Asian mother disgusted by child's fart, National Pass Gas Day

National Pass Gas Day is an annual celebration that embraces one of the most natural bodily functions – passing gas. This lighthearted holiday encourages people to let go of social inhibitions and acknowledge this universal human experience with humor and acceptance.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: January 7th each year
  • Tagged as: Humor, Health, Body Functions
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalPassGasDay
  • When was it founded?: The exact founding date is unclear
  • Who founded it?: Unknown, though it gained popularity following increased public interest in the topic

History of National Pass Gas Day

The origins of National Pass Gas Day remain somewhat mysterious. While we don’t know exactly when it took off, it has become an annual celebration held on January 7th. The day is dedicated to acknowledging the natural process of passing gas, creating awareness about its importance to human metabolism, and discussing foods that cause gas production such as beans, broccoli, eggs, cabbage, and dairy products.

The term “fart” was first documented in 1632, meaning “sending forth wind from the anus.” Over time, various writers and humorists adopted the term until it became commonplace in our vocabulary.

Timeline

  • 1976: Formation of the British Flatulence Society, designed to examine and discuss all things related to farting
  • 1994: Publication of “Fart Proudly,” a humorous book showcasing the historical and cultural significance of farting
  • 2002: Multiple scientific studies on farting, its implications for health, and social perceptions are published
  • 2008: Release of popular fart-themed apps like “iFart” and “Pull My Finger” flood the app market
  • 2013: Finland organized the World Fart Championship on July 13, drawing participants from around the globe

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

YearMonth and DateDay
2025January 7Tuesday
2026January 7Wednesday
2027January 7Thursday
2028January 7Friday
2029January 7Sunday
2030January 7Monday

How National Pass Gas Day is Observed

People celebrate this day by embracing the natural act of passing gas without shame, often with friends and family for laughs. Some attend or watch fart championships organized in different communities. Others take the opportunity to educate themselves about diets that help regulate internal metabolism and reduce excessive gas.

Fun Facts About Passing Gas

  • Humans produce between 17 to 68 ounces of gas in our intestines daily
  • The gas we pass contains methane and hydrogen, making it flammable
  • A fart travels at approximately 7 miles per hour or 10 feet per second
  • Mountain climbers tend to pass gas more as air pressure increases
  • On average, humans pass gas between 13-21 times per day
  • A scientist who studies flatulence is called a “flatologist”

Quiz

  1. What is the average number of times humans pass gas daily?
  2. What causes the smell in flatulence?
  3. How fast does a fart travel?

(Answers: 1. 13-21 times, 2. Sulfur compounds, 3. About 7 miles per hour)

FAQs

What causes excessive farting?

Different factors can lead to increased farting frequency, including diet, pressure, or symptoms of underlying medical conditions. Regulating your diet and consulting a doctor when necessary can help.

What causes smelly farts?

Sulfur, one of the components in intestinal gas, causes the smell. Other causes include food intolerance, high-fiber foods, certain medications and antibiotics, and constipation.

How do I reduce constant gas?

Avoid gassy foods like beans, broccoli, eggs, and cabbage. Also, avoid carbonated drinks and beer, and eat slowly to swallow less air while eating.

Importance of National Pass Gas Day

While passing gas might seem like an inappropriate topic for celebration, this day serves as a reminder that bodily functions are natural and nothing to be ashamed of. It promotes health awareness by acknowledging that passing gas is an essential part of human metabolism and the body’s way of releasing waste gases trapped in the belly during digestion.

Related Holidays

  • National Fart Day (February 5)
  • World Toilet Day (November 19)
  • National Digestive Health Awareness Month (May)
  • International Day of Bodily Functions (not officially recognized)
  • National Bean Day (January 6)

On This Day: