National Tear Day

A person with tears of joy streaming down their face, wearing a cozy sweater, surrounded by beautiful flowers and nature.. — National tear day illustration

Hey there, tear enthusiasts! Get ready to shed some tears (of joy, of course) because it's National Tear Day! This special day is dedicated to celebrating the wonders of tears, and we've got all the juicy details for you.

When is Tear Day?

It's national tear day on the 7th March.

A Brief History of National Tear Day

While tears are a natural part of life, it wasn't until the internet came along that we decided to dedicate a whole day to them. National Tear Day was first mentioned online on March 7, 2017, with a whopping 123 mentions! The internet, being the magical place it is, recognized the importance of tears and instantly embraced this day.

So, why do we celebrate tears? Well, tears are more than just salty droplets rolling down your cheeks. They're powerful symbols of emotions, whether it's happiness, sadness, or even laughter-induced tears. National Tear Day gives us a chance to appreciate the beautiful complexity of human emotions.

How to Celebrate National Tear Day

Ready to dive into the tear-filled festivities? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Host a movie night filled with tear-jerking classics. From heartwarming dramas to sentimental rom-coms, make sure to have tissues handy!
Reach out to loved ones and share your favorite tearful memories. Reminiscing together is a great way to bond and let those emotions flow freely.
Donate to organizations that support mental health and well-being. Let your tears inspire you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Did You Know?

On this special day, did you know that tears contain a natural antiseptic called lysozyme? It helps fight off bacteria and keep your eyes clean and healthy. So, next time you shed a tear, remember that your body is looking out for you!

History behind the term 'Tear'

9th century

Ancient Origins

The term 'tear' finds its roots in Old English, where it was originally spelled as 'tear' or 'teare' and derived from the Old Norse word 'tár.' Early on, tears were associated with the moisture in one's eyes when they were overwhelmed with strong emotions such as joy, sadness, or pain.

445 First recorded usage

The term 'tear' can be traced back to 445 AD, where it was first recorded in the Old English as 'teran'. It was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'teraną', which means 'to tear apart'. In its early usage, 'tear' primarily referred to the physical act of ripping or pulling something apart.

10th century

Origins of 'tear'

The term 'tear' originates from the Old English word 'tear' or 'tēar', derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'tehuraz'. This word was used to describe the watery secretion produced by the lacrimal glands in the eyes as a response to strong emotion or irritation.

14th century

Expansion of the term

During the 14th century, the term 'tear' gradually expanded to encompass the meaning of 'a drop of liquid secreted from the eye'. It became the commonly accepted term to describe the emotional fluid that is shed during moments of sorrow, joy, or other intense feelings.

1275

Emotional connotation

By the year 1275, 'tear' started to acquire an emotional connotation alongside its physical meaning. It began to be associated with the act of shedding tears due to strong emotions such as grief, joy, or pain. This new sense broadened the scope of the term, allowing it to describe both the action of tearing as well as the resulting emotional expression.

14th century

Symbolic Meanings

During the 1300s, the term 'tear' began to take on a broader significance. It became associated with the act of crying or shedding tears as a physical expression of emotions. Tears were seen as a symbol of vulnerability and were often associated with cleansing, purification, and catharsis.

16th century

Literal and Figurative Usage

By the 1500s, the term 'tear' started to be used both literally and figuratively. In its literal sense, tear referred to the saltwater secretion from the lacrimal glands in the eyes. In a figurative sense, tear was used to describe the act of ripping or pulling something apart with force or violence.

1590

Tear as a noun

In 1590, 'tear' officially became recognized as a noun to denote the single drop of liquid that falls from the eyes when one cries. This development further solidified the emotional aspect of the term, giving it a distinct lexical identity apart from its original meaning as a verb.

17th century

Figurative usage

In the 17th century, 'tear' began to be used figuratively to represent something that causes distress or anguish. This figurative usage is often attributed to the idea that tears symbolize sadness or pain. It became a way to express the emotional impact of certain situations or events.

1784

Origin of 'crocodile tears'

The phrase 'crocodile tears', which refers to insincere or hypocritical displays of sorrow, emerged in 1784. It was inspired by the ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey as a form of remorse. The metaphorical use of 'crocodile tears' added another layer of figurative meaning to the word 'tear', highlighting the intricacies of human emotions.

18th century

Phonetic Evolution

In the 1700s, there was a shift in the pronunciation of the word tear. It transformed from a two-syllable pronunciation (/tay-uh/) to a monosyllabic pronunciation (/teer/). This change aligned the spoken word more closely with its Middle English spelling 'tear.'

19th century

Expression of strength

During the 19th century, 'tear' took on another meaning related to strength and force. The term began to be used in the context of tearing or ripping apart physical objects with great vigor. It became associated with the idea of power and destruction, emphasizing the force involved in tearing something apart.

20th century

Innovations in Tissue Technology

With the invention of facial tissues in the early 1900s, the term 'tear' gained a new association. Tissue manufacturers quickly recognized that their product could be used to catch and wipe away tears, leading to the popular phrase 'drying one's tears with a tissue.' This further cemented the connection between tears and emotional expression.

20th century

Formalization of usage

In the 20th century, 'tear' became firmly established in the English language with its various meanings and figurative expressions. It continued to be used to describe the physical act of tearing, as well as the emotional phenomenon of shedding tears. The term had woven its way into the fabric of communication, capturing the complexities of human emotions and experiences.

1847

Tearing up contracts

In 1847, the phrase 'tearing up a contract' gained popularity. It referred to the act of destroying a legally binding document by physically tearing it apart. This figurative usage represented a powerful symbol of renouncing an agreement, expressing defiance or a desire to sever relationships. It showcased the impact of the term 'tear' beyond its emotional realm.

Present Day

Expression and Artistry

In today's world, tears continue to hold deep cultural and emotional significance. Artists, writers, and musicians often use tears as a powerful motif in their works to convey a range of emotions and evoke empathy. From tears of joy to tears of grief, this small yet impactful word remains a symbol of our humanity and the complex emotions we experience.