National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day

National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day is perhaps one of the strangest and most unusual holidays on the calendar. If you want to join in the celebration, get ready to look for words that you can’t find a rhyme for. And on this day, you can do everything spontaneously, for no reason. The holiday is based on a famous idiom used in a Shakespeare play.

History

National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day is based on an old English idiom dating back to the mid-15th century. Initially, the idiom was used in the work of John Russell’s Boke of Nurture. Later it was featured by Shakespeare in his comedy play “Comedy of Errors” and again in “As You Like It” in 1600.

Today, this phrase is used by millions of people around the world. Rhyming has existed for many centuries, utilized by poets when composing ballads, sonnets, and poems. The oldest rhymes appeared in the 10th century BC in China, and some can even be found in the Bible. Rhyming actively developed in the 6th-7th centuries AD, used by both the Arabs and the Irish.

Interesting Facts

• The word ‘rhyme’ has French roots, originating from the word ‘rime’.
• Translated from German, the word ‘rhyme’ means a sequence or a series.
• Eye rhymes are special rhymes where rhyming words are spelled the same but sound different.
• In his plays, Shakespeare often used a special technique—ending scenes with rhymed couplets.

How to take part

Come up with your own list of words that you can’t rhyme. Write them down and have a fun party with your friends. Be sure to do something for no reason, spontaneously. This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and get a little creative. For example, go on a trip, or sign up for an interesting masterclass. Do something that you have never done before. Try writing a poem.

When is National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day in 2024?

National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations