National Feral Day

Young man with tousled hair, wearing rugged outdoor clothing, surrounded by nature, possibly holding a rescued animal to show compassion on National Feral Day.. — National feral day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the hilarious and bizarre origins of national days! Today, we're diving into the wild and untamed world of National Feral Day.

When is Feral Day?

It's national feral day on the 16th October.

The Origins of National Feral Day

On this day, we celebrate the enchantment of feral beings living amongst us. From feral cats and dogs to feral children raised by wolves (okay, maybe not that extreme), feral creatures have captured our imaginations for centuries.

The origins of National Feral Day can be traced back to an ancient legend involving a mischievous group of woodland fairies. The fairies, known for their love of adventure and pranks, would occasionally transform into feral animals to playfully disrupt human society.

Over time, the legend evolved into a day of appreciation for all things feral. It's a chance to reflect on the untamed spirits that remind us of the unpredictable wonders of nature.

Embracing the Feral Spirit

So, how can you participate in National Feral Day? Well, it's all about embracing your wild side (within reason, of course). Here are a few ideas:

Join a feral feline rescue mission: Show your appreciation for feral cats by volunteering at a local rescue organization. Helping these resilient creatures find safe and loving homes is a rewarding experience.
Take a walk on the wild side: National Feral Day is the perfect excuse to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. Whether you hike through a dense forest or simply enjoy a picnic in a local park, embrace the untamed beauty around you.
Host a feral-themed movie night: Gather your friends and family for a movie night featuring films that celebrate the feral spirit. From 'The Jungle Book' to 'The Lion King,' there's plenty of entertainment that will make you feel at one with nature.

Did You Know?

In some cultures, feral cats are believed to possess mystical powers and bring good luck. That's one reason why they've become such fascinating figures in myth and folklore around the world.

History behind the term 'Feral'

1670

The birth of 'feral'

The term 'feral' originated in the English language in 1670. It comes from the Latin word 'feralis,' which means 'wild' or 'untamed.' Initially, the term was used to describe animals that had returned to a wild state from domestication or had been born in the wild. It was typically applied to animals such as cats, dogs, and horses that had escaped or been abandoned by humans.

1897

Feral cats come into focus

In 1897, the term 'feral' gained prominence in the context of feral cats. In an article published in the journal 'Egyptian Gazette,' British writer George Edward Boulenger used the term to describe the wild cats that roamed the ancient Egyptian ruins. Feral cats became a subject of fascination, and their behavior and impact on the environment garnered increasing attention.

1965

Feral becomes associated with all wildlife

By 1965, the term 'feral' had expanded beyond describing only domesticated animals that had gone wild. It started being used to encompass any animal, including birds, reptiles, or mammals, that had reverted to a wild or untamed state. This broader usage solidified 'feral' as a term commonly used in the field of ecology to describe the impact of wild species on their ecosystem.

1983

Feral humans and societal implications

In 1983, the term 'feral' took on a metaphorical meaning when it began being used to describe humans who had grown up in the wild or lacked socialization. This usage highlighted the importance of cultural and societal influences on human behavior and development. It sparked discussions on the effects of isolation and the nurturing role of human society.