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About This Quiz
The calendar is filled with little-known holidays, celebrating everything from wordplay to lifestyle, from fashion to humor, from folklore to new traditions. Take this quiz to learn about DOGust, Quirkyalone Day, and other special days.
How should you celebrate National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day on September 1?
Do something quirky and unreasonable.
Look for words that can't be rhymed.
On National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day, hunt for words that can't be rhymed or write a poem that doesn't rhyme. Alternatively, you could dress in orange and purple, since those color names can't be rhymed. Don't confuse this holiday with Bad Poetry Day, observed on August 18.
Learn about the Age of Reason in the 17th century.
Tell stories that have no logical explanation.
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What is Winter-een-mas?
Scary Christmas Decorations Day.
A seven-day celebration of video games.
Winter-een-mas, which runs from January 25-31 every year, is a celebration of video games and gamers. It was introduced to the world in the "Ctrl+Alt+Del" webcomic.
An all-green Christmas celebration.
Wintergreen Candy Day.
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How was the date chosen to celebrate Mario Day, which honors Nintendo's iconic plumber and hero?
It's the anniversary of the date when the first Mario and Luigi game was introduced in Japan.
It is the date already celebrated as Plumbers' Day.
It is the birth date of the founder of Nintendo.
"Mar 10" resembles "Mario," so the date is March 10.
Nintendo fans celebrate Mario Day on March 10, because "Mar 10" resembles "Mario." Mario games are the best-selling video game franchise of all time. The famous plumber in red overalls was originally going to be named "Mr. Video."
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What are the rules of International Frugal Fun Day?
There's only one rule - do a fun thing that costs $5 or less.
On International Frugal Fun Day, always the first Saturday in October, do something fun that costs $5 or less, or that costs nothing at all!
Celebrate the birthday of consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
Learn ways to save money and reduce debt.
Shop your mortgage or car loan for the best refi rates.
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What is Hoodie Hoo Day?
A day to wear your favorite hoodie.
A celebration of Strigiformes - commonly known as owls.
A day to celebrate the coming of spring.
On Hoodie Hoo Day, at noon sharp, step outside, wave your arms in the air, and shout, "Hoodie-hoo!" Your efforts, combined with fellow celebrants, will help to usher in spring. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrate on February 20. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrate on August 22.
A day to practice yodeling.
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When and what is First Foot Day?
First Foot Day takes place on New Year's Day, particularly in the early hours. For good luck, the first visitor to a home in the new year should be male.
First Foot Day takes place on New Year's Day, particularly in the early hours. For good luck, the first visitor to a home in the new year should be male, have dark hair, and not have flat feet. This tradition originated in Scotland.
First Foot Day celebrates babies the world over, as they take their first steps. The date is March 4, for "march forth."
First Foot Day, July 20, celebrates the anniversary of man's first steps on the moon.
First Foot Day is May 10, when corn is said to reach its first foot in height.
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On what October holiday other than Halloween could you wear sequins, hot pink, bright plaids, crushed velvet, or any combination of these?
Wear Something Gaudy Day.
On Wear Something Gaudy Day, don your brightest colors, your craziest combos, your most embarrassing clothes from decades gone by. This holiday originated on the 1970s sitcom "Three's Company" and it is observed on October 17.
Colorful Clown Day.
Metropolitan Museum Day.
Unformal Formal Day.
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January 16 is set aside to celebrate what, as inspired by Harold Pullman Coffin?
The anti-Halloween.
Nothing.
Harold Pullman Coffin created National Nothing Day as a day to relax, without celebrating anything in particular. Sorry, Mr. Coffin, but this date is also National Fig Newton Day and International Hot and Spicy Food Day. Some people just can't relax.
Funeral directors.
Pullman railroad cars.
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Where is John Frum Day observed?
Tokyo, Japan.
Frumville, Ohio, USA.
Tanna, Vanuatu.
John Frum Day - a holiday with a most intriguing origin - is observed on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu. "John Frum" is probably a corruption of "John from America." During World War II, American troops arrived on the island with food and supplies. Since then, some islanders have considered John Frum to be a deity. They build symbolic landing strips and pray for his return every February 15.
Sydney, Australia.
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In addition to being the deadline for paying income tax in the US, why is April 15th known as That Sucks Day?
It's statistically a common date for late-season ice storms.
It is the anniversary of the date when the first vacuum cleaner was patented.
It is statistically the first date when taxpayers are working for themselves, rather than for the government.
It is the anniversary of both the assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln and the sinking of the Titanic.
President Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865. Although the Titanic hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912, it did not fully submerge until the following day.
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Why is Mad Hatter Day observed on October 6?
It is the Mad Hatter's birthday.
In the original illustrations of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the Mad Hatter has a piece of paper stuck in his hat that says, "In this style, 10/6."
