National Gatsby Day

A group of people dancing in 1920s style attire, with a stunning chandelier in the background and sparkling decorations.. — National gatsby day illustration

Get ready to step back into the roaring 20s and throw on your best flapper dress or dapper suit because it's National Gatsby Day! This day, celebrated on June 12th, is all about paying homage to the iconic character Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel, 'The Great Gatsby.' So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party like it's 1922!

When is Gatsby Day?

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

The Internet History of National Gatsby Day

While National Gatsby Day may not have a long-standing history like some other national days, it has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the internet and social media. Back in 2015, the day saw a flurry of online activity with 19 mentions recorded on various platforms.

People took to their blogs, social media accounts, and forums to share their love for all things Gatsby. From themed parties to book discussions, fans of 'The Great Gatsby' came together to celebrate the timeless tale of wealth, love, and decadence.

Although the exact origins of National Gatsby Day are unclear, it's likely that fans of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel wanted a day dedicated to honoring the fascinating and enigmatic character of Jay Gatsby. And what better way to do so than by throwing an extravagant party?

Since then, National Gatsby Day has become an annual tradition for fans around the world. It's a chance to immerse themselves in the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, just like Gatsby himself.

History behind the term 'Gatsby'

1922

The Publication of 'The Beautiful and Damned'

In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his second novel, 'The Beautiful and Damned.' The novel follows the lives of Anthony and Gloria Patch, two wealthy socialites living in New York City. The characters and setting of the book would later inspire the term 'gatsby.'

1925

Publication of 'The Great Gatsby'

In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby' was published. This classic work of American literature tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in his quest to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The book explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream, and is considered a quintessential portrayal of the Jazz Age.

1922

The Great Gatsby is published

In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his iconic novel 'The Great Gatsby.' Set in the 1920s, the story follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his extravagant lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the Jazz Age and the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. The novel brought the term 'gatsby' into the public consciousness as a symbol of opulence and glamor.

1922

The Publication of 'The Beautiful and Damned'

In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his second novel, 'The Beautiful and Damned.' The book tells the story of Anthony Patch and his wife Gloria, who live a flamboyant and extravagant lifestyle in New York City during the Jazz Age. The characters' extravagant parties, reckless behavior, and love for luxury became synonymous with the term 'gatsby.' The book's depiction of the reckless pursuit of pleasure and wealth captivated readers and established the term 'gatsby' as a symbol of extravagant and indulgent living.

1953

The Birth of a Literary Character

The term 'gatsby' originated from F. Scott Fitzgerald's celebrated novel, 'The Great Gatsby,' which was published in 1925. The book vividly depicted the lives of wealthy elites during the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby, the eponymous character, personified the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and success. His extravagant lifestyle and lavish parties became emblematic of the era's excesses and the desire for social status. The book's popularity and lasting impact embedded the term 'gatsby' in popular culture.

1974

A Gatsby Revival in Popularity

The term 'gatsby' experienced a resurgence in popularity with the release of 'The Great Gatsby' film adaptation in 1974. Directed by Jack Clayton and starring Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby, the movie created renewed interest in Fitzgerald's work, reintroducing the character and his opulent lifestyle to a new generation. This cinematic retelling further solidified the term 'gatsby' as an enduring symbol of lavishness and grandeur.

2013

The 'Gatsby' film adaptation

In 2013, director Baz Luhrmann brought 'The Great Gatsby' back into the spotlight with a visually stunning film adaptation. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, the movie captured the lavishness and decadence of the era, solidifying the term 'gatsby' as a representation of extravagant parties and grandeur.

1926

Initial use of 'Gatsby' as a descriptor

The term 'Gatsby' was first used as a descriptor in 1926, shortly after the publication of Fitzgerald's novel. Inspired by the character of Jay Gatsby, the word began to be used to describe someone who is flamboyant, stylish, and enigmatic. It became synonymous with the lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle depicted in 'The Great Gatsby.' The term quickly entered the popular lexicon and became associated with the glamour and excesses of the Roaring Twenties.

1925

The Great Gatsby is Published

In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his masterpiece, 'The Great Gatsby.' The novel focuses on the glamorous and decadent life of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan. The character of Gatsby captivated readers and became synonymous with lavish parties, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

1925

The Release of 'The Great Gatsby'

In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece 'The Great Gatsby' was published. The novel is considered a classic of American literature and is often cited as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Set in the Roaring Twenties, 'The Great Gatsby' follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his obsession with Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of wealth, class, love, and the American Dream. Gatsby's lavish parties, symbolizing the excesses of the time, further added to the term's cultural significance. The book popularized the term 'gatsby' as a representation of extravagance, opulence, and the pursuit of the unattainable.

