National Forehead Day

Person with forehead in focus, adorned with flowers, wearing boho fashion style, outdoor garden setting.. — National forehead day illustration

Hey there, lovely readers! Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of National Forehead Day? Well, buckle up your forehead, because we're about to embark on a hilarious journey through the internet history of this peculiar day!

When is Forehead Day?

It's national forehead day on the 21st July.

The Origin Story of National Forehead Day

Ever wonder why my forehead looks so fabulous? It's because every year on July 21st, we celebrate National Forehead Day! It all started when a group of internet enthusiasts noticed that foreheads were not getting the attention they deserved. They realized that our glorious foreheads have been hiding in plain sight, silently supporting our eyebrows, providing a canvas for expressive wrinkles, and occasionally producing forehead slaps for comic effect.

So, they decided to create a special day to honor and appreciate this prominent facial feature. National Forehead Day quickly gained popularity online, with people sharing forehead selfies, forehead jokes, and even organizing forehead-themed parties! It's a forehead extravaganza!

Forehead Fun Facts

Did you know that the average adult forehead is about the size of an index card? That's a whole lot of real estate for forehead-based creativity! From displaying forehead art and temporary tattoos to showcasing elaborate sweat patterns during intense sports events, our foreheads are versatile and expressive.

On National Forehead Day, people have been known to have forehead beauty contests, where they judge foreheads based on their smoothness, wrinkle levels, and overall shininess. It's like America's Next Top Model, but for foreheads! Plus, there are forehead trivia quizzes, where participants compete to prove their forehead knowledge. You better start studying, because this is serious forehead business!

History behind the term 'Forehead'

Old English (900-1066)

The Origins of the Word

The term 'forehead' has its roots in Old English, where it was derived from the combination of the words 'fore,' meaning 'before,' and 'heafod,' meaning 'head.' Thus, 'forehead' referred to the area of the head that is located before the main part of the head.

Middle English (1066-1500)

Evolution of the Meaning

During the Middle English period, the term 'forehead' continued to be used to denote the frontal part of the head. However, its meaning expanded beyond just a physical description. It also began to symbolize various emotional and mental states, such as intelligence, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. Artists and writers often used the forehead as a visual cue to depict these qualities in their works.

17th Century

Physiognomy and Forehead Reading

In the 17th century, the study of physiognomy gained popularity. Physiognomy focused on analyzing a person's facial features, including their forehead, to determine their character traits and personality. This practice became known as 'forehead reading' or 'metoposcopy.' It was believed that the size, shape, and appearance of the forehead could reveal valuable insights into an individual's temperament and future prospects.

18th Century

Fashion and Forehead Display

During the 18th century, high foreheads became a fashionable trend, especially among women. It was common for women to pluck or shave their hairline to create the illusion of a larger forehead. This trend was influenced by the Neoclassical movement, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art. The high forehead was seen as a symbol of beauty, elegance, and refinement.

20th Century

Forehead in Popular Culture and Expressions

In the 20th century, the forehead continued to hold cultural significance. It appeared in various idioms and expressions, often related to emotions and intelligence. For example, phrases like 'to have a furrowed brow' or 'to wipe one's forehead in relief' suggest worry or relief. The forehead also became a canvas for body art, with forehead tattoos and bindis being worn as decorative or cultural symbols by different communities around the world.

Did you know?

Did you know that some people believe that forehead kisses are one of the most affectionate gestures? It's like a gentle love tap from the forehead to the heart!