In the original John Tenniel illustrations of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the Mad Hatter has a piece of paper stuck in his hat that says, "In this style, 10/6." Of course, the 10/6 in the illustration could just as easily refer to June 10 or perhaps a price, but October 6 is the chosen date to celebrate.
It is author Lewis Carroll's birthday.
In "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the tea party invitations are for October 6.
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What should you do on National Centenarian's Day?
Do something special for anyone you know who is 100 years old or older.
On National Centenarian's Day, observed on September 22, visit or otherwise do something nice for someone who has been alive for a century or more. Ask them to share their stories!
Learn more about centipedes and millipedes.
Read stories about centaurs.
Embrace the metric system of measurement.
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What holiday inspires people to make up phrases such as, "Pickin' Up Men in My Pickup Truck"?
Bad Poetry Day.
Pickup Truck Songs Day.
Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day.
March 27 brings not only Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, but also National "Joe" Day, when everyone is supposed to answer to the name "Joe" or "Jo." Combine these two holidays if you are so inclined: "My Hound Dog Bobbie Jo Ran Off with My Best Friend Joe."
Truckin' Day.
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What is Marmot Day?
A day to make French pastries.
A day to celebrate Marmot Island in the South Pacific.
The first day of hunting season.
The Alaskan alternative to Groundhog Day.
Marmot Day is an official holiday in Alaska, as signed into law by Governor Sarah Palin. It is celebrated on February 2 each year. Non-Alaskans in North America observe Groundhog Day by watching Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania or other local groundhogs.
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What holiday helps us to let off steam while we're struggling with hard plastic, staples, wires, and glue, when all we want to do is enjoy our gifts or purchases?
Ditch the Molded Plastic Packaging Day.
Tear Open Your Packages Day.
Switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging Day.
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day.
We can vent our frustration with hard-to-open packages on Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day, observed on August 7. Maybe we should form a consumers' union and go on strike.
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When is Palindrome Day?
January 1.
April 1.
July 28, the anniversary of the founding of alternative band They Might Be Giants.
Any day when the numerical date is the same, read forward or backward.
Palindrome Day is any day when the numerical date is the same, read forward or backward. For example, 7/1/17 and 7/10/2017 are Palindrome Days. Palendrome Days vary, depending on whether you write numerical dates with the month first or the date first, and also whether you write the year as two or four digits.
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What is DOGust?
A celebration of the dog days of summer.
The universal birthday for shelter dogs.
DOGust, celebrated on August 1, is the universal birthday for shelter dogs, because their truth birth dates are rarely known. Consider rescuing a dog or pamper a special dog in your life on this holiday.
A day to spay or neuter your pet.
A day to favor your dog over your cat.
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Which July holiday is the centerpiece of Take a Nakation Month?
Hot Tub Wednesday.
National Nude Day.
Celebrate National Nude Day, the centerpiece of Take a Nakation Month, at your own risk! July is Take a Nakation Month; July 14 is National Nude Day. Brrrr - is there a draft in here?
Staycation Day.
Topless Tuesday.
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What is Chimborazo Day?
A celebration of domesticated chimpanzees.
The day honors Mount Chimborazo, the highest point on Earth when measured from the Earth's core.
Chimborazo Day, June 3, honors the inactive volcano that is the highest point on Earth, when measured from the Earth's core. Mount Everest is taller than Chimborazo when each is measured from base to summit. Chimborazo is located in the Andes, in Ecuador.
The day honors chimney sweeps.
A day to enjoy chimborazo stew.
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What is Perfect Pac-Man Day?
The birthday of the iconic round yellow Pac-Man.
A celebration of retro video games.
A time to play games, relax, and just have a perfect lazy day.
The anniversary of the day when gamer Billy Mitchell cleared every level of the Pac-Man arcade game.
On Perfect Pac-Man Day, July 3, we celebrate the anniversary of Billy Mitchell's 1999 achievement. He cleared all 256 levels of the Pac-Man arcade game. Afterward, he vowed to never play the game again, since there was nothing left to achieve.
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What holiday is celebrated on the birth date of William Archibald Spooner?
Healthy and Hearty Soup Day.
Spoonerism Day.
July 22nd is Spoonerism Day, commemorating the birth date of William Archibald Spooner, accidental inventor of the spoonerism. A spoonerism is the swapping of consonants or syllables in two words, creating runny fesults, er, funny results. "Lack of pies" is a spoonerism for "pack of lies."
Spoons and Ladles Day.
Spoon Collectors Day.
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What is Towel Day?
Towel Day honors Douglas Adams, who wrote "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
Towel Day honors Douglas Adams, who wrote "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In this comical sci-fi story, people hitchhiking their way across the galaxy consider a towel to be an indispensable tool. Adams died unexpectedly on May 11, 2001, and the first Towel Day was held two weeks later, on May 25, in his memory.
Towel Day celebrates the invention of the paper towel.
Towel Day celebrates modern plumbing and sanitation.
Towel Day commemorates the invention of terry cloth.
