National Trivia Day is a celebration dedicated to those who relish in collecting and sharing seemingly useless facts and information. The day honors trivia enthusiasts and the quirky bits of knowledge they cherish.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 4th
- Tagged as: Trivia, Fun Facts, Knowledge
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalTriviaDay
- When was it founded?: 1980
- Who founded it?: Robert L. Birch
History of National Trivia Day
National Trivia Day was established by Robert L. Birch in 1980. Birch, a former librarian, aimed to spotlight the joy and curiosity that trivia brings to people. The concept of trivia as a form of entertainment gained popularity in the 1960s with college quiz bowls and radio shows like “Take It or Leave It.” The board game Trivial Pursuit, created in 1979, further fueled the trivia craze.
Timeline
- 1940s: Radio quiz show “Take It or Leave It” popularizes trivia.
- 1964: “Jeopardy!” debuts on television.
- 1965: Columbia University publishes a trivia game in its newspaper.
- 1979: Trivial Pursuit is created by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott.
- 1980: National Trivia Day is founded by Robert L. Birch.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 4 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 4 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 4 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 4 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 4 | Thursday |
Observed
National Trivia Day is observed annually on January 4th. It is a day for trivia enthusiasts to share their knowledge, participate in trivia games, and enjoy the thrill of learning new facts.
Fun Facts About National Trivia Day
- The word “trivia” originates from the Latin term “trivium,” meaning “place where three roads meet.”
- Trivial Pursuit has sold over 20 million copies since its release.
- The largest annual trivia contest is held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Quiz
- What geometric shape is generally used for stop signs?
- Answer: Octagon
- The unicorn is the national animal of which country?
- Answer: Scotland
- What is the official nickname of Texas?
- Answer: The Lone Star State
FAQs
Q: How can I celebrate National Trivia Day?
A: Participate in trivia games, host a quiz night, or share fun facts with friends.
Q: Why is trivia popular?
A: Trivia combines social interaction with competition, making it an engaging pastime.
Importance of National Trivia Day
National Trivia Day highlights the value of curiosity and learning through fun facts. It encourages social interaction and intellectual engagement, making it a beloved celebration for many.
Related
- Trivial Pursuit
- Jeopardy!
- Pub quizzes