National Men Make Dinner Day

A smiling man confidently cooking in a modern kitchen, dressed in a chef's apron and hat.. — National men make dinner day illustration

Hello there, food-loving, tradition-embracing, day-celebrating reader! Ever heard of a peculiar, yet delightful, day called National Men Make Dinner Day? Yes, you heard that right! A day that encourages men to roll up their sleeves and enchant their loved ones with their culinary skills (or at least an attempt at the same!). Let's take a deep-dive into everything there is to this delicious day!

When is Men Make Dinner Day?

It's national men make dinner day on the 2nd November.

Take Off That Apron, Ladies!

Never mind those terrifying images of charred pots and pans, or piles of dirty dishes, National Men Make Dinner Day, recorded with a whopping 3502 mentions online, is here to celebrate men's adventures in the kitchen. Ever so popular, it peaked on the 2nd of November, 2017. So, ladies, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the evening while the gentlemen try to navigate through the intimidating world of ingredients, spices, and kitchen gadgetry.

A Pinch of History

We don't have an exact record of when this fantastic day was born, but looking at its burgeoning popularity, it's clear that the internet and netizens alike have embraced it wholeheartedly. It was, perhaps, born out of the need to encourage a shared responsibility in the home and discourage the stereotype that the kitchen is dominantly a woman's domain. What better way to shake things up than designate a day where men take the cooking-baton?

Stirring the Pot

Besides providing a fun platform for men to try their hand at cooking, this day also champions unity and shared familial responsibility. Because, frankly, who doesn't love a well-meaning, food-laden gesture? Whether it's an expertly cooked steak, a slightly wobbly pancake, or a perhaps over-salted soup, it's the thought (and hopefully, the inevitable improvement!) that counts.

History behind the term 'Men Make Dinner'

1960

Emergence of gender roles

In the 1960s, traditional gender roles were entrenched in society. Men were typically the breadwinners, while women were expected to take care of domestic chores, including cooking. This division of labor was reinforced through various societal norms and expectations.

1970

Changing perspectives

As the women's liberation movement gained momentum in the 1970s, perceptions of gender roles began to shift. Women demanded equal opportunities in education, employment, and other areas. With this push for equality, discussions around shared responsibilities at home also started to emerge.

1974

Introduction of National Women's Equality Day

In the United States, National Women's Equality Day was first recognized on August 26, 1971, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This day serves as a reminder of women's ongoing struggle for equality and recognition of their achievements.

1994

Creation of National Men Make Dinner Day

In 1994, National Men Make Dinner Day was established in the United States by Sandy Sharkey, a Canadian radio announcer. The day, celebrated on the first Thursday of November, aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and encourage men to take an active role in cooking for their families.

1998

Increasing popularity

Over the years, National Men Make Dinner Day gained popularity and attracted attention from various media outlets. The day promotes the idea that anyone can learn to cook and that sharing cooking responsibilities can foster greater equality and appreciation within relationships.

Present

Continued advocacy for gender equality

Today, National Men Make Dinner Day continues to highlight the importance of equal participation in household chores, including cooking. It encourages individuals of all genders to break stereotypes and embrace the joys and benefits of preparing a meal for loved ones.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most internet traffic and mentions about National Men Make Dinner Day were recorded on the 2nd of November, 2017? That's a lot of men taking charge of spatulas and woks!