National Take a Poet to Lunch Day is an annual celebration dedicated to appreciating poetry and poets by treating them to a meal. This unique holiday encourages people to support and recognize the contributions of poets to our culture and society.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 6th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Literature & Writing, Work & Career
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalTakeAPoetToLunchDay
- When was it founded?: 1996
- Who founded it?: Information not available
History of National Take a Poet to Lunch Day
While the exact origins of National Take a Poet to Lunch Day are unclear, the celebration of poetry has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Poetry has been a fundamental form of artistic expression since ancient times, with epic poems like “The Epic of Gilgamesh” dating back to 3000 B.C. This day serves as a modern tribute to the enduring legacy of poetry in human culture.
Timeline
- 3000 B.C.: The oldest surviving epic poem, “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” is written
- 2000 B.C.: The first known love poem, “Istanbul,” is inscribed on a tablet
- 1000 B.C.: The oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, “Shijing,” is compiled
- 335 B.C.: Aristotle’s “Poetics” categorizes poetry into verse drama, lyric, and epic
- 1996: National Take a Poet to Lunch Day is established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month of Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 6 | Mon |
| 2026 | January 6 | Tue |
| 2027 | January 6 | Wed |
| 2028 | January 6 | Thu |
| 2029 | January 6 | Sat |
| 2030 | January 6 | Sun |
Observed
National Take a Poet to Lunch Day is observed nationwide in the United States. It is celebrated in schools, by publishers, booksellers, and poetry enthusiasts across the country.
Fun Facts About National Take a Poet to Lunch Day
- Some people wear poetry-themed clothing or accessories to show their support.
- Many choose to read their favorite poems aloud during lunch.
- It’s an opportunity to discover new poets and engage in discussions about poetry.
- Some organizations use this day to promote the benefits of poetry in our lives.
- Financial contributions to poetry organizations are common on this day.
Quiz
- On which date is National Take a Poet to Lunch Day celebrated?
- What was the name of the oldest known love poem?
- In which year was National Take a Poet to Lunch Day established?
(Answers: 1. January 6th, 2. “Istanbul”, 3. 1996)
FAQs
Q: Can I celebrate if I don’t know any poets personally?
A: Yes! You can celebrate by reading poetry, supporting local poetry events, or even treating yourself to lunch while enjoying a poetry book.
Q: Is this holiday only celebrated in the United States?
A: While it originated in the USA, anyone worldwide can participate in the spirit of the day.
Q: Do I have to literally take a poet to lunch?
A: Not necessarily. The day is about appreciating poetry in any way you choose, whether that’s reading, writing, or discussing poetry.
Importance of National Take a Poet to Lunch Day
This day highlights the significance of poetry in our culture, encourages support for poets and their work, and promotes the appreciation of this ancient art form. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with poets, discover new works, and reflect on the power of words in our lives.
Related
- National Poetry Month
- World Poetry Day
- Poem in Your Pocket Day
- National Haiku Poetry Day
- Burns Night (celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns)