Bison-ten Yell Day

Bison-ten Yell Day, celebrated annually on September 2, is one of the more curious holidays with a playful twist on linguistics. It may seem whimsical, but its quirky appeal comes from the phonetic playfulness of its name, which sounds like “bicentennial” when spoken aloud.

History

This holiday began as a humorous observance and a pun, but it also gives a nod to the history of communication. The name “Bison-ten Yell” is a clever play on the word “bicentennial,” and the day commemorates the invention of military signals, where each signal corresponded to a specific word for efficient communication. The “ten Yell” aspect may reference the original set of ten signals used in early military messaging.

Interesting Facts

• The “V” sign for victory gained worldwide popularity during World War II.
• The high five became a staple in sports after a famous moment at Dodger Stadium in October 1977.
• The fist bump originated as a practical greeting among boxers, adapted for their gloved hands.

How to Take Part

Celebrate Bison-ten Yell Day by inventing your own set of symbols or a secret code to communicate with friends. Watch a sports event and notice the variety of hand signals athletes use. Share the fun of this unique holiday on social media and challenge others to create or decode playful messages.

When is Bison-ten Yell Day in 2025?

Bison-ten Yell Day is observed on September 2 each year.

Observations