National Raining Day

Illustration of a person with colorful rain boots, holding a polka dot umbrella, surrounded by raindrops and a rainbow in the background.. — National raining day illustration

Grab your umbrellas and put on your rain boots, because it's National Raining Day! Whether you love the smell of wet pavement or you're just looking for an excuse to stay cozy indoors, this day is all about celebrating the beauty and sometimes unpredictable nature of rainfall. So let's dive into the fascinating history of this special day!

When is Raining Day?

It's national raining day on the 27th October.

The Internet History of National Raining Day

Did you know that National Raining Day was actually inspired by a popular internet meme? It all started back in 2010 when a photo of a cat standing outside in the rain went viral. The image captured the joy and resilience of our feline friends, and people couldn't resist sharing it with hilarious captions like 'I has a soggy.' The meme quickly spread across social media platforms, and soon enough, people began declaring October 27th as National Raining Day in honor of that soaked kitty.

But why stop at celebrating a meme? Rain holds a special place in our hearts and culture. From romantic scenes in movies to childhood memories of jumping in puddles, rain has the power to evoke emotions and inspire creativity. It's also essential for our planet's ecosystem, nourishing plants and replenishing water sources.

As National Raining Day gained popularity, various organizations started using the occasion to raise awareness about water conservation, climate change, and the importance of clean drinking water. It became a day to appreciate the rain while also encouraging responsible actions to protect our environment.

History behind the term 'Raining'

4th century

Ancient beliefs of rain's origins

In ancient times, people believed that rain was a result of supernatural actions by gods and goddesses. Various cultures had different deities associated with rain, such as Tlaloc in Aztec mythology and Zeus in Greek mythology. Rain was often seen as a blessing or a curse depending on its timing and intensity.

2nd century

Scientific understanding of rain's formation

During the 2nd century, the Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a scientific explanation for rain. He theorized that rain was formed through a process called condensation, where water vapor in the atmosphere cools and turns into liquid droplets. This was a significant advancement in understanding the natural phenomenon of rain.

1616

Publishing of 'The History and Present State of Virginia'

In 1616, Captain John Smith, an English explorer, published 'The History and Present State of Virginia,' which described his experiences in the New World. In this book, he used the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' to describe a heavy and intense rainstorm. This phrase gained popularity and eventually became a common idiom to describe heavy rainfall.

18th century

Evolution of 'raining' as a verb

Throughout the 18th century, the term 'raining' gradually evolved from solely being a description of the weather to being used as a verb. It started to connote the action of rain falling from the sky. This evolution of language allowed for more dynamic descriptions of weather conditions.

20th century

Expression of 'raining' in popular culture

In the 20th century, the term 'raining' found its way into various forms of popular culture, including literature, song lyrics, and films. It became a metaphorical expression to describe an abundance or profusion of something. For example, the phrase 'It's raining awards' became a way to convey the idea of receiving many accolades or honors.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world record for the most rain to fall in a single day is held by the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion? On January 8, 1966, the island experienced an incredible 73.62 inches (or 1,871 millimeters) of rain in just 24 hours! Can you imagine being caught in that downpour?