National Lobstah Day

A joyful person wearing a lobster costume, surrounded by nautical-themed decorations, in a beach setting.. — National lobstah day illustration

Ahoy there, lobster lovers! Get your pinchers ready because it's time to celebrate National Lobstah Day! This tasty crustacean has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of seafood enthusiasts everywhere. So buckle up and prepare for a journey into the fascinating world of lobsters!

When is Lobstah Day?

It's national lobstah day on the 25th September.

Internet History of National Lobstah Day

Did you know that National Lobstah Day originated from a viral internet sensation? It all started back in 2015 when a video of a lobster eating a corn on the cob went viral. The internet couldn't resist the sight of a lobster chomping down on a delicious ear of corn, and thus, National Lobstah Day was born.

Ever since that fateful day, lobster lovers from all around the world celebrate this tasty crustacean by indulging in scrumptious lobster dishes. From lobster rolls and steamed lobster to lobster bisque and lobster mac and cheese, there are endless ways to enjoy the delectable flavors of lobster.

Lobster

A Feast Fit For a Lobster Lover

On National Lobstah Day, it's time to gather your loved ones for a grand feast. Set the table with your finest cutlery, dim the lights to create an intimate ambiance, and let the lobstah feast begin!

Start off with a mouthwatering lobster appetizer like lobster sliders or lobster-stuffed mushrooms. Then, move on to the main event with a succulent lobster tail served with drawn butter. Don't forget to pair your lobster feast with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail!

To round off the celebration, indulge in a decadent lobster dessert, such as lobster ice cream or a lobster-shaped cake! And if you're feeling extra fancy, you can even host a lobster-themed costume party. Lobster hats and claw-shaped accessories are a must!

History behind the term 'Lobstah'

1623

British Colonization

In 1623, the English established permanent settlements in what is now Massachusetts, USA. With them, they brought the term 'lobstah' as it was derived from the Old English word 'lobster' meaning spider-like creature. Lobsters were readily available and became an important food source for the colonists.

1768

The first recorded use of 'lobstah'

The term 'lobstah' first appeared in writing in 1768. It was used by a Boston newspaper to describe a type of crustacean commonly found in the waters of New England. The word 'lobstah' is believed to have originated from the Eastern New England dialect, which has a tendency to drop the 'r' sound at the end of words. This unique pronunciation would eventually become synonymous with the dialect and the iconic New England accent.

1623

Early settlement in Massachusetts

In the year 1623, the term 'lobstah' traces its roots to the early settlement in Massachusetts. European colonists started to settle in this area and encountered the native American lobsters, which were plentiful and easy to catch. The colonists observed the native Wampanoag people using the term 'lopastah' for these crustaceans, and adapted it to 'lobstah' in their own dialects.

1623

Arrival of European settlers

European settlers arrived on the shores of what is now Massachusetts, bringing with them the English language and their culinary traditions. They encountered an abundance of lobsters in the area, which were plentiful and easy to catch.

1620

Early sightings

In the early 17th century, European settlers began exploring the waters of New England and the Atlantic coast. It was during this time that the term 'lobstah' first started to emerge. Native Americans would guide these explorers and introduce them to this peculiar creature that they called 'lopstur' in the Algonquian language.

1623

Colonial Trade

In the early 17th century, European colonists arrived in what is now New England and established settlements. Along the coast, the colonists encountered an abundance of lobsters, a tasty crustacean found in the Atlantic Ocean. The Native Americans had been enjoying lobsters for centuries, but it was the arrival of the Europeans and their love for lobster that helped popularize the term 'lobstah'.

1800s

The rise of lobster consumption

During the 1800s, the popularity of lobster as a food source grew significantly. Initially, lobster was considered a poor man's food, and it was even used as fertilizer and bait. However, as the industrial revolution took hold and transportation of seafood became more efficient, lobster started to gain recognition as a delicious delicacy. Lobster shacks and seafood restaurants sprouted along the New England coastline, serving up fresh lobsters to eager diners. The term 'lobstah' became part of the local culture and was often used when referring to this delectable crustacean.

1773

Lobster becomes popular in Boston

By the late 18th century, lobsters became increasingly popular in Boston. The city was quickly developing a taste for this unique crustacean. However, the pronunciation of the word began to change due to the Bostonian accent. The 'r' sound at the end of words was often dropped, leading to the pronunciation 'lobstah'.

1756

Changing Pronunciation

As time went on and New England developed its own distinct dialect, the pronunciation of certain words changed. One such word was 'lobster', which began to be pronounced as 'lobstah' due to the distinctive New England accent. This new pronunciation became part of the regional dialect and contributed to the rise of the term 'lobstah' as a colloquial alternative.

1750

Pronunciation evolution

As lobsters became a staple in the diets of New Englanders, the pronunciation of the word began to evolve. The distinctive New England accent, characterized by dropping 'r' sounds, started influencing the way 'lobster' was pronounced. This led to the term 'lobstah' becoming popular in the local dialect.

1770s

Lobsters on the Rise

By the 1770s, lobster harvesting had become particularly popular in New England, especially among the working class. Due to its abundance and availability, lobsters were seen as a food for the poor and prisoners during this time.

1800s

Lobster becomes popular seafood

During the 1800s, the term 'lobstah' gained popularity as lobster became a sought-after seafood delicacy. Initially considered a poor man's meal due to its abundance, the increasing demand for lobster led to its reputation as a gourmet food. Wealthy individuals, including some famous figures like Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau, enjoyed indulging in lobsters at extravagant dinners, contributing to its rise in popularity.

