National Broken Day

Person wearing a cast on their arm (reference to broken), sitting on a stool (careful not to break!), surrounded by scattered broken objects (mugs, plates, etc.), with a sympathetic friend offering a comforting hug.. — National broken day illustration

Hey there! Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Well, you're not alone! National Broken Day is a perfect opportunity to commiserate and laugh about all the mishaps and broken things that happen in our lives. So, grab a cup of tea (careful not to break the mug!) and let's dive into the fascinating world of this quirky national day.

When is Broken Day?

It's national broken day on the 25th June.

The Internet History of National Broken Day

As we all know, the internet is a treasure trove of amusing and sometimes bizarre national days. National Broken Day is no exception! While it may not have a deep historical significance, it's a day that invites us to embrace our clumsy moments and celebrate the little things that don't quite go according to plan.

Although there isn't extensive information available about the origins of National Broken Day, we can trace its popularity back to 2017 when it first started gaining attention online. People from all walks of life began sharing their entertaining stories of broken things, from shattered dishes to clumsy mishaps. This day quickly became a platform for bonding over shared experiences and finding humor in the unexpected twists and turns of life.

How to Celebrate National Broken Day

So, you want to join in on the fun and celebrate National Broken Day? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Embrace your clumsiness: Trip over your own feet, drop that stack of papers, or knock over a glass of water (just make sure it isn't on your laptop!). It's all part of the National Broken Day spirit!
Share your stories: Take to social media and share your funniest mishap using the hashtag #NationalBrokenDay. You'll be surprised by how many people can relate.
Host a repair party: Gather your friends and fix broken items together. It's not only productive but can also be a great bonding experience.
Watch comedy shows: Spend the day laughing at hilarious comedians who excel in turning life's broken moments into comedic gold.
Create broken-themed crafts: Get crafty and turn broken items into unique works of art. From mosaic picture frames to upcycled jewelry, the possibilities are endless!

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact for you: Did you know that glue was accidentally invented by a German pharmacist named Friedrich Wilhelm August Hoffmann? He was attempting to develop a clear type of adhesive but ended up with a sticky mess that turned out to be the foundation for modern glue! Talk about a happy accident!

History behind the term 'Broken'

12th century

Emergence of the word 'broken'

In the 12th century, the word 'broken' emerged in the English language. It originated from the Old English word 'brocen,' which meant to be fractured or destroyed. The term was commonly used to describe physical objects that were damaged or in pieces.

14th century

Expanding meaning of 'broken'

By the 14th century, the meaning of 'broken' had expanded beyond its original usage. It began to be used metaphorically to describe emotional or mental states. For example, someone could be described as 'broken-hearted' or 'broken-spirited' to convey deep sadness or despair.

16th century

Broken bones and relationships

During the 16th century, the term 'broken' became associated not only with physical objects and emotions but also with personal relationships. If a friendship or a bond was severed or disrupted, it was often described as 'broken,' reflecting the fragility and vulnerability of human connections.

18th century

Broken promises and trust

In the 18th century, the concept of 'broken' extended further to include promises, trust, and contracts. When someone failed to fulfill their obligations or betrayed another's trust, they were said to have 'broken' their promises or breached their agreements.

20th century

Broken record and linguistics

Moving into the 20th century, the term 'broken' continued to evolve and find new applications. One notable example is the phrase 'broken record.' It originated from the repetitive skipping of a scratch on vinyl records, meaning someone who incessantly repeats themselves. This usage highlights the adaptability and enduring relevancy of the term over time.

21st century

Broken online links and digital age

With the advent of the digital age, the term 'broken' has expanded to include the online realm. It is commonly used to describe broken links, indicating that a webpage or a URL is no longer accessible or has been removed. This usage reflects the ever-changing nature of technology and the need to maintain functional and up-to-date web content.