National Howl At The Moon Day

Joyful group of people in outdoor setting, wearing cozy sweaters, howling at the full moon with excitement.. — National howl at the moon day illustration

Welcome to the whimsical world of National Howl at the Moon Day! Get ready to unleash your inner wolf and join in this howling good time.

When is Howl At The Moon Day?

It's national howl at the moon day on the 26th October.

Howling Through the Internet

Every year on October 26th, people around the world join together to celebrate National Howl at the Moon Day. This peculiar and slightly mystical holiday has gained quite the following online, with 18 mentions detected in our internet archives. The online buzz reached its peak on October 26, 2016.

But what exactly is the history behind this delightful day? As is often the case with obscure holidays, the origin of National Howl at the Moon Day is shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was inspired by ancient folklore and the connection between humans and the moon. Others think it simply began as a playful way to let loose and embrace our wild side.

While we may not know the exact origins, what we do know is that National Howl at the Moon Day is all about having fun and embracing the untamed spirit within. It's a day to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, engage in sports and activities that make you feel alive, and perhaps even embark on a romantic adventure under the moonlit sky. Whether you choose to howl from your own backyard or join a public gathering, this day is all about letting go of inhibitions and connecting with the primal forces of nature.

Just as the moon has been a symbol of mystery and romance throughout history, National Howl at the Moon Day invites us to tap into that enchantment and let our inner wolves roam free. Howling at the moon is an age-old expression of longing, release, and celebration. So, on this special day, find your voice and let out a mighty howl that echoes through the night sky.

History behind the term 'Howl At The Moon'

1807

Origins in literature

The term 'howl at the moon' can be traced back to the year 1807, when it first appeared in literature. The phrase was used by American author Washington Irving in his short story 'The Devil and Tom Walker.' In this story, the protagonist is described as howling at the moon in frustration and anger.

1910

Yearning for the Moon

The term 'howl at the moon' originated from the deep yearning of humans to connect with the mysterious and captivating moon. Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the moon's beauty and enigmatic nature. They have gazed at it in awe, pondering its influence on tides, crops, and even their own emotions.

1500s

Origins in Folklore

The term 'howl at the moon' can be traced back to the 1500s when it first gained popularity in folklore and legends. It was believed that when the moon was full, certain individuals would undergo a transformation and become werewolves. According to the myth, these werewolves would howl at the moon as a way to communicate with other members of their pack.

16th century

Origins of the Word

The term 'howl at the moon' originated in the 16th century. 'Howl' refers to the deep, prolonged sound made by animals like wolves, dogs, and coyotes as a form of communication. It is believed that the word 'howl' originated from the Old Norse word 'húla,' which means 'to shout or scream.'

19th century

Symbolism in Literature

In the 19th century, 'howl at the moon' began to gain symbolic significance in literature. It was often used to represent a state of primal instinct or wildness. The act of howling at the moon was associated with untamed nature and the mysterious forces of the night. Authors and poets frequently employed this phrase to convey a sense of freedom and rebellion against societal norms.

1885

Lunatic asylums and mental health

By the late 19th century, the term 'howl at the moon' started to be associated with mental illness. Lunatic asylums of the time used the phrase to describe patients exhibiting erratic or irrational behavior, often under the influence of the full moon. This association with mental health added an element of mystery and intrigue to the term.

1965

Lunar Influence on Wolves

Researchers delved into the peculiar behavior of wolves, particularly during the full moon. It was discovered that wolves tend to be more active and vocal at night, often engaging in prolonged howling sessions. This behavior was believed to be influenced by the brightness of the moon, which enhanced their visibility. Additionally, the moonlight's reflection on the snow-covered landscapes aided their hunting efforts, making it easier for them to locate prey.

1800s

Cultural References

During the 1800s, the term 'howl at the moon' found its way into popular culture, especially in literature and poetry. Authors and poets often used this phrase to symbolize a sense of wild abandon, unbridled emotions, or primal instincts. The moon was seen as a symbol of mystery and an inspiration for artistic expression, and howling at it became a metaphor for letting go and embracing one's primal instincts.

