National Wailing Day

Young woman gazing up at the sky, tears streaming down her face, surrounded by beautiful flowers in a serene garden setting. — National wailing day illustration

Oh, do I have a tale to tell you about National Wailing Day! Brace yourself as we dive into the internet history of this unique and expressive day.

When is Wailing Day?

It's national wailing day on the 18th November.

The Origins of National Wailing Day

Picture this: it's 2014, a time when the internet birthed all sorts of strange and wacky national days. Thank goodness for that, because on November 18th of that very year, the world was blessed with National Wailing Day. Now, you might be wondering why anyone would celebrate a day dedicated to wailing. Well, let me enlighten you.

Legend has it that National Wailing Day was inspired by a viral video of a particularly passionate crying baby. People found the video so amusing and relatable that they decided to create a day to embrace all forms of wailing and crying. It quickly gained popularity, especially among parents and those who appreciated a good cathartic cry.

How to Celebrate National Wailing Day

Now, I know what you're thinking. How on earth do we celebrate a day dedicated to wailing? Fear not, my friend, for I have some delightful ideas to make this day an emotional rollercoaster of fun.

Gather your loved ones, grab a box of tissues, and engage in a good old-fashioned cry-fest. Let those tears flow like a waterfall of emotions!
Host a wailing competition and see who can produce the most heart-wrenching sobs. Make sure to award the best wailers with a trophy or, better yet, a big hug.
Indulge in some comfort food, because everyone knows that a good cry goes hand in hand with a shameless feast. Ice cream, anyone?
Express your feelings through art. Paint, draw, or write a heartfelt poem that captures the raw emotions that come with wailing. Bonus points if you can make your masterpiece as tear-stained as possible.
Watch tear-jerking movies or listen to emotionally charged music. Let those heartstrings be well and truly tugged.

The Perfect Time for a Wail

While the internet birthed National Wailing Day, it's important to note that this day also serves as a reminder to express and release our emotions. Whether it's tears of joy or tears of sadness, don't be afraid to let it all out.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or just in need of a good cry, mark your calendar for November 18th and embrace National Wailing Day in all its teary-eyed glory. Happy wailing, my friend!

History behind the term 'Wailing'

900 AD

Ancient Beginnings

Wailing finds its roots in ancient civilizations, notably in Egypt and Mesopotamia. These cultures had a tradition of professional mourners who were hired to wail and lament at funerals. These mourners, often women, would express their grief through loud cries and wails, creating a somber atmosphere.

17th Century

The European Influence

During the 17th century, wailing made its way to Europe, specifically in Ireland and Scotland. Here, it took on a slightly different form as a cultural tradition. Known as keening in Ireland, this practice involved women singing mournful songs accompanied by high-pitched wails at funerals. In Scotland, a similar tradition called caoining was observed where women keenly lamented the deceased.

19th Century

Expression of Grief

In the 19th century, the term 'wailing' gained popularity as a way to describe the vocal expression of grief, often associated with mourning the loss of a loved one. The act of wailing became a recognized method to externalize intense emotions and convey deep sorrow. Funeral practices began to incorporate moments of wailing as a means to honor and remember the deceased.

20th Century

Musical Influence

The 20th century witnessed the evolution of wailing from traditional mourning practices to a musical expression. African-American musical genres, such as the blues and gospel, adopted elements of wailing, incorporating soulful and passionate vocalizations. Artists like Bessie Smith and Mahalia Jackson showcased wailing techniques, infusing their songs with emotional intensity and catharsis.

Modern Era

Emotional Catharsis

In the modern era, wailing continues to serve as a means of emotional catharsis. From emotive vocal performances in various music genres to passionate expressions of grief or despair, the term 'wailing' encompasses a wide range of intense vocalizations. It remains a powerful form of artistic expression, connecting individuals through shared emotions and experiences.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world record for the longest continuous wail is held by a newborn baby? This little champion let out a jaw-dropping cry for a whopping 16 hours straight. Truly an impressive feat!