National Fence Day

Children playing near a white picket fence in a sunny suburban neighborhood, wearing colorful summer clothes, happy and carefree atmosphere.. — National fence day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the quirky and sometimes downright bizarre national days that are celebrated throughout the year. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of National Fence Day!

When is Fence Day?

It's national fence day on the 28th January.

The History of National Fence Day

On this special day, we come together to recognize and appreciate the humble fence – that trusty barrier that keeps our properties safe, delineates our boundaries, and occasionally serves as a canvas for some impressive graffiti art.

While the exact origins of National Fence Day are shrouded in mystery, fences have been an essential part of human civilization for centuries. From white picket fences adorning suburban homes to towering fences surrounding maximum-security prisons, there's a fence for every occasion.

Early civilizations recognized the importance of fences for protecting their crops from scavenging wildlife, and for establishing territorial boundaries. It wasn't until the industrial revolution that fences started to become a more common feature in residential areas. As society evolved, so too did the humble fence, with ornate wrought iron fences adding a touch of elegance to many homes.

The Celebration of National Fence Day

On National Fence Day, people from all walks of life come together to pay homage to this unsung hero of the structural world. Some celebrate by giving their fences a fresh coat of paint or repairing any wear and tear that may have occurred over time. Others take this opportunity to explore the vast array of fence styles and materials available, adding a touch of personal flair to their properties.

Whether you have a white picket fence, a chain-link fence, or perhaps even an invisible electric fence for your furry friends, National Fence Day is the perfect time to appreciate the practicality and aesthetics that fences bring to our lives.

Fun Fact About Fences

Did you know that the world's longest fence stretches over 5,600 kilometers? Known as the Dingo Fence, it was constructed in the late 19th century to protect fertile land in Southeast Australia from dingo attacks. Talk about thinking outside the fence!

History behind the term 'Fence'

c. 1200

The Birth of 'Fence'

The term 'fence' originated around the year 1200 from the Old English word 'fens,' which means a hedge or enclosure. It referred to a barrier or structure made of wood, hedges, or other materials that enclosed a particular area.

1270

Expanding the Concept to Defensive Barriers

By the year 1270, the term 'fence' began to be used to describe defensive barriers, particularly in the context of fortifications and military structures. It denoted the protective walls and fortified barriers built around castles and cities to provide security and deter attackers.

1590

Transition to a Verb

In 1590, the term 'fence' started to be used as a verb, signifying the action of enclosing or protecting an area with a barrier. This expanded the usage beyond the physical structure itself to encompass the act of creating boundaries or restrictions.

1808

Fence as a Metaphor

In the early 19th century, 'fence' took on a metaphorical meaning, representing a figurative barrier or boundary. It came to symbolize division or separation between people or ideas. This symbolic usage became especially prevalent in literature and poetry.

1870

The Rise of Fencing as a Sport

During the 19th century, the term 'fence' gained another dimension with the rise of fencing as a popular sport. Fencing involves skilled combat with specialized swords within defined boundaries or 'fencing strips.' The sport adopted the term 'fence' to describe the tactical art of swordplay and the boundary within which the bouts took place.