National Tell A Fairytale Day

A whimsical scene of a person in a cozy sweater, sitting by a campfire, surrounded by a forest full of fairy tale creatures like unicorns and talking animals.. — National tell a fairytale day illustration

Once upon a time, in the digital forest of the Internet, people discovered a shining light - National Tell a Fairy Tale Day! Where sturdy oaks are 'likes' and twittering birds are, well, Twitter, it's a day where everyone channel their inner Hans Christian Andersen. So, hop on your magical horse, don your storytelling cap, and let's dive into the enchanting history of this day.

When is Tell A Fairytale Day?

It's national tell a fairytale day on the 25th February.

Origins of the Tale Telling Day

While the origins of this day lie in the misty past, the popularization of National Tell a Fairy Tale Day ascends from the digital era. Our adventure begins around the early 2000s, as people began to celebrate their love of fairy tales on online forums, blogs, and social media platforms.

Once Upon a Time on the Internet

The social media explosion around 2006 also gave rise to more focused interest groups. Digital gatherings of fairy-tale lovers started to devote a special day to share different versions of their favorite tales. Interestingly, February 26 emerged as the winner, marking the annual grand ball of fairy tales, where the internet dresses up in its finest robe of folklore and imagination.

The Magic of Feb 25, 2020

Amid the hustle and bustle of byte-sized daily life, National Tell a Fairy Tale Day shone the brightest on 25th Feb 2020, with an astonishing 2512 online mentions. The ethereal carriages of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter became abuzz with narrations of far-off kingdoms, magical beings, and brave heroes, making it the most told tale of the year.

History behind the term 'Tell A Fairytale'

1697

Publication of 'Persinette'

In the year 1697, the tale of 'Persinette' written by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force was published. This story is often considered as the earliest precursor to the well-known fairytale 'Rapunzel'. 'Persinette' introduced elements such as a beautiful young girl with long hair who is locked in a tower, a Prince who falls in love with her, and a witch as her captor. This story laid the foundation for the concept of telling captivating magical tales.

1740

Publication of 'The Fairy Tales' by Madame d'Aulnoy

In the year 1740, Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, also known as Madame d'Aulnoy, published a collection of stories titled 'The Fairy Tales.' This collection included tales such as 'The White Cat' and 'The Bee and the Orange Tree.' Madame d'Aulnoy's stories were characterized by magical elements, imaginative settings, and strong female protagonists. The publication of 'The Fairy Tales' further popularized the concept of telling enchanting and fantastical tales.

1812

Publication of 'Grimm's Fairy Tales'

In the year 1812, the renowned collection of fairy tales, 'Grimm's Fairy Tales,' written by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm, was published. This collection included timeless stories like 'Cinderella,' 'Snow White,' and 'Hansel and Gretel.' The Grimm brothers' tales often featured moral lessons and traditional folklore elements. The publication of 'Grimm's Fairy Tales' significantly contributed to the popularization of fairy tales, providing a rich source of storytelling material for generations to come.

1837

Publication of 'Fairy Tales' by Hans Christian Andersen

In the year 1837, Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author, published his collection of fairy tales simply titled 'Fairy Tales.' This collection included beloved stories such as 'The Little Mermaid,' 'The Ugly Duckling,' and 'The Emperor's New Clothes.' Andersen's tales were known for their lyrical style, imaginative narratives, and poignant themes. His stories resonated with readers of all ages, and 'Fairy Tales' became a cornerstone of children's literature.

1924

Introduction of the phrase 'tell a fairytale'

By the year 1924, the term 'tell a fairytale' had become a widely used phrase. It came to represent the act of narrating a fictitious story full of wonder, magic, and imagination. The phrase encompassed the tradition of captivating audiences with enchanting tales inspired by the rich tapestry of fairy tales that had evolved over centuries. From bedtime stories to theatrical performances, 'tell a fairytale' became synonymous with transporting listeners to a world where anything was possible.