Crayola Crayon Day

Crayola Crayon Day

Crayola Crayon Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the beloved wax sticks that have brought color and creativity into the lives of millions. Crayons, made from a mix of wax, pigments, and other materials, are the ultimate tool for artistic expression, inspiring both children and adults to explore their imaginations.

Quick Facts

When is it? March 31st every year
Tagged as: Creativity, Art, Coloring
What’s the hashtag? #NationalCrayonDay
When was it founded? Celebrated since 2006
Who founded it? Crayola

History of Crayola Crayon Day

Crayola crayons were first introduced in 1903 by Binney & Smith Company in Easton, Pennsylvania. The name “Crayola” was coined by Alice Binney, combining the French word craie (chalk) with oleaginous (oily). Initially available in eight colors, Crayola has since expanded to over 120 shades. The day also marks a tradition where Crayola retires old colors and introduces new ones, keeping creativity alive.

Timeline

1903: The first box of Crayola crayons is introduced with eight colors.
1958: Prussian Blue is renamed to Midnight Blue.
1993: Pearl Brite crayons are launched using ground mother-of-pearl.
2003: Crayola celebrates its 100th anniversary with contests and retirements.
2020: A box of flesh-toned crayons is introduced for diverse representation.

Dates for Crayola Crayon Day

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 31	Monday
2026	March 31	Tuesday
2027	March 31	Wednesday
2028	March 31	Friday
2029	March 31	Saturday
2030	March 31	Sunday

Observed on Crayola Crayon Day

This day is observed by indulging in creative activities like coloring, drawing, or crafting with crayons. Families and schools often host coloring contests or workshops to celebrate artistic expression. Additionally, many people participate in crayon recycling initiatives to give used crayons a second life while promoting sustainability.

Crayola also uses this day as an opportunity to introduce new colors and retire old ones, showcasing their commitment to innovation and diversity in art supplies.

Fun Facts About Crayola Crayon Day

Crayola produces about 3 billion crayons annually—enough to circle the globe six times!
The world’s largest crayon weighs over 1,300 pounds and is blue—the most popular crayon color.
The average child wears down about 730 crayons by their tenth birthday.

Quiz

What year was the first box of Crayola crayons introduced? (Answer: 1903)
What does the name “Crayola” mean? (Answer: Oily chalk)
Which color was renamed from “Flesh” to “Peach”? (Answer: Flesh)
How many colors are in the largest Crayola pack? (Answer: 152)
What scent is ranked among the top recognizable smells in America? (Answer: Crayon scent)

FAQs

What is National Crayon Day’s purpose? It celebrates creativity and the joy of coloring with crayons.

How many colors does Crayola offer today? Over 120 shades are available.

Are crayons recyclable? Yes, through initiatives like The Crayon Initiative.

What was the first box of crayons priced at? It sold for five cents in 1903.

What’s the most popular crayon color? Blue consistently ranks as a favorite among users.

Importance of Crayola Crayon Day

This day emphasizes the importance of creativity in personal development, offering a chance for individuals to express themselves through art. It also promotes mindfulness through coloring—a therapeutic activity for stress relief and relaxation. Lastly, it highlights sustainability efforts like crayon recycling programs that benefit both the environment and communities.