National Belly Button Day

Hello there, fellow belly button enthusiasts! You might wonder why we're so excited about this small, often overlooked part of our body. Well, on one special day of the year, National Belly Button Day, we all get to celebrate this unique feature that connects us to our past in quite a literal way!

When is Belly Button Day?

It's national belly button day on the 24th June.

About National Belly Button Day

Not many parts of the body get their very own day of celebration, but the humble belly button (or navel, if you want to get technical) has managed it! A day dedicated to the tiny knot that served as our umbilical connection in the womb, where the celebration is just as quirky as it sounds!

Internet History of the Day

Around 372 mentions of National Belly Button Day can be found on the internet, but this figure indeed skyrocketed on June 24, 2020. This day in 2020 seemed to have belly buttons as the protagonist of the world wide web, standing out on news feeds and timelines like an...outie on a beach day!

Why Celebrate the Belly Button?

The belly button is more than just a conversation starter at pool parties or a convenient lint collector. It's a reminder of our connection to our mothers and the time we spent growing in their wombs. Not to mention, it can serve as great inspiration for quirky accessories and belly-friendly fashion choices!

How To Celebrate

There’s no definitive ritual to celebrate the day but you could gear up for the day by wearing belly button exposing clothes or even throwing a belly button themed party! It’s all about having fun and embracing the quirky and unique parts of yourself.

History behind the term 'Belly Button'

1611

Navel as the original term

The term 'belly button' originated from the Old English word 'navel', which was used to refer to the central and hollow part of the abdomen. It has been used in various languages throughout history to describe this anatomical feature, with the Latin word 'umbilicus' also commonly used.

1500 BC

The Ancient World

In ancient times, the belly button held great significance as a sacred symbol. Ancient civilizations believed that the navel was the center of the body and represented the connection between a person and their mother. It symbolized life and fertility and was often depicted in art and religious rituals.

1530s

Origin of the term 'belly button'

The term 'belly button' emerged in the English language around the 1530s. 'Belly' was a common term used to describe the abdomen, while 'button' referred to a small round object. The combination of these two words created the term 'belly button' as a colloquial way to refer to the navel.

400 BC

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology played a significant role in the development of the term 'belly button.' According to myth, Zeus fed from his mother Gaia's life-giving milk through a divine 'navel stone' that granted him immense power. This mythological tale contributed to the ongoing symbolism of the belly button as a source of life and strength.

16th Century

Naming the Navel

The English language gave birth to the term 'belly button' in the 16th century. 'Belly' referred to the stomach area, while 'button' was used to describe something that protrudes or forms a small knob. The combination of these words created the commonly used term to describe the central indentation on the abdomen.

1920s

Popularizing the 'belly button' term

During the 1920s, the term 'belly button' gained significant popularity and became widely accepted as the common term to describe the navel. This period marked a shift in cultural norms, as people started to embrace more casual and playful language. 'Belly button' perfectly captured the lightheartedness and simplicity of everyday conversation.

1970s

Rise of the 'innie' and 'outie' classification

In the 1970s, the classification of 'innie' and 'outie' belly buttons became popularized. An 'innie' refers to a navel that is indented or concave, while an 'outie' describes a protruding or convex navel. This classification gained attention in popular culture, leading to discussions about individual body types and appearances.

19th Century

Scientific Exploration

As scientific knowledge advanced, anatomists began to study the human body in greater detail. In the 19th century, the belly button, also known as the umbilicus, became a subject of medical interest. It was recognized as a scar resulting from the detachment of the umbilical cord after birth.

Present day

Belly button as a cultural symbol

Today, the term 'belly button' has become deeply ingrained in everyday language and popular culture. It is often associated with innocence, playfulness, and body confidence. Belly button piercings have also become a popular form of self-expression and fashion statement, further solidifying its place as a cultural symbol.

20th Century

The Beauty of the Navel

During the 20th century, fashion trends and societal attitudes began to influence the perception of the belly button. With the rise of shorter dresses and crop tops, the belly button became a symbol of sensuality and beauty. It was accentuated and often considered an erogenous zone.

21st Century

Body Piercing and Belly Button Rings

In recent years, body piercing has gained popularity, leading to the rise of belly button rings. This trend popularized the idea of adorning the belly button with various jewelry styles, including studs, hoops, and gemstones. Belly button rings became a fashion statement, allowing individuals to express their personal style and individuality.

Did you know?

Did you know that all mammals, except marsupials and monotremes, have belly buttons? That's right! So if you've ever wanted to feel a connection with your pet cat, dog, or guinea pig, just remember...you both have belly buttons!