National Pillow Day

Happy person surrounded by a mountain of pillows, wearing pajamas, cozy bedroom setting, dreamy atmosphere.. — National pillow day illustration

Ah, the sweet softness of pillows! Who doesn't love to dive headfirst into that fluffy world of dream? Welcome to our light-hearted and feathery article about National Pillow Day, a national day that doesn't just sneak under your head at night, but into your heart, too! While it might sound a little unusual, you'll soon see that pillows deserve their day of honor!

When is Pillow Day?

It's national pillow day on the 15th October.

A Little Pillow Talk

Our data sleuths (who we promise are harder working than the Sleepy Dwarf) detected 587 mentions of National Pillow Day online, with the most mentions cropping up on 15th October 2015. We suspect this might be due to some phenomenal pillow fight that we sadly missed out on.

Resting our Case

The exact origins of National Pillow day are as elusive as the perfect sleeping position, but that doesn't make it any less real or less loved. Yes, loved. Who doesn't hug their pillow at night or cry into it during a sad movie or admire their skill when they have just finished making a perfect pillow fort?

Fluffy Findings

So, why do people talk about National Pillow Day? Simple! It's because pillows are a universal symbol of comfort, support, and sweat dreams. (Err, sweet dreams, I mean! Unless you dream about running a marathon, of course. We support all types of dreams here!)

A Pillow's World

So, let us doff our nightcaps to this unsung hero today! This National Pillow Day, let's hug our pillows a little tighter, craft forts with a little more pride, and realize pillows aren't just for resting our sleepy heads—they're also perfect for balancing while pretending to be tightrope walkers!

History behind the term 'Pillow'

2500 BCE

Ancient Origins

The history of the pillow stretches back to ancient times. The earliest known use of a pillow was in ancient Egypt around 2500 BCE. These early pillows were made of stone or wood and were used to keep the head elevated while sleeping. They were primarily used by the wealthy and the nobility.

500 BCE

Growth in Materials

Around 500 BCE, pillows began to be made using more comfortable materials. The ancient Greeks and Romans used softer objects like cloth bags filled with straw, feathers, or reeds as pillows. These materials provided a more cushioned surface.

11th Century

Luxury and Ornamentation

During the Middle Ages, pillows took on a symbolic and ornamental role. They were often seen as a sign of status and luxury, with more elaborate and decorative designs. Feather-stuffed pillows became a popular choice, particularly among the upper classes.

15th Century

Emergence of Pillow Ticking

In the 15th century, the concept of pillow ticking was introduced. Pillow ticking referred to the process of sewing a cover around the stuffing to prevent feathers or down from escaping. This innovation helped to keep the pillows cleaner and longer lasting.

19th Century

Industrial Revolution and Mass Production

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the mass production of pillows became possible. This led to more affordable pillows and increased accessibility to comfort during sleep. The introduction of synthetic materials, such as polyester fiberfill, also provided a cheaper alternative to natural feathers and down.

20th Century

Innovations and Modern Pillows

Throughout the 20th century, various innovations in pillow design and materials took place. Memory foam pillows were introduced, providing improved support and comfort. The development of hypoallergenic pillows catered to individuals with allergies. Additionally, adjustable pillows with customizable firmness became popular, allowing people to personalize their sleeping experience.

Did you know?

Did you know that in ancient times, pillows were made of stone or wood? Doesn't sound very comfy, does it? Thank goodness for modern plush technology!