National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is an annual observance dedicated to self-reflection, personal growth, and celebrating life’s inspirational moments through storytelling and soul-nurturing activities.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 12
- Tagged as: Self-improvement, Literature, Spirituality, Food & Drink
- What’s the hashtag?: #ChickenSoupForTheSoulDay
- When was it founded?: Origins unclear, but recognized since before 2008
- Who founded it?: Unknown (not created by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing)
History
The day draws its name from the beloved book series “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” which began in 1993. While the holiday’s exact origins remain mysterious, it has become a day for personal reflection and celebrating the power of inspirational storytelling. The concept was inspired by the comforting nature of chicken soup, metaphorically healing the soul just as the soup heals the body.
Timeline
- 1993: First Chicken Soup for the Soul book published
- 2008: Company sold to new owners including William J. Rouhana and Amy Newmark
- Present: Over 250 titles published and 500 million copies sold worldwide
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November | 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November | 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November | 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | November | 12 | Sunday |
| 2029 | November | 12 | Monday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by reading inspirational stories, writing personal memoirs, sharing their experiences, and often enjoying a warm bowl of chicken soup. Many use this day for self-reflection and setting future goals.
Fun Facts About
- The book series has been translated into over 40 languages
- The company has expanded into pet food and television production
- Each book contains 101 inspirational true stories
- It’s the best-selling trade paperback series of all time
Quiz
- In what year was the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book published?
- How many languages has the series been translated into?
- How many titles are in the series?
(Answers: 1993, Over 40, More than 250)
FAQs
- Are the stories in the books real? Yes, they are true stories from ordinary people
- Do they still publish new books? Yes, approximately one new book per month
- Is there an actual chicken soup recipe? Yes, the brand has its own recipe
Related
- National Book Lovers Day
- World Storytelling Day
- National Reading Day
- International Day of Self-Care