Random National Holidays always fascinate me. Who decided when it would be Coffee Day, and why? What makes it National Boyfriend Day? When were these day created? So many random, wonderful days. So many questions. Most celebratory days were not thought up yesterday, but have in fact been around for years!
A perfect example is Mad Hatter Day. Founded in the US in 1986, Mad Hatter Day is a year older than me! Woah. This celebration day is a young, yes young, thirty years old. The day is specifically chosen because of the note on the hat of the Mad Hatter pictured in the original Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland illustrated Sir John Tenniel. The note reads “In This Style 10/6.” When the first picture was drawn, a hat of that style would cost ten shillings and sixpence. The special holiday of October 6th was derived using that note as inspiration. Who Knew?
Source: Amazon
The name Mad Hatter has a unique hold on history as well. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, hat makers would use non-organic mercury nitrate. The tradesmen of that time would develop strange symptoms over time making people think that those men were going mad. Hence the phrase, “mad as a hatter.”
So, how does one celebrate such a day?
Silliness. The answer is silliness.
The Mad Hatter is a character all about fascinations in the rhythm of the world. He asks questions he doesn’t have the answer to, and is contagiously curious.
Source: Giphy
On October 6th, question your surroundings. Ask absurd questions. Change up your routine, or even your wardrobe. Channel your inner inquisitive child and make the day fun. You can even rock a top hat, just because!
“Mad Hatter: ‘Why is a raven like a writing-desk?’
‘Have you guessed the riddle yet?’ the Hatter said, turning to Alice again.
‘No, I give it up,’ Alice replied: ‘What’s the answer?’
‘I haven’t the slightest idea,’ said the Hatter.”
~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
What better way to honor a classic literary character than by creating a national day of celebration? Come October 6th, I will be getting all Mad Hatter up in here, will you?
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Featured image via Calendar Holidays
