International Monkey Day
About International Monkey Day
When is International Monkey Day? This holiday is always observed on December 14
Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Today is International Monkey Day, a December 14 holiday. It is sometimes called “World Monkey Day“. What does one do on this day you ask!? Why anything about or related to monkeys is perfect? Of course, we sure hope no one puts a monkey wrench in your plans to celebrate this holiday. For example, to be in the spirit of this day, start off drawing pictures of them. That’s what sparked the creation of this holiday. Next, you can act like them and monkey around. And, of course, you should hang from trees while eating a banana or two. Note: Scratching under your armpit is optional.
On this day, back in the year 2000, artist Casey Sorrow was in art school at Michigan State University. Casey jokingly sketched a monkey on a friend’s calendar… and a new special day was born.
International Monkey Day is a day to celebrate and enjoy monkeys of all kinds. This includes their cousins: apes, baboons, chimpanzees, and gorillas. Certainly, it will be a barrel of fun. Therefore, we encourage you to do as Casey did… draw pictures of monkeys today.
Did You Know? There is no shortage of monkeys to honor. Last time they counted, there were over 260 species of monkeys. This includes apes, lemurs, and tarsiers.
Song and Band of the Day: “Hey, Hey, we’re the Monkees” by The Monkees.
Favorite Movie Series: Planet of the Apes.
How to Celebrate International Monkey Day
Certainly, there’s going to be a whole lot of monkey business during today’s holiday. So, here are some things you can do to join in on the fun.
- Teachers, have your students draw pictures of monkeys in art class today.
- Follow the art class with an instructional class about monkeys and their habitat.
- Read a book about monkeys.
- By all means, it is the perfect day to learn about Darwin’s Theory.
- Monkey around. We will leave the interpretation up to you (teehee)
- Further, go to the zoo and visit them. Make sure to take pictures.
- Lastly, your diet should consist of plenty of bananas today. May we suggest: Banana pancakes, banana milkshakes, and banana pie. You get the idea!
Today's Quote
“I learned the way a monkey learns, by watching its parents.” – – Prince Charles (now King Charles)
History and Origin of International Monkey Day
On December 14, 2000, Michigan State University art school student Casey Sorrow drew a picture of a monkey on his friend’s calendar. After a few chuckles, he took it to illustrator and printmaker Erik Milliken. And, voila, a new holiday was conceived! Often, many holidays are conceived simplistically just like this one.
Originally it was known as “Monkey Day. We are not sure how it became an international holiday. But, it makes sense as people around the world go ape over monkeys and their related cousins, most notably baboons, chimpanzees, gorillas, and apes.
This Day in History
Additionally, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Princess Mary Stuart, upon the death of her father James V, becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at just 6 days old. (1542)
- Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” is the first country song to get a gold record. (1961)
- World War II aviator James Doolittle was born on this day in 1896.
Related Holidays
If you like today’s holiday, then you will also like:
More December 14 Holidays
Besides International Monkey Day, here are more December 14 holidays and events we know you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Banana Nut Muffin
Ecards Send a free Ecard for International Monkey Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to International Monkey Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.
