National Clerihew Day

Person creatively writing a clerihew with a smile, wearing a colorful bow tie, surrounded by books and a typewriter.. — National clerihew day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Clerihew Day! Prepare to have your funny bone tickled and your lyrical skills tested. This whimsical holiday is dedicated to the delightful art of clerihews, those quirky four-line verses that never fail to bring a smile to your face. So grab your pen and get ready to craft hilarious rhymes, because National Clerihew Day is here to celebrate the power of witty wordplay!

When is Clerihew Day?

It's national clerihew day on the 10th July.

The Birth of National Clerihew Day

National Clerihew Day has had a slow but steady climb to fame in the realm of quirky holidays. Inspired by the amusing verses of English novelist Edmund Clerihew Bentley, this day was brought into existence to honor his literary contribution to the world. Bentley invented the clerihew style of poetry, characterized by its absurdities, irregular meters, and humorous takes on famous people.

Since its inception, the celebration of National Clerihew Day has spread like wildfire across the internet. People from all walks of life have embraced the joy of composing their own clerihews and sharing them with the world.

Clerihews: An Ode to the Absurd

A clerihew is a four-line humorous verse with a specific rhyming scheme. The first line typically mentions a well-known person's name, while the following lines provide a witty and often absurd description or anecdote about them. Here's an example to give you a taste of the delightful absurdity:

"Sir Isaac Newton
Ate an apple, he knew when
With gravity's might
It would knock him out of sight!"

As you can see, the clerihew is all about bending the rules and letting your imagination have a field day. So feel free to let loose and come up with your own clever verses!

Join the Clerihew Craze

On National Clerihew Day, it's time to put your wit to the test and create your very own clerihews. Whether you write about historical figures, celebrities, or even your friends and family, the key is to bring a smile to someone's face with your clever wordplay.

Don't worry if rhyming isn't your strong suit. The beauty of clerihews is that they embrace creativity and individuality, allowing you to experiment with language and push the boundaries of traditional poetry.

Share your clerihews on social media using the hashtag #NationalClerihewDay and join the ever-growing community of wordsmiths who are delighting the world one absurd verse at a time!

History behind the term 'Clerihew'

1905

Birth of Edmund Clerihew Bentley

In the year 1905, Edmund Clerihew Bentley, a British writer and humorist, was born. Bentley later gained fame for creating a unique form of humorous verse that became known as the 'clerihew'.

1905-1909

The Early Years of Clerihew Writing

In the years following Bentley's birth, he began experimenting with a distinctive style of light-hearted poetry. His poems consisted of four lines, typically rhyming AABB, and were often comical and satirical in nature. These verses became known as 'clerihews' after Bentley's own surname.

1909

Publication of 'Biography for Beginners'

In 1909, Bentley published his first collection of clerihews titled 'Biography for Beginners'. This book contained a series of witty and whimsical verses that parodied well-known historical figures and celebrities. Bentley's clever wordplay and humorous observations made the clerihews immensely popular.

1911

Spread of Clerihews

By 1911, clerihews had gained widespread recognition and popularity. The simple and humorous nature of these verses appealed to a wide audience, and many writers and poets began imitating Bentley's style. Clerihews started appearing in newspapers, magazines, and even school textbooks, firmly establishing their place in literary culture.

Present

Clerihew's Enduring Legacy

Today, the term 'clerihew' continues to be used to describe this specific form of humorous poetry. Bentley's innovative style and wit influenced generations of writers, and the clerihew remains a beloved and playful form of verse. The enduring legacy of Edmund Clerihew Bentley ensures that his name will forever be associated with this delightful genre of poetry.