National Blame Someone Else Day

National Blame Someone Else Day reminds us of our all-too-human tendency to shift responsibility. Whether it’s a missed deadline, a broken dish, or a bad mood, people often find creative ways to place blame elsewhere. This lighthearted holiday offers a humorous opportunity to point fingers for a day—then reflect and reset.

History

The concept of blaming others is deeply rooted in human behavior. According to biblical tradition, Adam blamed Eve for his actions—and even blamed God for creating her. Eve, in turn, blamed the serpent. This familiar pattern of blame has echoed through centuries.

National Blame Someone Else Day was founded in 1982 by Anne Moeller of Clio, Michigan. After her alarm clock failed one morning, she experienced a cascade of misfortunes throughout the day. That Friday happened to be the 13th, and so the idea for a humorous holiday was born. It is now observed on the first Friday the 13th of each year.

Interesting Facts

• The term “scapegoat” comes from an ancient Hebrew ritual, translated by William Tyndale, where a goat symbolically carried the sins of the people into the wilderness.
• “Patient zero” is a modern-day term for the first identified case in an epidemic—often unfairly blamed for the spread of a disease.
• Eve blaming the serpent is one of the earliest recorded examples of shifting responsibility.
• Blame is a psychological defense mechanism that allows people to avoid guilt by externalizing fault.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Blame Someone Else Day with humor. Blame your alarm clock, your dog, or your coffee maker—but do it playfully. More importantly, take time to reflect on how blame impacts your relationships and personal growth.

Write down times you’ve shifted blame, and consider how accountability can strengthen your mindset. Share jokes, memes, or stories with friends, and spark conversations about self-awareness and responsibility.

When is National Blame Someone Else Day in 2025?

National Blame Someone Else Day is observed on the first Friday the 13th of the year. In 2025, that falls on June 13.

Observations