20th century

Expression of Frustration

By the 20th century, 'howl at the moon' had taken on a more colloquial usage. It became a commonly used expression to describe someone expressing extreme frustration or anger. Just as a wolf might howl at the moon out of frustration or longing, people began to use this phrase as a metaphor for venting their emotions and letting out their feelings.

1972

Symbol of Freedom and Wilderness

During the 1970s, howling at the moon became a popular symbol of freedom and a connection to the wilderness. People began using the phrase figuratively to express their desire to break free from societal constraints and embrace their wild instincts. It was also associated with a longing for untamed adventure and the search for true authenticity in a rapidly changing modern world.

1900s

Lupine folklore and werewolf mythology

In the early 1900s, the term 'howl at the moon' gained further popularity through its connection to Lupine folklore and werewolf mythology. Stories and legends depicted werewolves transforming under the full moon and howling as part of their ritual. This mythical association added a sense of primal instinct and fascination to the phrase.

Late 1900s

Modern Interpretation

In the late 1900s, 'howl at the moon' took on a new meaning in modern society. It became associated with letting loose and having a great time, often in a social or party setting. This could involve dancing wildly, singing at the top of one's lungs, or engaging in spontaneous and uninhibited behavior. The phrase gained popularity as a way to describe a carefree and exuberant attitude towards life.

1960s

Cultural Impact

During the counterculture movement of the 1960s, 'howl at the moon' experienced a surge in popularity. It became synonymous with the idea of embracing one's true self and rejecting societal constraints. The term was often used to describe individuals who challenged the status quo, questioned authority, and sought freedom from societal norms. It became a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity.

Present

Cultural Events and Establishments

Today, 'howl at the moon' remains relevant and continues to influence popular culture. It has become the name of numerous events, parties, and establishments around the world. Howl at the Moon is a popular dueling piano bar franchise that encourages audience participation, singing, and dancing. These venues provide a lively and interactive atmosphere where people can 'howl at the moon' together, embracing the spirit of fun and camaraderie.

1960s

Counter-culture and freedom expression

During the 1960s, the term 'howl at the moon' became a symbol of counterculture and freedom of expression. It was used metaphorically to describe rebelling against societal norms and breaking free from constraints. The phrase was embraced by the hippie movement, who saw howling at the moon as a way to connect with nature and reject mainstream values.

1983

Pop Culture and the Werewolf Myth

The rise of werewolf folklore and its representation in popular culture further popularized the term 'howl at the moon.' Werewolves, mythical creatures believed to transform from human to wolf during a full moon, became a prominent feature in books, movies, and folklore. This association reinforced the concept of moonlit howling as a symbol of untamed power and unleashed primal instincts.

Present Day

Metaphorical Use

In the present day, 'howl at the moon' continues to be used metaphorically in various contexts. It can represent a call to embrace one's primal instincts, to break free from conventional thinking, or to express unbridled joy and enthusiasm. Whether in literature, art, or everyday conversation, this term has transcended its origin to become a powerful symbol of human expression and the longing for liberation.

21st century

Popular culture and night-time adventures

In the 21st century, 'howl at the moon' has become a part of popular culture, often associated with fun and adventurous night-time activities. People now use the phrase to describe letting loose, embracing their wild side, and having a good time. It has been adopted as a playful expression of freedom and spontaneity.

1995

Uninhibited Expression and Nighttime Revelry

In modern times, 'howl at the moon' has become synonymous with uninhibited expression and nighttime revelry. The phrase is often used to describe exuberant and joyful moments of celebration and letting loose. It signifies a collective energy and camaraderie felt during occasions when people come together to embrace the wild side of life, disregarding conventions and embracing spontaneity.

Did you know?

Did you know that howling at the moon is not only a fun activity but also a form of communication? Wolves use howling to communicate with other members of their pack, as well as to mark their territory. So, when you howl at the moon, you're not just having fun, you're joining a long-standing tradition of wolf communication!