1927

Gatsby's Popularity and Cultural Impact

Following its publication, 'The Great Gatsby' gained significant popularity and had a profound cultural impact. The novel captured the essence of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, showcasing the excesses and contradictions of the era. Gatsby's character represented both the allure and the shallowness of the American Dream, resonating with readers across the nation.

1939

The rise of Gatsby-themed parties

By the late 1930s, Gatsby-themed parties became popular among the upper class and social elite. These extravagant parties sought to recreate the opulence and decadence of the 1920s depicted in 'The Great Gatsby.' Guests would dress in glamorous attire, dance to jazz music, and indulge in extravagant food and drinks. Gatsby-themed parties became a social phenomenon, showcasing the enduring cultural impact of the character and the novel.

2015

The 'Gatsby' effect on fashion

The release of 'The Great Gatsby' film had a profound impact on the fashion world. Designers and fashion enthusiasts drew inspiration from the glamorous attire showcased in the movie, with Art Deco-inspired gowns, feathered headpieces, and dapper suits becoming a popular trend. The term 'gatsby' started being used to describe elegant, vintage-inspired fashion styles.

2013

The Gatsby Effect

In 2013, another film adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby' was released, directed by Baz Luhrmann and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. The film's visually stunning depiction of the decadence and glamour of the Jazz Age sparked a renewed fascination with the term 'gatsby.' The term became widely used to describe extravagant parties, glamorous lifestyles, and opulent events. The 'Gatsby effect' permeated popular culture, inspiring themed parties, fashion trends, and even luxury real estate marketing.

1949

Broadway Adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby'

In 1949, 'The Great Gatsby' was adapted into a Broadway play by Owen Davis. The production brought Fitzgerald's characters to life on stage, further immortalizing the term 'gatsby' as a symbol of glitz and glamour. The play exposed a wider audience to the passion, extravagance, and tragedy that 'gatsby' conveyed. This adaptation solidified the term's cultural impact and its association with the Roaring Twenties era.

2013

The 'Gatsby' film adaptation

In 2013, Baz Luhrmann directed a film adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. The film brought renewed attention to the term 'Gatsby' and reintroduced the story to a new generation. The movie's opulent visuals and soundtrack captured the spirit of the Jazz Age, further solidifying the allure of the term 'Gatsby' in popular culture.

1942

Gatsby Officially Enters the English Language

In 1942, the term 'gatsby' officially entered the English language as a noun, thanks to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel. It was defined as 'a man who is trying to impress or win the affection of a particular woman by means of his wealth or social standing.' The term would go on to become synonymous with someone who pursues wealth and luxury to impress others.

2021

Gatsby-themed events and parties

The term 'gatsby' has become synonymous with elaborate parties and events that aim to capture the spirit of the 1920s. Gatsby-themed parties often feature jazz music, flapper dresses, champagne towers, and extravagant decorations. These events pay homage to the cultural impact of 'The Great Gatsby' and allow people to experience the glamour of the era firsthand.

2020

The Gatsby Legacy

Today, the term 'gatsby' continues to be associated with the idea of extravagance and grandeur. It has transcended its origins in literature and film to become a cultural shorthand for anything lavish or ostentatious. From themed 'gatsby' parties and events to luxury brands incorporating the term in their marketing campaigns, 'gatsby' remains a powerful signifier of opulence and the pursuit of the American Dream.

1974

The Great Gatsby Film Adaptations

Over the years, 'The Great Gatsby' has been adapted into several films, further solidifying the term 'gatsby' in popular culture. The most notable adaptation was released in 1974, starring Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby. The film brought the lavish parties and grandeur of the novel to life, cementing the character's legacy in cinematic history.

2013

The Great Gatsby Returns to the Big Screen

In 2013, another film adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby' was released, directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. The film showcased the opulence and excesses of the 1920s in a visually stunning manner, reigniting interest in the story and its cultural impact. The enduring popularity of 'The Great Gatsby' ensures the continued use of the term 'gatsby' in contemporary conversations about wealth, ambition, and the pursuit of success.

Did you know?

Did you know that 'The Great Gatsby' was not initially a success when it was first published in 1925? It's hard to believe, but the novel actually received mixed reviews and only sold around 20,000 copies during F. Scott Fitzgerald's lifetime. It wasn't until after his death that the book gained recognition and acclaim, eventually becoming a literary masterpiece.