National Pink Flamingo Day

Pink flamingo lawn ornament with sunglasses, surrounded by beach balls and palm trees, sunny backyard setting.. — National pink flamingo day illustration

Welcome to National Pink Flamingo Day, where we celebrate this fabulous pink bird with flair! Get ready for a flocking good time as we dive into the internet and actual history of this quirky holiday.

When is Pink Flamingo Day?

It's national pink flamingo day on the 24th June.

Internet History of National Pink Flamingo Day

It all started on June 23rd, 2007, when a group of flamingo enthusiasts decided to declare this day as National Pink Flamingo Day. They wanted to honor these elegant birds and raise awareness about their vibrant beauty.

The news quickly spread across the internet, and social media was on fire with flamingo-related posts. The hashtag #PinkFlamingoDay took flight, capturing the attention of millions with its catchy charm. From then on, each year, June 23rd became the designated day to embrace our flamboyant feathered friends.

Actual History of Pink Flamingos

But let's not forget the real-life pink flamingos that inspired this day. These magnificent birds are best known for their vibrant plumage and their ability to stand on one leg effortlessly. They make their homes in wetland areas and are famous for their unique mating dances.

The pink color of their feathers comes from their diet, which consists of crustaceans and other aquatic organisms rich in pigments called carotenoids. These pigments are absorbed by the flamingos' bodies, transforming their feathers into a flashy shade of pink.

Did You Know?

Did you know that plastic pink flamingos became popular lawn ornaments in the 1950s? These kitschy decorations added a touch of whimsy to suburban gardens across the United States. In fact, their popularity was so strong that they became a symbol of retro Americana and a cultural icon.

History behind the term 'Pink Flamingo'

1937

The Birth of the Pink Flamingo

The term 'pink flamingo' first came into existence in 1937, when the first plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament was created by Don Featherstone, a young designer at Union Products. This iconic lawn ornament was an instant hit and quickly became a symbol of mid-century American kitsch and suburban culture.

1957

The creation of the plastic flamingo

In 1957, Don Featherstone, a young designer working for the Union Products company, created the iconic plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament. Modelled after the Greater Flamingo species, Featherstone's creation featured a vibrant pink color and a distinctive pose with one leg raised. The plastic flamingo quickly became a popular decoration in gardens across America, especially in warm-weather states like Florida.

1957

The Rise to Popularity

In the late 1950s, the popularity of the pink flamingo soared, becoming a colorful and flamboyant symbol of affluence and leisure among homeowners in the United States. It was during this time that the pink flamingo began to represent a carefree and lively lifestyle associated with the suburban ideal of the American dream.

1960

Rising popularity and cultural significance

By the 1960s, the pink flamingo had gained significant popularity, symbolizing leisure, kitsch, and a touch of extravagance. Suburban America embraced the flamingo as a cultural icon, reflecting the fascination with tropical imagery and the desire to create a colorful and eye-catching aesthetic. It became a prominent fixture in front yards, poolsides, and even as a kitschy symbol in pop art.

1967

Pink Flamingos in Film

In 1967, director John Waters released his notorious film 'Pink Flamingos,' which pushed the boundaries of bad taste and counterculture aesthetics. While the film itself had little to do with the actual lawn ornament, its title further cemented the pink flamingo's status as a cultural symbol of camp, kitsch, and the bizarre.

1971

The 'Pink Flamingos' film

In 1971, director John Waters released a controversial independent film titled 'Pink Flamingos.' While the film has little to do with the actual lawn ornament, its audacious and subversive content led to increased association between the term 'pink flamingo' and Waters' work. The film's cult status further popularized the term and cemented the pink flamingo's position as a symbol of counterculture, unconventional beauty, and the bizarre.

1987

The 'plastic pink flamingo' phenomenon

In 1987, Jennifer Price published an essay titled 'The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History,' which examined the cultural significance of the flamingo and its association with American consumerism. Price's essay explored the rise and fall of the pink flamingo craze and its connection to the popularization of kitsch aesthetics. This essay brought renewed attention to the term 'pink flamingo' and sparked conversations about cultural icons and representation.

1972

Political Symbolism

During the 1972 U.S. presidential election, the pink flamingo became an unexpected political symbol. Lawns adorned with the plastic birds became a way for homeowners to express their support for George McGovern, who had adopted the pink flamingo as a mascot for his campaign. This unusual use of the pink flamingo showcased its ability to transcend its kitschy reputation and take on new meanings.

2009

National Pink Flamingo Day

In recent years, the pink flamingo has had a resurgence in popularity and appreciation. In 2009, Dean Mazzaralla, the mayor of Leominster, Massachusetts, declared June 23rd as National Pink Flamingo Day to honor the birthplace of the iconic ornaments. This day is now celebrated annually, giving people a chance to embrace the quirky charm of the pink flamingo.

2009

The Lawn Flamingo Appreciation Day

In recent years, the nostalgia for mid-century Americana and the fascination with retro aesthetics brought a renewed appreciation for the pink flamingo. In 2009, Lawn Flamingo Appreciation Day was established to celebrate these quirky lawn ornaments and their cultural significance. The day encourages people to embrace the playful charm of the pink flamingo and its enduring place in pop culture.