National Calling Day

A smiling person holding a vintage rotary phone, wearing a cozy sweater, 90s-inspired fashion, living room setting.. — National calling day illustration

Ever have those days when you just want to pick up the phone and chat? Well, my friend, you're in luck because it's National Calling Day! Get ready to dial up your loved ones, have a laugh with your friends, and maybe even order some takeout while you're at it. This is the day to embrace the power of conversation and stay connected with the people who matter most. So grab your phone (or your vintage rotary phone if you're feeling nostalgic) and get ready to ring in National Calling Day!

When is Calling Day?

It's national calling day on the 12th June.

The Internet History of National Calling Day

Now, you might think that National Calling Day is a fun holiday created by phone companies to increase their sales, but that's where you'd be wrong. In fact, National Calling Day has its roots in the early days of the internet when people relied on landlines and payphones to communicate.

Back in the day, before the era of smartphones and social media, calling someone on the phone was the primary means of communication. Long-distance calls were expensive, so people would often set aside a special day to catch up with friends and family who lived far away.

As the internet became more prevalent and communication shifted to text messages and video calls, the tradition of National Calling Day started to fade away. But in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in good ol' fashioned phone calls. People are realizing that there's something special about hearing the voice of a loved one on the other end of the line.

Now, National Calling Day is all about taking a break from texting, tweeting, and posting, and instead, dedicating some time to have a meaningful conversation with someone. It's a day to put down your phone, turn off your notifications, and really listen to what the other person has to say.

Celebrating National Calling Day

So how can you celebrate National Calling Day? It's simple! Start by making a list of the people you want to catch up with or the friends you've been meaning to call. Then, pick up the phone and start dialing! Whether it's your best friend from high school, your grandma who lives across the country, or even just an acquaintance you want to reconnect with, National Calling Day is the perfect excuse to reach out and make someone's day a little brighter.

If you're feeling particularly creative, you could even make a game out of it. Challenge yourself to call as many people as possible within a certain time frame, or see how many different topics you can cover in each conversation. The possibilities are endless!

And remember, National Calling Day isn't just about calling your loved ones. It's also an opportunity to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while and let them know you've been thinking of them. You never know how much a simple phone call can brighten someone's day.

History behind the term 'Calling'

13th century

Emergence of the term

The term 'calling' originated in the 13th century and was derived from the Old English word 'caldung,' meaning 'summons or invitation.' In this period, it commonly referred to a divine summons or a religious vocation.

14th century

Emergence of the term 'calling'

During the 14th century, the term 'calling' originated as a noun derived from the Old Norse word 'kalla,' meaning 'to cry out' or 'to summon.' At this time, 'calling' referred to the act of loudly proclaiming or summoning someone.

1535

Emergence of the term 'calling'

In 1535, the term 'calling' first appeared with its modern meaning in Sir Thomas Elyot's book titled 'The Boke Named the Governour.' Elyot used the term to refer to a divine summons or a vocation, suggesting that individuals have a specific purpose or role in life that is determined by a higher power. This concept of a 'calling' was closely tied to religious beliefs during this period.

1588

'Calling' in the context of religious duty

During the late 16th century, the term 'calling' became further ingrained in religious discourse. The Protestant Reformation, which took place in the early 16th century, emphasized the idea that individuals had a divine 'calling' to serve God and others. This concept of a 'calling' evolved to encompass not only religious duties but also moral obligations and societal responsibilities.

17th century

Expanding to secular usage

During the 17th century, 'calling' started to be used in a more secular context, referring to a person's occupation or profession. The term began to emphasize the idea that individuals were 'called' by their talents or skills to fulfill specific roles or careers within society.

16th century

Religious connotation of 'calling'

In the 16th century, the term 'calling' began to acquire a religious connotation. It was used to describe a divine summons or vocation, particularly in Christian theology. The idea of having a 'calling' meant that individuals were called by God to fulfill a specific purpose or occupation.

17th century

'Calling' as a profession

By the 17th century, the term 'calling' expanded to encompass the concept of a profession or occupation. The Protestant work ethic greatly influenced this shift, stressing the importance of hard work and dedication in one's chosen 'calling.' It became a widely held belief that individuals should find their 'calling' and devote their life to their chosen profession.

1706

John Wesley's influence on 'calling'

In 1706, the influential theologian and founder of Methodism, John Wesley, introduced the term 'calling' in a more secular context. He argued that 'calling' extended beyond religious duties and included one's profession or occupation. Wesley believed that individuals should pursue a vocation aligned with their talents and abilities, recognizing that work could also be considered a calling from God.

19th century

Influence of Protestant theology

In the 19th century, the concept of 'calling' gained significant influence from Protestant theology, particularly in relation to the idea of a 'calling from God.' The Protestant Reformation emphasized the belief that individuals were called by God to carry out their work diligently and conscientiously, elevating mundane tasks to the level of spiritual duty.

18th century

'Calling' in secular usage

During the 18th century, the term 'calling' became commonly used in secular contexts. It evolved to refer more broadly to any strong impulse or conviction driving a person's actions or habits. 'Calling' no longer solely represented a religious or vocational sense, but also embraced personal aspirations, passions, or goals.

20th century

Psychological understanding

In the 20th century, psychological theories started exploring the notion of 'calling' from a more personal perspective. Psychologists and researchers began investigating the concept of finding meaning and purpose in one's work, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal interests and passions with one's career.

1828

Inclusion in dictionaries

'Calling' gained widespread recognition with its inclusion in dictionaries. In 1828, Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language defined 'calling' as a personal occupation, profession, or avocation. This solidified the term's presence in everyday language and further popularized the notion that one's 'calling' encompassed not only religious duty but also the pursuit of one's life's work.

20th century

Expanding interpretations of 'calling'

In the 20th century, the concept of a 'calling' continued to evolve and encompass a broader array of meanings. The term increasingly emphasized the idea that an individual's 'calling' was their unique life purpose or passion, extending beyond religious, professional, or societal obligations. 'Calling' became associated with personal fulfillment, self-discovery, and the pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling lives.

20th century

Modern usage of 'calling'

In the 20th century, the concept of 'calling' underwent further transformation. It began to encompass the idea of an inner passion, a deep-seated desire or purpose that motivates an individual's life and career choices. 'Calling' became associated with the pursuit of personal fulfillment and aligning one's interests with their work.

21st century

Embracing a broader definition

In the 21st century, the term 'calling' has evolved to encompass various aspects of life beyond career choices. It is now frequently used to describe a strong sense of purpose, a compelling mission, or a significant cause that individuals feel deeply connected to, regardless of their professional endeavors.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first ever phone call was made by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant and the words spoken were, 'Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.'? That phone call changed the world, and now we get to celebrate National Calling Day!