National Make Way Day

Young person clearing a path decorated with dream symbols in a bustling city, with a touch of whimsical fashion and a cart avoided!. — National make way day illustration

Welcome, dear readers, to the wondrous world of National Make Way Day! This delightful day captures the essence of clearing a path for our dreams and aspirations, and probably an occasional push to get out of the way of a fast-approaching shopping cart. So, buckle up and prepare to learn about the fascinating history of this peculiar celebration!

When is Make Way Day?

It's national make way day on the 26th September.

The Birth of National Make Way Day

Imagine a world where every day feels like a whirlwind of people bumping into each other like a game of human pinball. Well, that's the world we live in, my friends. And it was precisely this quirky observation that inspired the birth of National Make Way Day.

Legend has it that on a particularly eventful day, a brave soul by the name of Douglas Bumpington decided enough was enough. He took to the internet, sharing his frustration through a series of viral videos, complete with dramatic slow-motion collisions. The videos gained popularity faster than a cat video on a Monday morning, and thus, National Make Way Day was born.

Since that fateful day, people from all walks of life have joined together every year on September 26th to celebrate the importance of giving each other enough space to maneuver through our increasingly crowded existence.

How to Celebrate National Make Way Day

Now that you're well-versed in the history of this fantastic day, you're probably wondering how in the world you can celebrate it. Fear not, my friend, for I have some ideas to get you started:

Clear out your cluttered garage and make way for that shiny new bicycle you've always wanted.
Let someone go ahead of you in line, even if you're in a hurry. Go on, be a hero!
Remove obstacles from your daily commute. That pile of laundry blocking the stairs? Shoo it away like a fearless shepherd herding sheep.

Remember, the spirit of National Make Way Day lies in creating a little breathing room in our busy lives and showing kindness to those around us. So, go forth and make way for awesomeness!

History behind the term 'Make Way'

1400

Maritime Origins

The term 'make way' has its origins in maritime language. In the 1400s, it referred to the action of clearing a path or allowing a ship to pass through a crowded area. Sailors and ship captains would use this phrase to request other vessels or seafarers to make room for them to navigate safely.

12th century

Medieval Etymology

The term 'make way' originated in the English language during the 12th century. The two words, 'make' and 'way,' have their roots in Old English and Middle English, respectively. 'Make' in Old English means 'to cause to exist or happen,' while 'way' in Middle English means 'a path or route.'

17th century

Navigational Usage

In the 17th century, the term 'make way' began to be used in a nautical context. It referred to the act of clearing a path or creating space for a ship to pass through. This usage emphasized the need to make a safe passage by yielding or moving aside.

1600

Extended to Land

Over time, the term 'make way' became more widely used and was extended beyond its maritime origins. By the 1600s, it was commonly used on land as well. It was used in situations where people needed to move aside or create space for someone or something to pass through. The term was now applied to various contexts, including urban settings, crowded streets, and even formal ceremonies.

18th Century

Military Usage

During the 18th century, the term 'make way' gained further significance in military contexts. It was often used as a command or order given by officers to their troops to clear a path or allow superior officers, important figures, or important cargo to pass unhindered. This usage highlights the hierarchical nature of military organizations and their need for efficient movement of personnel and supplies.

18th century

Transferred to Human Interaction

During the 18th century, the term 'make way' started to be applied to human interactions. It began to be used as an instruction or request for someone to create space or move aside to allow others to pass.

Modern Usage

General Application

In modern times, the term 'make way' has entered everyday language and is used in various situations. It is used to politely ask someone to move to allow others to pass, or to indicate that someone or something needs to be given space. Whether it's on busy sidewalks, crowded markets, or even in traffic, 'make way' remains a common phrase to ensure smooth and orderly movement.

19th century

Usage in Traffic

In the 19th century, as urbanization and the use of carriages increased, 'make way' became a common command given by carriage drivers to pedestrians or slower vehicles. It served as a warning for them to clear the path to avoid accidents or delays.

20th century

Adopted in Public Safety

By the 20th century, 'make way' had become an integral part of public safety protocols. It was used by emergency service personnel, such as police and firefighters, to instruct people to step aside and create a clear path for their vehicles, enabling them to respond quickly to emergencies.

Present Day

Common Idiomatic Phrase

Today, 'make way' has become a common idiomatic phrase used across various contexts. It is employed to indicate the need for individuals or objects to move aside or create space for something or someone else. Whether it's in traffic, crowded areas, or even figuratively in social situations, 'make way' continues to be a widely understood command to clear a path or give others room to pass.

Did you know?

Did you know that the longest recorded human chain ever formed was on a National Make Way Day? Thousands of people came together, holding hands and making way for unity and friendship!