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What cuddly holiday is observed on the second Wednesday in October?
Huggies Day.
Kitten Snuggling Day.
Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work and School Day.
No one knows why Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work and School Day is observed on the second Wednesday in October - it just is. At least there's a good chance that people will be at work or school, since it's a weekday. No matter. Just bring your favorite cuddly bear and enjoy a stress-free day.
Hug Your Toddler Day.
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Why is Roller Coaster Day observed on August 16?
It is the anniversary of the first roller coaster with a loop.
The end of summer brings a roller coaster of emotions.
It is the anniversary of the first roller coaster patent.
Roller Coaster Day is observed on August 16, the anniversary of the first roller coaster patent in 1898. Since then, roller coaster designers strive to make their coasters higher, faster, and loopier.
It commemorates the first day of the Wall Street stock market crash in 1929.
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On what holiday should you consider donating some unloved clothing to a second-hand store or buying some cool vintage gear?
Vintage Vibe Day.
Goodwill Day.
Secondhand Wardrobe Day.
Donate or buy some awesome used clothing on August 25, Secondhand Wardrobe Day. Sing along with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" or Prince's "Raspberry Beret" while showing off your vintage style.
Frugal and Thrifty Day.
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What September 5 holiday should be celebrated by procrastinators everywhere?
Early Bird Day.
Get Things Done Day.
Prognostication Day.
Be Late for Something Day.
Be Late for Something Day is meant to remind people to relax a little. The world probably won't end if you're five minutes late. As the White Rabbit sings, "I'm late, I'm late for / A very important date. / No time to say hello, goodbye, / I'm late, I'm late, I'm late."
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When is Bow Tie Day?
November 2.
December 24.
August 28.
Bow Tie Day is always observed on August 28. No one knows how or where this holiday originated, but the bow tie itself comes from Croatia.
June 1.
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What is International Quirkyalone Day?
An alternative to New Year's Eve parties.
Every Friday the 13th.
An alternative to Valentine's Day.
International Quirkyalone Day is an alternative to Valentine's Day, for those who are content to be single or who are simply tired of the commercialism of Valentine's Day. Yes, it's observed on February 14.
The day after Halloween.
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Which obscure quirky holiday was given a boost into pop culture by columnist Dave Barry?
Dave's World Day.
Miami Honeymooners Day.
Biscayne Bay Bash.
Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Arrr, it's Talk Like a Pirate Day, mateys, celebrated on September 19. A couple of regular guys - John Baur and Mark Summers - invented Talk Like a Pirate Day back in 1995 while grunting on the racquetball court. They celebrated casually until the year they decided to email Dave Barry, and the rest is history, me heartys!
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When is Blame Someone Else Day observed?
The first Friday the 13th of each year.
Some people seem to celebrate Blame Someone Else Day all the time, but the official date is the first Friday the 13th of each year. Maybe on this holiday paraskevidekatriaphobics can relax and blame someone else for the fact that they fear Friday the 13th.
August 1.
Halloween.
September 29, the anniversary of the 2008 stock market crash.
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What is another name for A'phabet Day?
Learn to Spell Wednesday.
Back to School Monday.
A to Z Day.
No "L" Day.
Both A'phabet Day and No "L" Day are puns on "Noel." Get it? "No L" sounds like "Noel." Therefore, both of these holidays are fun ways to think about Christmas, which is December 25.
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Who is George Spelvin, who is honored every November 15?
Not a real person, but a placeholder name on theatrical programs.
George Spelvin is credited with many roles onstage, but he does not exist. The name is used when an actor doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that he is playing more than one role in a production. Spelvin's dramatic relatives are Georgette Spelvin for women and, in British programs, Walter Plinge.
The first US presidential candidate from the Communist Party.
The inventor of the turkey baster.
The first man to climb Mount Chimborazo.
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What is Zero-Tasking Day?
The day after Labor Day.
A day to protest the concept of multitasking.
It celebrates the extra hour in a day, due to Daylight Saving Time.
Zero-Tasking Day happens whenever there's a 25-hour day, due to Daylight Saving Time. The extra hour is a time to relax, not to work. Zero-Tasking Day occurs on different dates in different countries that adjust the clock with the season.
A day for bosses to refrain from being bossy, to encourage employee initiative.
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What are celebrants expected to do to their neighors on February 7 each year?
Send pre-Valentines.
Wave all their fingers.
February 7 is Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbors Day. It's a time to be friendly and make some actual connections with the people you may usually ignore or merely nod at.
Ring their doorbells, then hide.
Share casseroles.
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What is SCUD Day?
A day to celebrate potatoes.
Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama Day.
SCUD Day is short for Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama Day. Unless you're watching a TV show or a play, wouldn't you enjoy life with a bit less drama? On July 8, more than any other day, spare the insults and share some laughs.
A day to protest the use of scud missiles and other ballistic missiles.
A day to practice archery.
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