,
The more you fart, the better you feel,
So let’s have beans for every meal!
While there's substantial scientific backing for the AHA's dietary recommendations, no historical evidence links the second verse to their findings. Interestingly, beans had a very different reputation in ancient times.
In the 6th century BCE, the philosopher Pythagoras, known for founding a secretive religious-mathematical sect, viewed beans as perilous to health. This group believed that all aspects of life could be quantified through numbers, laying groundwork for modern science. The cult adhered to strict ascetic practices, and Pythagoras prohibited the consumption of beans due to their perceived erotic properties. This aversion became so extreme that members refused to traverse bean fields, ultimately leading to their demise when they were unable to escape from attackers.
Although their religious beliefs have diminished over time, Pythagorean theories significantly influenced contemporary science. You may have encountered the renowned Pythagorean Theorem in school, which asserts that in any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides. Today’s scientists who strive to distill the complexities of life into mathematical equations can be seen as modern-day Pythagoreans seeking those elusive formulas.
In the realm of botany, we find Gregor Mendel, who dedicated his life to the study of plants. After spending eight years studying math and science at the University of Vienna, Mendel worked as a gardener at a nearby monastery. It was there that he observed variations in peas and beans, focusing on traits that appeared in pairs, like purple versus white flowers or smooth versus wrinkled seeds. He meticulously established plant lines with single traits and cross-bred them to determine which characteristics would prevail. His work with pea and bean variations led to the foundational principles of genetics.
Born on January 6, 1822, Mendel's legacy is commemorated on Bean Day.
As for myself, I prefer the sound of beans in rattles akin to maracas!
Section 1.1: The Cultural Impact of Beans
Beans have not only nutritional value but also cultural significance. They feature prominently in various traditions worldwide.
The first video titled "National Bean Day - January 6th" explores the celebration of this unique day and its connection to various bean dishes.
Section 1.2: The Global Consumption of Beans
Beans are enjoyed globally, with some countries consuming them more than others.
The second video, "National Bean Day. India consumes the most beans," highlights India's significant bean consumption and its impact on culture and diet.
Chapter 2: The Legacy of Gregor Mendel
Gregor Mendel's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern genetics, and his birthday is celebrated alongside Bean Day, emphasizing the importance of these humble legumes.
