National Orderly Day

Smiling woman with a neat desk, wearing a professional outfit, office setting.. — National orderly day illustration

Hey there! It's time to celebrate National Orderly Day, a day dedicated to all the organized folks out there who bring order and structure to chaos. So put on your organizational cap and get ready to dive into the fascinating history of this special day!

When is Orderly Day?

It's national orderly day on the 20th May.

The History of National Orderly Day

Do you spot a misplaced item from a mile away? Do you take pride in color-coded calendars and meticulously organized closets? If so, you're already an honorary member of the National Orderly Day club!

This delightful day of celebration was first observed on May 20, 2020, and has since become an annual tradition for neat freaks and organizing enthusiasts around the world. It all started when the internet decided to pay homage to those individuals who possess the magical power to transform chaos into order.

Since its inception, National Orderly Day has gained popularity on social media platforms, with people sharing photos of their perfectly arranged bookshelves, immaculate pantries, and neatly compartmentalized sock drawers. It's a day that brings together everyone who finds solace in an organized life.

How to Celebrate

Ready to join the celebration? Here are a few fun ways to honor National Orderly Day:

Organize, organize, organize: Take some time to declutter and tidy up your living space, office, or digital files. Embrace the joy of living in an organized environment!
Create order in chaos: If you have a friend or loved one who could use a little help in the organization department, lend them a hand. Offer to assist in tidying up their space or helping them sort through their overflowing inbox.
Share your tips and tricks: Use the power of social media to spread the love for organization. Post pictures of your well-organized spaces and share tips on how to maintain order.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there is an official science dedicated to the study of organization? It's called Oology, and it focuses on the science of organizing eggs. Fascinating, right? So next time you're organizing your sock drawer, remember that there's an entire realm of science dedicated to organization!

History behind the term 'Orderly'

14th century

Emergence of the term 'orderly'

The term 'orderly' originated in the 14th century and was derived from the Middle English word 'ordrely,' meaning well-regulated or conforming to a specific order. It was primarily used to describe things or actions that were done in an organized and systematic manner.

13th century

Emergence of the term

The term 'orderly' is derived from the Middle English word 'ordirli' which means 'in order or organized'. It first appeared in written form in the 13th century during the Middle Ages, a time marked by the rise of chivalry and hierarchical societal structures. The term was primarily used to describe the state of being well-organized and disciplined in various contexts.

17th century

Military application

During the 17th century, the term 'orderly' gained popularity in military contexts. It was used to refer to soldiers assigned to perform specific tasks in an organized and disciplined manner. These soldiers, known as 'orderlies,' were responsible for maintaining orderliness within military camps, ensuring logistics, and attending to the needs of officers. The term 'orderly' became synonymous with discipline and efficiency within military ranks.

18th century

Adoption in medical and military contexts

In the 18th century, the term 'orderly' began to be used in medical and military contexts. In medical settings, an orderly referred to a hospital attendant responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and organization of patient areas. In the military, an orderly was a soldier assigned to assist higher-ranking officers with administrative tasks and maintain order in camp or barracks.

19th century

Spread to law enforcement and public service

During the 19th century, the usage of 'orderly' expanded to law enforcement and public service sectors. Police departments employed orderlies to maintain crowd control during civil unrest or public events. They were tasked with ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, preventing disturbances, and preserving public order.

19th century

Medical usage

In the 19th century, the term 'orderly' found its way into the medical field. Orderlies were individuals employed in hospitals to assist nurses and doctors in maintaining order, cleanliness, and patient care. They were responsible for tasks such as transporting patients, cleaning hospital rooms, and assisting with medical procedures. The term 'orderly' thus became associated with the well-organized and systematic operation of healthcare institutions.

20th century

Evolution into a social behavior term

In the 20th century, 'orderly' evolved further to encompass a broader meaning related to social behavior. It came to represent individuals who exhibited disciplined, well-behaved, and organized conduct in various aspects of life. This could refer to the orderliness of one's thoughts, actions, or living spaces, implying a sense of tidiness and structure.

20th century

Expanding into civilian domains

During the 20th century, the term 'orderly' started to be widely used beyond military and medical contexts. It became a common descriptor of individuals who carried out tasks with precision, neatness, and efficiency across various professions. Whether in administrative roles, hospitality services, or event management, being described as 'orderly' came to signify a person's ability to organize and maintain a structured environment in any setting.

Did you know?

Did you know that there is an official science dedicated to the study of organization? It's called Oology, and it focuses on the science of organizing eggs. Fascinating, right?