National Side Day

Happy person enjoying a variety of mouthwatering side dishes at a picnic in a sunny park.. — National side day illustration

Oh, National Side Day! How could we ever live without this day dedicated to sides? It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the delicious and sometimes underrated accompaniments to our main meals. Whether you're a french fry fanatic, a mashed potato maven, or a coleslaw connoisseur, National Side Day is your time to shine. Let's dive into the history and significance of this mouthwatering occasion!

When is Side Day?

It's national side day on the 4th October.

The Origin of National Side Day

While the exact origins of National Side Day are unknown (because let's be real, who keeps track of these things?), we can safely assume that it was created by someone who truly appreciated the art of side dishes. It's a day to give these unsung heroes their moment in the spotlight and acknowledge the important role they play in enhancing our meals.

A Celebration of Culinary Companions

When it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are endless. From the classic french fries to the creamy mashed potatoes, from the tangy coleslaw to the crispy onion rings, there's a side dish to please every palate. National Side Day encourages us to go beyond our usual main course obsession and explore the tantalizing world of sides.

One might ask, 'Why dedicate a whole day to sides? Aren't they just... well, sides?' But oh, dear reader, sides are so much more than that. They bring balance to our plates, add depth to our meals, and provide that extra burst of flavor that complements the main dish. Whether you're devouring a juicy burger, indulging in a hearty steak, or enjoying a delightful veggie stir-fry, a well-chosen side takes the whole dining experience to another level.

How to Celebrate National Side Day

Now that you're fully aware of the importance of sides, let's talk about the best ways to celebrate National Side Day. Here are some ideas to get your taste buds tingling:

Side Dish Feast: Gather your loved ones and prepare a feast comprised entirely of side dishes. Let go of the notion that sides must play second fiddle; let them take center stage!
Side Dish Swap: Organize a side dish swap party, where everyone brings their favorite side dish to share. This way, you'll get to taste a wide variety of delectable sides.
Side Dish Showdown: Challenge your friends or family members to a side dish cook-off. Get competitive and see who can whip up the most inventive and delicious side dish.

Conclusion

So, dear reader, on this glorious National Side Day, let us pay tribute to the unsung heroes that accompany our main courses. Let us bask in the glory of perfectly crispy fries and creamy macaroni and cheese. Let us appreciate the magic of sides and never take their deliciousness for granted. Happy National Side Day!

History behind the term 'Side'

Old English period (450 - 1100 AD)

Origins in Old English

The term 'side' can be traced back to the Old English period when it was derived from the word 'sīde', which meant the lower edge of something or the position beside someone. In Old English, 'side' primarily referred to the flank of an animal or the outer part of an object.

Middle English period (1100 - 1500 AD)

Expansion of Meanings

During the Middle English period, the term 'side' gradually expanded its meanings. It started to refer to the area near or next to something or someone, as well as the boundary or margin of an object or space. The word took on a spatial connotation and was used to describe the concept of 'beside'.

16th Century

Political and Religious Divisions

In the 16th century, the term 'side' acquired additional significance in relation to political and religious divisions. It came to represent a particular faction or party in a conflict or dispute. This usage reflected the idea of taking a position or aligning oneself with a specific group or cause.

19th Century

Sides in Warfare

In the 19th century, 'side' took on further meaning in the context of warfare. It referred to the combatants involved in a conflict, distinguishing between opposing forces or different allied groups. The concept of 'taking sides' became significant during these times.

Contemporary Usage

Variety of Contexts

In contemporary usage, the term 'side' continues to be used in various contexts. It can refer to different aspects such as perspectives, stances, positions, or even certain physical locations. The versatility of 'side' as a word has made it a common and indispensable term in everyday language.

Did you know?

Did you know that side dishes originated from the medieval practice of serving multiple courses? Back in the day, lavish feasts consisted of several courses, and side dishes were served alongside the main dishes to provide a variety of flavors and textures. Thank goodness for that medieval innovation, or we'd be stuck with plain old one-course meals!