3rd September : Significance

The construction of tall buildings has become so commonplace in cities around the globe that the general public gives little thought to the visionaries responsible for creating a city's unique skyline. Skyscraper day provides the opportunity to learn more about the architects who commit a dream to paper and the construction crews that make it reality.

Whoever it was that first considered placing dwellings on top of each other instead of side-by-side would be astounded at how modern buildings literally seem to touch the sky. What they may also find interesting is the status that is often attached to living or working at the highest level. Although this analogy is obvious there is another to be drawn from the consequences of a power failure. These are just a few aspects to ponder on a day that is set aside to reflect on man's apparent conquest of upper space.

The beard has been the symbol of manliness since time out of mine, close trimmed, full and properly manicured, even wild and bushy and out of control, the beard stands supreme. It has stood for many masculine virtues, including wisdom, strength, high social status, even sexual prowess, especially in warrior cultures. While there have been places that it hasn't necessarily been in style, or even possible to grow for some, overall there has been a great deal of admiration and respect for someone sporting a fine beard. World Beard Day celebrates the beard and all it has been, become, and will be in days to come.

History of World Beard Day

Every year people gather in places all over the world to sport their beard, with various ways of celebrating all over the world. The origins of World Beard Day have been lost to history, which isn't surprising considering that there is evidence that the Danish Vikings have held a day in honor of their beard going back as far as 800 AD. Back in those august days, there wasn't a specific day held to honor the beard, but multiple celebrations throughout the region. Some of the celebrations are even a little crazy.

Take Dnskborg, Sweden for instance, where all those who lack a beard are banished from the town to spend a day and night in the nearby forest. In town their shamefully clean-faced visages are burned in effigy by those sporting amazing beards. In southern Spain there is a tradition of having a bearded man and a beardless boy engage in a boxing match, if you can call it a boxing match when the man is armed with a sharp pike. Regardless of where you are, shaving on World Beard Day is considered to be one of the worst acts of disrespect possible, and in some places those with beards are waited on hand and foot!

How to celebrate World Beard Day

How World Beard Day is celebrated varies from area to area, as mentioned above, but all of them share one thing in common. The beard is held in high esteem. Organize a World Beard Day in your community, and be sure to include that manliest of outdoor cooking methods, the BBQ. Beverages are always loved, and after everyone has feasted you can hold a competition to see who has the most magnificent beard! World Beard Day honors your face ferret, and that of everyone around you!