National Reed Day

A group of people playing musical instruments made of reeds, wearing colorful traditional clothing, in a nature setting.. — National reed day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready for a reed-tastic time? Well, hold onto your hula skirts because it's time to celebrate National Reed Day!

When is Reed Day?

It's national reed day on the 18th May.

What's the Deal with Reeds?

Reeds may seem like just humble, unassuming plants, but they have a rich history and some surprising uses. They're often found near bodies of water, swaying in the breeze and adding a touch of natural beauty to their surroundings.

But did you know that reeds have been used for thousands of years by various cultures around the world? Ancient Egyptians used reeds to create paper-like material and even musical instruments, while Native Americans wove reeds into intricate baskets and mats.

In the modern world, reeds are most well-known for their role in musical instruments. Woodwind players rely on reeds to create the beautiful sounds you hear in orchestras and jazz bands. Clarinets, saxophones, and oboes all owe their distinctive tones to the humble reed.

How to Celebrate

Now that you're fully reed-ucated, it's time to join in the celebrations! Here are a few suggestions for how to make the most of National Reed Day:

Get musical: If you play a woodwind instrument, take some time to appreciate the reed that makes it all possible. Play a tune or two and let those reedy tones soar!
Go on a nature walk: Take a stroll near a body of water, and keep an eye out for reeds. Marvel at their graceful beauty and snap some photos to capture the moment.
Get crafty: Channel your inner artist and try your hand at weaving a small basket or mat using reeds. It's a fun and relaxing way to connect with ancient traditions.

Did You Know?

Did you know that reeds can be used to create sustainable and eco-friendly straws? They're a great alternative to plastic straws and add a touch of natural flair to any beverage. So, the next time you're sipping your favorite drink, consider giving a reed straw a try!

History behind the term 'Reed'

4th millennium BC

Ancient Beginnings

Reed, a type of tall, grass-like plant with hollow stems, is believed to have been used by ancient civilizations as far back as the 4th millennium BC. In ancient Egypt, reeds were used to make writing implements called 'calamus' or 'reed pens'. These pens were used to write on papyrus, a material made from flattened reeds and used as a precursor to paper.

2nd millennium BC

Musical Wind Instruments

Reeds played a significant role in the development of musical instruments. In the 2nd millennium BC, musicians from Mesopotamia and Egypt created various wind instruments, such as the 'arundo donax,' also known as the 'giant cane,' which had a reed mouthpiece. The use of reed in mouthpieces of musical instruments allowed for a wider range of sounds and tones.

5th century BC

Reed Pipes

The Greeks and Romans were known for their expertise in crafting musical instruments. In the 5th century BC, reed pipes emerged as popular instruments. These pipes, called 'aulos' in Greek and 'tibia' in Latin, featured reeds that vibrated when blown into, producing melodic sounds. Reed pipes became an integral part of ancient Greek and Roman music, often used in religious ceremonies and festivities.

8th century AD

Early Papermaking

During the 8th century AD, reeds played a crucial role in the development of papermaking. In China, the use of reeds as one of the raw materials for paper production became widespread. The inner bark of reeds, known as 'xuan,' was beaten into pulp and mixed with other plant fibers to create a sturdy paper. This marked a significant advancement in the history of writing and communication.

19th century

Reed Organ Invention

The 19th century saw the invention of the reed organ, also known as the harmonium or melodeon. Invented by Alexandre-François Debain in France in 1843, this keyboard instrument used metal reeds instead of the traditional wooden reeds. The reeds vibrated when air was forced through, producing musical notes. The reed organ became a popular instrument, both in churches and homes, during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

20th century

Reed Diffusers

In the 20th century, reeds found a new use in the form of reed diffusers, a popular type of home fragrance. Reed diffusers consist of scented oils that travel up porous reeds and diffuse the fragrance into the surrounding space. This innovative method of releasing scents without the need for heat or electricity gained popularity as an attractive and safe alternative to candles and incense.