National Mad Hatter Day: A Whimsical Celebration
National Mad Hatter Day is a quirky and fun-filled holiday celebrated annually on October 6th. Inspired by the eccentric Mad Hatter character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the day encourages people to embrace silliness, creativity, and a touch of madness. The date, 10/6, is a nod to the label on the Mad Hatter’s hat, which reads “In this style 10/6,” referring to the cost of a hat in shillings and pence.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 6th
- Tagged as: Fun, Creativity, Silliness
- What’s the hashtag?: #MadHatterDay
- When was it founded?: 1986
- Who founded it?: A group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado
History of National Mad Hatter Day
The origins of National Mad Hatter Day trace back to 1986 when a group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado, decided to dedicate a day to silliness inspired by John Tenniel’s illustration of the Mad Hatter. The holiday gained national attention in 1988 when it received press coverage. The phrase “mad as a hatter” itself originates from the 18th and 19th centuries when mercury poisoning among hat-makers caused erratic behavior.
Timeline
- 1865: The Mad Hatter makes his literary debut in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
- 1951: Disney releases its animated adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.
- 1986: National Mad Hatter Day is first celebrated.
- 1988: The holiday gains national recognition.
- 2010: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland brings renewed interest in the character.
- 2020: Virtual celebrations for Mad Hatter Day emerge during the pandemic.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 06 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 06 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 06 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | October 06 | Friday |
| 2029 | October 06 | Saturday |
| 2030 | October 06 | Sunday |
Observed
National Mad Hatter Day is celebrated with whimsical activities like wearing eccentric hats, hosting tea parties, sharing riddles, and embracing creativity. People often dress up as characters from Alice in Wonderland, read the book, or watch its various adaptations.
Fun Facts About National Mad Hatter Day
- The Mad Hatter is never referred to as “Mad” in Lewis Carroll’s book; he is simply called “The Hatter.”
- The holiday serves as a mid-year counterpart to April Fool’s Day, focusing on lighthearted fun.
- The famous riddle “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” remains unanswered by Carroll in the story.
Quiz
- What does “10/6” on the Mad Hatter’s hat signify?
- In what year was National Mad Hatter Day first celebrated?
- Who illustrated the original Mad Hatter?
(Answers: 1. The cost of a hat (10 shillings and sixpence); 2. 1986; 3. John Tenniel)
FAQs
- Why is it called National Mad Hatter Day?
Because it celebrates the whimsical character of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland and his iconic “10/6” label. - How can I celebrate?
Host a tea party, wear a silly hat, or share riddles with friends!
Related
- April Fool’s Day
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
- World Creativity and Innovation Day
Let your imagination run wild this October 6th and embrace your inner mad hatter!