National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day is a quirky and whimsical celebration observed annually on September 1. This day is dedicated to embracing the nonsensical and celebrating words in the English language that defy rhyming, such as “orange,” “purple,” and “chimney.” It also encourages random, unstructured fun, inspired by the idiom “no rhyme nor reason,” which signifies actions without logical explanation.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 1
- Tagged as: Fun, Language, Creativity
- What’s the hashtag?: #NoRhymeNorReasonDay
- When was it founded?: Early 2000s
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day
The phrase “no rhyme nor reason” dates back to 1460 when it first appeared in The Boke of Nurture by John Russell. It gained prominence through Shakespeare’s plays, including Comedy of Errors (1590) and As You Like It (1600). Over time, this idiom became a popular expression for randomness and absurdity, inspiring the creation of this playful holiday.
Timeline
- 1460: The phrase “no rhyme nor reason” appears in The Boke of Nurture.
- 1590: Shakespeare uses the idiom in Comedy of Errors.
- 1600: The phrase reappears in Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
- 2000s: National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day begins being observed.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
Observed
This day is celebrated by engaging in activities that embrace randomness and creativity. People write poems without rhymes, list unrhymable words, or perform spontaneous acts for no particular reason. Social media buzzes with posts tagged #NoRhymeNorReasonDay.
Fun Facts About National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day
- Words like “orange,” “silver,” and “purple” are famously unrhymable.
- The idiom “no rhyme nor reason” has been used for centuries to describe illogical actions.
- The holiday encourages breaking free from structure and embracing creativity.
Quiz
- What does the phrase “no rhyme nor reason” mean?
- Name three English words that do not rhyme with any other word.
- Which famous playwright popularized the idiom?
(Answers: 1. Actions without logic or explanation; 2. Orange, purple, silver; 3. William Shakespeare)
FAQs
- Is it “rhyme or reason” or “rhyme nor reason”?
The correct phrase is “no rhyme nor reason.” - What’s the purpose of this holiday?
To celebrate randomness, creativity, and unrhymable words. - Does every word have a rhyme?
No, some words like “orange” do not have perfect rhymes.
Related
- National Poetry Month
- World Creativity and Innovation Day
- National Random Acts of Kindness Day