Every year, the Fourteenth of March brings “National Pi Day,” an annual celebration to fete the mathematical constant, known simply as “PI,” — a decimal equal to 0.314159, ad infinatum.  Its origin is attributed to Archimedes (287 — 212 BC), the leading scientist of classical antiquity. (Wikipedia)   

For those who believe that PI is a dessert, lets explore what it means.  PI comprises the ratio between a circle’s circumference (the outer edge or perimeter) and its diameter (the distance across), which is obtained by dividing the circumference by the diameter.  No matter the size of the circle, PI never changes; but also never ends.  Like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going and going, on to infinity.  Amazingly, the numbers continue without either dull repetition or recognizable pattern — a source of amusement and memory challenges.  The PI constant is essential to calculating the area inside a circle and the volume within a sphere, as by the following formulae: 

— Area of circle = PI times radius (half of the diameter) squared

— Volume of a sphere = 4/3 PI time radius cubed.  

Sorry to dampen the party mood.  Despite the formulae, I suspect few folks will need much encouragement to find an excuse for a party.  Of course 3/14 is the best date selection, as the date comprises the first three numbers of the long train.  

Surprisingly, even Congress put aside politics and entered the party mood.  In 2009, The US House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution (111 H. Res 224) recognizing March 14, 2009, as National Pi Day. (Wikipedia, Pi Day)  Wow!  When a vote presents no political risk, politicians will vote and claim progress for the people — another reason to celebrate. 

How is Pi Day observed?  Most aficionados utilize pies, either by eating or throwing them, perhaps at the hapless squares who opposed National PI Day. 

Finally, I will end with some trivia:  (1) PI and pie are homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings.  (dictionary.com)  (2) Moreover,  Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day; and arguably Einstein’s successor, Steven Hawking, died on Pi Day.  

Expectedly, National PI Day will be with us for some time, Congress notwithstanding.