Introduction
Dying to Know Day is an annual event dedicated to breaking the taboo around death and fostering open conversations about dying, bereavement, and end-of-life planning. Inspired by Andrew Anastasios’s book Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life, this day encourages individuals to reflect on their mortality, share their wishes, and embrace life with greater awareness.
Quick Facts
- When is it? August 8
- Tagged as: Death Awareness, End-of-Life Planning
- What’s the hashtag? #DyingToKnowDay
- When was it founded? 2013
- Who founded it? The Groundswell Project
History of Dying to Know Day
The movement began in Australia in 2013, inspired by Andrew Anastasios’s book that humorously and practically addressed death. The Groundswell Project organized the first Dying to Know Day with 23 events in Sydney. Since then, it has grown into a global initiative with over 300 events annually, promoting death literacy and reducing stigma.
Timeline
- 2010: Andrew Anastasios publishes Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life.
- 2013: The Groundswell Project hosts the first Dying to Know Day in Sydney.
- 2020: The event is held digitally for the first time due to pandemic protocols.
- 2024: Over 300 events worldwide focus on personalizing final arrangements and building community.
Dying to Know Day Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 8 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 8 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August 8 | Thursday |
Observed on Dying to Know Day
This day is observed through workshops, discussions, and creative activities aimed at destigmatizing death. Communities host events like Death Cafes, memoir-writing sessions, and funeral home tours. It’s a time for individuals to reflect on their mortality and make plans that align with their values.
Fun Facts About Dying to Know Day
- Victorian England mourners stopped clocks at the time of death.
- Flowers at funerals originally masked odors before embalming existed.
- Loud music at Irish wakes was meant to ward off evil spirits.
Quiz
- What year was Dying to Know Day founded?
- Answer: 2013
- What book inspired Dying to Know Day?
- Answer: Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life
- What percentage of people want to die at home but don’t achieve this?
- Answer: 41% want it; only 25% do.
- When is Dying to Know Day celebrated annually?
- Answer: August 8
- What organization founded Dying to Know Day?
- Answer: The Groundswell Project
FAQs
- What is Dying to Know Day about?
It’s a day dedicated to normalizing conversations about death and promoting end-of-life planning. - Who can participate in Dying to Know Day?
Anyone interested in discussing death or planning their end-of-life arrangements. - Why is it held on August 8?
The date was chosen by its founders as a symbolic day for reflection and action. - How can I observe this day?
You can attend workshops, host discussions, or read resources related to death literacy. - Does discussing death reduce fear?
Yes, open conversations help ease fears and promote acceptance of mortality.
Importance of Dying to Know Day
- It reduces stigma around discussing death by encouraging open dialogue.
- It promotes practical planning like writing wills or funeral arrangements, ensuring peace of mind for families.
- It fosters community support for grief and bereavement, helping individuals cope with loss more effectively.
Related Topics
- End-of-Life Planning Resources
- Grief Counseling Services
- Advanced Care Directives