National Awkward Moments Day
National Awkward Moments Day is a celebration of those embarrassing moments that make us want to hide or wish the ground would open up and swallow us. It’s a day to embrace and laugh at the awkward situations we all experience in life, from tripping over nothing to calling someone by the wrong name.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: March 18th annually
- Tagged as: Fun holiday, Observance day
- What’s the hashtag?: #AwkwardMomentsDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown, though some sources suggest around 1998
- Who founded it?: No one has taken credit for founding this day
History of National Awkward Moments Day
The exact origins of National Awkward Moments Day remain unknown, with no one stepping forward to claim responsibility for creating it. Interestingly, it falls right after St. Patrick’s Day, leading some to speculate that it might be related to awkward moments that occur following celebrations involving alcohol.
The day has a mascot known as the “awkward turtle” – a two-handed gesture that silently indicates extreme embarrassment without having to actually say any words. This gesture originated from sign language and became popular in pop culture around 2005.
Timeline
- 1664: First known use of the word “embarrassed” in English, traced to the diary of British parliamentarian Samuel Pepys
- 1998: Possible inception of the first Awkward Moments Day celebration
- 2005: The “awkward turtle” gesture was first documented and began growing in popularity
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 18 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 18 | Sunday |
| 2030 | March 18 | Monday |
How to Observed National Awkward Moments Day
Celebrate this day by embracing your awkward moments rather than hiding from them. Share funny stories about your most embarrassing moments with friends and family. You could even throw an “Awkward Moments Party” where everyone shares their cringe-worthy experiences.
Another great way to observe is by watching movies featuring awkward characters like “Lars and the Real Girl,” “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” or “Sixteen Candles.”
Fun Facts About National Awkward Moments Day
- Awkwardness or embarrassment is defined as an emotional state of intense discomfort with oneself
- People learning Spanish often confuse the words for “embarrassed” and “pregnant,” leading to some awkward conversations
- Other people usually don’t notice our awkward moments as much as we think they do
- Some of history’s most notable awkward moments include Isaac Newton incorrectly predicting the end of the world multiple times and President Roosevelt accidentally encountering a naked Churchill coming out of the bath
Quiz
- When is National Awkward Moments Day celebrated?
- What is the mascot for National Awkward Moments Day?
- What day precedes National Awkward Moments Day?
- In what year was the word “embarrassed” first documented in English?
(Answers: 1. March 18th, 2. The awkward turtle, 3. St. Patrick’s Day, 4. 1664)
FAQs
Q: Why is there a whole day dedicated to awkward moments?
A: Because everyone experiences them, and it’s a way to normalize these uncomfortable situations by laughing at ourselves and sharing our stories.
Q: How do I get over an awkward moment?
A: Try to laugh about it rather than dwelling on it. Remember that most people are too focused on themselves to notice your awkward moments as much as you do.
Q: Is National Awkward Moments Day celebrated worldwide?
A: While it’s primarily observed in the United States, anyone anywhere can participate in celebrating their awkward moments.
Q: How can I celebrate Awkward Moments Day?
A: Share your awkward stories on social media, host an awkward moments party with friends, or watch movies featuring awkward characters.
Q: Why is it important to celebrate awkward moments?
A: Celebrating awkward moments helps us laugh at ourselves, reduces stress, and reminds us that everyone experiences awkwardness.
Importance of National Awkward Moments Day
This day reminds us that awkward moments are a universal human experience. By acknowledging and even celebrating these moments, we can learn to take ourselves less seriously and find humor in life’s uncomfortable situations. It also helps us realize that what seems mortifying in the moment often becomes a funny story later on.
Related Holidays
- National No Filter Day
- National Honesty Day
- National Let’s Laugh Day
- National Humor Month (April)
- National Tell a Joke Day
