National Backwards Day

Young woman walking backwards in a park, wearing a colorful outfit, retro 80s fashion, with a city skyline in the background.. — National backwards day illustration

Are you ready to put your brain in rewind mode and celebrate National Backwards Day? This quirky holiday is all about doing things in reverse and seeing the world from a different perspective. So, get ready to walk, talk, and even eat backwards! Let's dive into the weird and wonderful history of this unique national day.

When is Backwards Day?

It's national backwards day on the 31st January.

The Internet History of National Backwards Day

As the internet loves to embrace all things wacky and wonderful, it's no surprise that National Backwards Day has gained quite a following online. With 516 mentions detected, it seems like people really enjoy turning the world upside down and flipping things around.

The most buzzworthy National Backwards Day on record was on January 31, 2017. It seems that on that day, everyone decided to throw normalcy out the window and embrace the unexpected. From reversing their daily routines to posting hilarious videos of themselves performing everyday tasks in reverse, the internet was filled with laughter and confusion.

How It All Began

While the exact origin of National Backwards Day remains a mystery, the concept of celebrating things in reverse can be traced back centuries. In ancient Roman culture, they believed that doing everyday tasks backwards would bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. And who doesn't want a little extra luck and protection?

In the age of the internet, National Backwards Day has taken on a life of its own. People embrace their inner child and let their imagination run wild. From dressing in reverse clothes to walking backwards on the street, anything goes on this extraordinary day.

History behind the term 'Backwards'

1439

Origins of 'backwards' in Middle English

The term 'backwards' originated in Middle English as a combination of the word 'back' and the Old English word 'ward,' which means 'in the direction of.' It was used to describe movement in the opposite direction.

1573

First recorded use of 'backwards'

The word 'backwards' was first recorded in English literature in 1573 in William Lambarde's book 'A Perambulation of Kent.' It was used to describe the direction of a particular journey.

18th century

Widespread usage in British English

During the 18th century, the term 'backwards' gained significant popularity in British English. It became commonly used to indicate a direction opposite to the usual or normal course.

19th century

Figurative use in literature

In the 19th century, 'backwards' started to be used figuratively in literature to describe regressive or retrogressive actions, thoughts, or behavior. It became associated with a negative connotation of moving away from progress and improvement.

20th century

Popularization and cultural impact

In the 20th century, 'backwards' gained further popularity, becoming widely used in various contexts. It became a metaphorical expression to describe actions that were perceived as contrary to expected or logical progression. Additionally, it became associated with time travel stories and movies, where characters would travel 'backwards' in time.

Did you know?

Did you know that some psychologists believe that doing things in reverse can actually boost your creativity? So, don't be afraid to shake things up and see what new ideas come flowing your way on National Backwards Day!