A calendar page being flipped backwards with playful arrows pointing in reverse direction, symbolizing the whimsical nature of National Reverse Day

National Reverse Day, also known as National Backward Day, is an annual celebration that encourages people to do things in reverse or opposite ways. It’s a day to break free from routine, think creatively, and have fun by approaching everyday activities from a different perspective.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: January 31
  • Tagged as: Fun, Creativity, Unconventional
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalBackwardDay
  • When was it founded?: January 29, 1961
  • Who founded it?: Sarah Nicole Miller and Megan Emily Scott

History of National Reverse Day

National Reverse Day was created by Sarah Nicole Miller and Megan Emily Scott while working on a farm. The idea came to them as they were milking cows and brainstorming about arts and crafts. They established the rules on January 29, 1961, and by January 31, the entire community was participating in backward activities.

Timeline

  • Ancient times: Many cultures celebrated reversing social norms, like the Roman Saturnalia
  • 1961: National Backward Day is created by Miller and Scott
  • 1990s-2000s: Schools begin celebrating the day with various activities
  • Present day: The celebration continues to grow in popularity

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDateDay
2025January31Friday
2026January31Saturday
2027January31Sunday
2028January31Monday
2029January31Wednesday
2030January31Thursday

Observed

National Reverse Day is celebrated by people of all ages, but it’s particularly popular among school-aged children. Many schools organize special activities for the day, such as wearing clothes inside out or backward, writing names in reverse, or eating dessert before the main course.

Fun Facts About National Reverse Day

  1. Leonardo da Vinci practiced mirror writing, which is a form of backward writing.
  2. The day inspired a memorable episode of SpongeBob SquarePants featuring “Opposite Day.”
  3. Some people celebrate by reading books from the last page to the first.
  4. Reverse poetry, which can be read forward and backward with different meanings, is a popular activity on this day.

Quiz

  1. On which date is National Reverse Day celebrated?
  2. Who created National Reverse Day?
  3. What famous artist was known for writing backward?

-(Answers: 1. January 31, 2. Sarah Nicole Miller and Megan Emily Scott, 3. Leonardo da Vinci)*

FAQs

Q: Can anyone participate in National Reverse Day?
A: Yes, people of all ages can participate and have fun doing things backward.

Q: Are there any rules for celebrating National Reverse Day?
A: There are no strict rules. The main idea is to do things in reverse or opposite ways creatively and safely.

Related

  • National Opposite Day
  • International Left Handers Day
  • Global Pay It Forward Day
  • Play Outdoors Day
  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day