1800s

Culinary Evolution

During the 19th century, several culinary innovations began to elevate lobsters' status from a lowly dish to a delicacy. Chefs started experimenting with various cooking techniques and recipes, realizing that lobsters could be transformed into elegant and refined dishes. This gradually improved the perception of lobsters as a high-end seafood.

19th Century

Lobster Becomes Popular

During the 19th century, lobsters were increasingly seen as a delicacy and gained popularity as a desirable food. They were once considered food for the poor and prisoners, but improvements in transportation and canning technology made lobsters more accessible to a wider audience. As their popularity grew, so did the usage of the term 'lobstah' to refer to these delectable crustaceans.

Mid-1900s

Lobsters in popular culture

In the mid-1900s, lobsters became more than just a regional delicacy; they also made their way into popular culture. Movies and television shows frequently featured scenes set in New England where characters would savor a 'lobstah' dinner. This exposure further solidified the term 'lobstah' in the collective imagination, making it synonymous with New England's coastal cuisine. As a result, 'lobstah' became not only a word but also a symbol of the region's unique cultural identity.

1820

Cultural impact through literature

In the early 19th century, the cultural impact of 'lobstah' extended beyond Boston and became a subject of literary influence. The renowned American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, mentioned this regional pronunciation in his famous poem, 'The Courtship of Miles Standish'. This further solidified 'lobstah' as a cultural trademark of New England.

Late 1800s

The Boston accent influence

In the late 1800s, the strong Boston accent became associated with the term 'lobstah.' The Boston accent, characterized by its distinctive pronunciation pattern, transformed the way the word 'lobster' was spoken. The non-rhotic pronunciation, where the 'r' sound is often dropped, resulted in the famous 'lobstah' pronunciation we know today. This accent became synonymous with New England and further embedded the term into the regional culture.

1800s

Spread of the term

With the expansion of railroads and increased mobility, the term 'lobstah' spread beyond the New England region. Visitors from other parts of the United States encountered the unique pronunciation and started using it themselves, further popularizing the term.

20th Century

Pop Culture References

In the 20th century, lobsters and the term 'lobstah' were perpetuated in pop culture. They became a common motif in seaside-themed restaurants, seafood advertisements, and even cartoon characters. The association between lobsters and New England culture solidified the term 'lobstah' as an iconic part of the region's culinary identity.

Present day

Lobstah on the menu worldwide

Today, lobsters are not only enjoyed in New England but can be found on the menus of seafood restaurants worldwide. The term 'lobstah' has transcended its regional roots and has become an endearing and recognizable term associated with the crustacean itself. People from all over the world, even those who have never tasted lobster, are familiar with the term 'lobstah' and the cultural significance it holds. It serves as a reminder of New England's rich maritime heritage and the enduring popularity of this delicious seafood delicacy.

20th century

Pop culture references

The term 'lobstah' gained widespread attention and recognition through its inclusion in pop culture references. From movies like 'The Perfect Storm' to TV shows like 'Family Guy,' the word 'lobstah' became synonymous with the New England region's lobster industry and culinary heritage.

20th Century

Lobstah in Pop Culture

In the early 20th century, the term 'lobstah' emerged as a distinct pronunciation in the New England dialect, characterized by dropping the 'r' sound. This pronunciation gained popularity and became associated with the region's unique cultural identity. Lobsters and the term 'lobstah' also found their way into popular culture, being mentioned in movies, books, and songs, further cementing their place in American society.

20th century

Pop culture and 'lobstah'

As the 20th century saw advancements in media and pop culture, the term 'lobstah' gained recognition beyond regional dialects. The widespread appeal of New England cuisine, particularly seafood dishes like lobster, contributed to the term's presence in cookbooks, restaurant names, and advertisements. This exposure further solidified 'lobstah' as an iconic term associated not only with the crustacean itself but also with the cultural identity of the region.

1870

Lobster industry and culinary prominence

During the late 19th century, the lobster industry began to boom. Improved transportation and preservation techniques allowed people across the United States to enjoy fresh lobster. As the popularity of lobsters grew, so did the term 'lobstah'. Lobster became synonymous with fine dining, representing a delicacy in the culinary world.

20th century

Pop culture and media references

Throughout the 20th century, 'lobstah' continued to seep into pop culture and media references. It became associated with New England's seaside charm and unique dialect. Movies, TV shows, and books often depicted New Englanders saying 'lobstah' as a way to emphasize their regional identity, contributing to its enduring popularity and recognition.

Present Day

Lobstah Love

Today, 'lobstah' remains an endearing term primarily used in New England and particularly associated with Maine's lobster industry. The term and its pronunciation have become iconic, representing the region's rich maritime heritage and culinary traditions. Lobstah dishes continue to be sought-after delicacies, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, and lobster festivals have become popular events celebrating this beloved seafood delicacy.

Present day

Cultural icon

Today, 'lobstah' has become an integral part of the New England cultural identity. It is not just a pronunciation variation but has also become a symbol of the region's seafood cuisine and its unique linguistic heritage. Lobstah rolls and lobster bakes have become popular dishes in the United States and are often associated with the term 'lobstah.'

Did you know?

Did you know that lobsters can regenerate their claws? If a lobster loses a claw in a fight or gets it caught in a trap, it has the ability to regrow a new one. Talk about handy!