National Ice Day

Group of friends having a delightful time, surrounded by colorful ice sculptures and wearing cozy winter attire.. — National ice day illustration

Oh, icy days! Nothing gets us shivering with giddy excitement quite like National Ice Day! Grab your lemonade pitcher and ice trays – you’re about to discover the frosty history of an internet sensation that exploded like a rogue ice cube shooting from a cranked-up icemaker.

When is Ice Day?

It's national ice day on the 20th July.

A Slippery History

Yearning for something to cool off in the heat of summer? National Ice Day got you covered. This chill-tastic day gained traction in the blogosphere back in 2015 when we noticed a sudden surge of 2,210 mentions! The dayEveryone's favorite freezing moment exploded onto the internet on July 20th, 2015 - the peak of summer heat, and everyone desperate for a way to cool off. Quite simply genius, don’t you think?

Why We Celebrate

Ice holds a dear place in our hearts, and not just because it rescues our palates or soothes party sprain. It embodies refreshment, preservation and the joys of simple pleasures. It's the unsung hero in your chilled drink, the savior of your overheated laptop, and according to some, an excellent method of keeping the skin looking bright and youthful!

Let the Festivities Begin

How do people mark National Ice Day online? What started as an innocent, frosty celebration has seen folks sharing their most extravagant ice sculptures, posting drool-worthy snaps of snow cones and iced coffees, and in some innovative cases, constructing mini igloos!

The day usually culminates in internet communities and forums setting a global challenge – such as creating an artistic masterpiece using only ice cubes, or seeing who can keep a single cube frozen the longest. It's all about cheering togetherness, creativity and some pretty chill vibes. Literally.

History behind the term 'Ice'

2000 BC

Ancient Ice Harvesting

In ancient times, people discovered ice in the form of glaciers and frozen ponds. They realized that ice had the remarkable ability to cool things down and preserve food. The early civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, began to collect and store ice for later use. They used various techniques, including cutting blocks of ice from frozen lakes and rivers during the winter and storing them in insulated underground chambers called ice houses. This marked the beginning of using ice for practical purposes.

1660 AD

Ice Trade Emergence

During the 17th century, the ice trade started to flourish. Natural ice became a valuable commodity, especially in warmer regions where ice was scarce. In 1660, Frederic Tudor, known as the 'Ice King,' pioneered the commercial ice trade from New England to the Caribbean. He developed a method to transport ice over long distances by insulating it with sawdust and using insulated ice houses. This marked the birth of the ice industry, making ice accessible to a wider population and had a significant impact on the preservation and transportation of food.

1830 AD

Ice Harvesting Revolution

The 19th century witnessed a significant shift in ice harvesting methods. The advent of the ice plow, a horse-drawn tool with a large metal blade, revolutionized the industry. The ice plow made it easier and more efficient to cut large blocks of ice from frozen lakes and rivers. This innovation led to a boom in the ice harvest, with massive quantities of ice being collected and stored in ice houses. Improved transportation, including the construction of ice-hauling railroads and ice ships, allowed ice to be distributed to more distant regions, further expanding the commercial ice industry.

1851 AD

Invention of Artificial Ice

The mid-19th century saw a major breakthrough in the ice industry with the invention of artificial ice. In 1851, an American physician and engineer named John Gorrie developed a machine capable of producing ice artificially. Gorrie's invention used compressors and steam engines to create ice by mechanical means, paving the way for the future development of refrigeration technology. This invention revolutionized the way ice was produced and reduced dependence on natural ice sources, eventually leading to the widespread use of refrigeration in various industries and households.

20th century

Modern Ice Production and Consumption

With the advancements in technology, the 20th century saw further progress in the ice industry. The development of electric refrigeration allowed for efficient ice production and storage on a larger scale. Ice production moved from factories to individual homes with the invention of the home refrigerator. The popularity of ice cream and the growth of the cold beverage industry further increased the demand for ice. Today, ice has become an everyday item, readily available for various uses ranging from food preservation and cooling to recreational activities and scientific research.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest ice sculpture ever created was a staggering 52ft tall and 250ft long? It was built in China and included a working slide!