National Goat Day

A cute goat with a playful expression, surrounded by a picturesque countryside landscape. The goat is wearing a stylish straw hat and a colorful bandana around its neck, adding a touch of fashion to its adorable appearance. It stands on a rocky ledge, showcasing its remarkable balancing skills. In the background, a small farm can be seen, symbolizing the importance of goats in local agriculture. The image captures the essence of National Goat Day, celebrating these incredible animals' contributions to our lives with a wholesome and lively scene.. — National goat day illustration

Who wouldn't want to celebrate the most lovably quirky, adorably mischievous, and hilariously head-butty creatures around? That's right, we're talking about goats! Rejoice, for the internet has given us National Goat Day, a day to honor these hoofed bundles of joy and mischief.

When is Goat Day?

It's national goat day on the 23rd May.

Goats, the original 'kids' on the block, have captured the heart of netizens worldwide. As such, on a day marked by all things goat-tastic, we detected 583 mentions across the web. The bleat... err, beat, skipped not a single beat on 23 May 2020 when goat-fanatics truly put their heart and souls into celebrating these wacky and adorable creatures.

Why do We Celebrate National Goat Day?

We celebrate National Goat Day to appreciate the immense value these often forgotten or overlooked animals contribute to our daily lives. Be it cheese, milk, or wool, goats offer us a lot more than just hilarious internet videos. They play a vital role in many economies around the world and can be the difference between survival and starvation for some families in developing countries.

How is National Goat Day Celebrated?

Glad you asked! National Goat Day can be marked in a variety of ways. From visiting local farms to spending time with our own goaty pals, the day is all about baskin (no, not that Baskin... and definitely not Robbins either) in the joy of goats. DIY crafts featuring goats, baking goat-shaped cookies, or supporting local farms or animal rescue organizations are other fun ways to celebrate these zany creatures.

A Brief History of National Goat Day

While it's unclear exactly when National Goat Day first climbed its way up the internet's mountain, it's clear that goat-lovers everywhere relish the opportunity to bleat about their beloved animals. Seemingly born out of a shared internet love affair with GIFs, memes and videos of goats doing hilariously adorable things, it's not just the goat's antics that we're celebrating. With their uncanny ability to adapt to any environment - be it mountainous terrains or suburban backyards - goats have proven themselves as preferred pets, loyal companions and economic assets.

Did You Know?

Goats have an incredible ability to climb and balance in precarious places due to their cloven hooves and remarkable agility. So, when participating in National Goat Day, don't be surprised if you find a goat at the top of the party... quite literally.

History behind the term 'Goat'

3000 BCE

Early Domestication

In the region of modern-day Iran and Iraq, goats were one of the first domesticated animals. The early humans recognized the value of goats as a source of milk, meat, and fiber. Goats were easy to raise and adapt to various environments, making them an important resource for early agricultural societies.

2500 BCE

Symbol of Fertility

Goats, particularly the males known as bucks, became associated with fertility in many ancient cultures. Their ability to reproduce quickly and abundantly made them a symbol of productivity and prosperity. The goat's association with fertility and abundance was widespread, with depictions of goats appearing in artwork, rituals, and mythology.

600 BCE

Goats in Greek Mythology

Goats played a prominent role in Greek mythology. The god Zeus was said to have been nursed by a goat named Amalthea, and when she died, he transformed one of her horns into the Cornucopia, a horn of plenty that provided an endless supply of food and riches. The goat was revered as a sacred animal associated with divine nourishment and abundance.

12th Century

Goat in Viking Culture

In Norse mythology, goats were associated with the god Thor, known for his strength and thunderous power. Thor was said to travel in a chariot pulled by two magical goats named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. These goats were not only reliable transport but could also be eaten and resurrected the next day, providing sustenance for Thor and his helpers. The goat's resilience and practicality made it an important symbol in Viking culture.

17th Century

Goat as a Scapegoat

The term 'scapegoat' emerged in the 17th century and originated from the biblical practice of transferring the sins of the community onto a goat, which was then driven into the wilderness. This ritual was believed to cleanse the community and absolve them of guilt. Over time, the term 'scapegoat' took on a broader metaphorical meaning, referring to someone who bears the blame or punishment for others.

21st Century

The Rise of Goat Yoga

In recent years, a new trend called 'goat yoga' has gained popularity. Combining traditional yoga poses with the presence of playful goats, it brings together the benefits of exercise, relaxation, and interaction with animals. Originally started in Oregon, goat yoga quickly spread across the United States and even internationally, offering a unique and fun twist on the traditional yoga experience.

Did you know?

Did you know goats have rectangular pupils to give them a wide field of vision, which helps them to spot predators quickly? Talk about a nifty survival perk!