Great Egg Toss Day: A Celebration of Skill and Fun

Great Egg Toss Day is an annual celebration that honors the sport of egg tossing. This unique holiday brings people together for a day of laughter, friendly competition, and messy fun as participants attempt to toss raw eggs to each other without breaking them.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: September 6th annually
  • Tagged as: Food & Drink, Fun & Games, Hobbies & Activities
  • What’s the hashtag?: #GreatEggTossDay
  • When was it founded?: Exact founding date unknown, but egg tossing traditions date back to medieval times
  • Who founded it?: No specific founder, evolved from traditional egg-tossing games

History of Great Egg Toss Day

The origins of egg tossing can be traced back to 14th century England. In medieval times, the only person in a Lincolnshire village who owned chickens would distribute eggs as alms to encourage church attendance. This tradition evolved into egg-throwing festivals held during Easter, where hard-boiled eggs were tossed around the church nave.

Timeline

1322: Egg tossing game originates in England
1978: Johnny Dell Foley sets a Guinness World Record for egg throwing
1981: Risto Antikainen throws an egg 317 feet, 10 inches to Jyrki Korhonen
2004: The World Egg Throwing Federation is established
2006: The first World Egg Throwing Federation Championship is held in Swaton, England

Great Egg Toss Day Dates

YearMonth and DateDay
2025September 6Saturday
2026September 6Sunday
2027September 6Monday
2028September 6Wednesday
2029September 6Thursday
2030September 6Friday

Observed Great Egg Toss Day

Great Egg Toss Day is observed annually on September 6th. The date commemorates Risto Antikainen’s record-breaking throw in 1981, where he tossed a fresh egg 317 feet, 10 inches to Jyrki Korhonen.

The day is celebrated with egg-tossing events, competitions, and gatherings in communities across the world. Participants form teams and challenge each other to see who can toss their egg the furthest without breaking it.

As the distance between throwers increases, so does the excitement and tension. The game requires skill, coordination, and a gentle touch to keep the fragile eggs intact.

Fun Facts About Great Egg Toss Day

  • The World Egg Throwing Federation oversees international championships
  • Egg tossing was once featured in the Guinness World Records book
  • The game is not just about distance; there are also accuracy competitions
  • Fresh eggs are preferred for better durability during tosses
  • Egg tossing is a popular team-building activity for companies and organizations

Quiz

  1. On which date is Great Egg Toss Day celebrated?
  2. Who set the record for the longest egg toss in 1981?
  3. In which country did egg tossing originate?
  4. What organization oversees international egg-throwing championships?
  5. In what year was the World Egg Throwing Federation established?

(Answers: 1. September 6th, 2. Risto Antikainen, 3. England, 4. World Egg Throwing Federation, 5. 2004)

FAQs

Q: How do you play egg toss?
A: Egg toss is played in pairs. Participants start close together and toss a raw egg back and forth, moving farther apart after each successful catch. The goal is to keep the egg unbroken for as long as possible.

Q: Is there a world record for egg tossing?
A: Yes, there have been several records. One notable record was set in 1981 when Risto Antikainen threw an egg 317 feet, 10 inches to Jyrki Korhonen.

Q: Can I organize my own egg toss event?
A: Absolutely! You can organize an egg toss event in your backyard, local park, or community center. Just make sure to have plenty of eggs and cleaning supplies on hand.

Q: Are there different types of egg toss games?
A: Yes, while distance tossing is most common, there are also accuracy competitions and team relay events involving egg tossing.

Q: Is egg tossing only done on Great Egg Toss Day?
A: While September 6th is the official Great Egg Toss Day, egg tossing events can be enjoyed year-round, especially during picnics, festivals, and team-building activities.

Importance of Great Egg Toss Day

Great Egg Toss Day serves as a reminder of the simple joys in life. It brings people together, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. The holiday encourages outdoor activities and physical coordination, promoting both fun and fitness.

Moreover, Great Egg Toss Day celebrates a unique cultural tradition that has evolved over centuries. It connects us to our past while providing entertainment in the present. The event also highlights the delicate nature of eggs, indirectly promoting an appreciation for food and its careful handling.

Lastly, the day offers an opportunity for stress relief and laughter. In our fast-paced world, taking time to engage in a silly, messy game can be a welcome break, reminding us of the importance of play and leisure in our lives.

Related

  • World Egg Day
  • Easter Egg Hunt
  • National Egg Day
  • World Egg Throwing Championship
  • Outdoor Games Day