Brunch for Lunch Day (Saturday before U.S. Mother's Day)

One weird holiday in May on the Saturday before the U.S. celebrates Mother’s Day is Brunch for Lunch Day. Check out the other weird May holidays!

Brunch, a delightful and indulgent meal, has become a beloved cultural phenomenon. It’s a hybrid of breakfast and lunch, allowing people to savor the best of both worlds. And while brunch is traditionally enjoyed during the late morning hours, there’s one day each year when enthusiasts can relish this mid-morning marvel for lunch – Brunch for Lunch Day.

In this article, we’ll dive into the delectable world of brunch, tracing its origins, celebrating its allure, and offering a delightful array of recipes and tips for enjoying brunch for lunch.

When Is Brunch for Lunch Day?

Brunch for Lunch Day typically falls on the day before Mother’s Day (as celebrated in the United States) each year.

Here are the dates for Brunch for Lunch Day for the upcoming years:

May 13, 2023
May 11, 2024
May 10, 2025
May 9, 2026
May 8, 2027
May 13, 2028
May 12, 2029
May 11, 2030
May 10, 2031
May 9, 2032

Celebrating Brunch for Lunch on the day before Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to honor and appreciate mothers with a delicious mid-morning feast.

Who Invented Brunch for Lunch Day?

Brunch for Lunch Day, like many unofficial holidays, doesn’t have a specific inventor or organization associated with its creation. It appears to have evolved organically as a playful variation of the traditional brunch concept. These unofficial holidays often gain popularity through social media, food enthusiasts, or those simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a special meal.

The idea of enjoying brunch dishes during the lunch hour likely emerged from the love of brunch itself, with its mix of breakfast and lunch items, which are appreciated at various times of the day. As such, Brunch for Lunch Day is a delightful occasion that encourages people to savor the mid-morning marvel even when the clock strikes noon, and to do so with a sense of culinary creativity and indulgence.

The Origins of the Word “Brunch”

The term “brunch” is a delightful linguistic fusion of two words, “breakfast” and “lunch.” It’s a portmanteau, a linguistic blend of two or more words to create a new word with a combined meaning. The word “portmanteau” itself is of French origin, meaning “a suitcase with two compartments.” In linguistics, it’s used to describe the blending of words.

The origins of “brunch” as a concept date back to late 19th-century Britain, where it was first used informally to describe a combined meal that was a bit of breakfast and a bit of lunch. However, the actual term “brunch” wasn’t coined until much later.

The word “brunch” appears to have been popularized in the United States in the early 20th century. There’s no direct Latin etymology for the word “brunch” because it’s a modern invention, but its construction follows the portmanteau pattern of combining elements from two words.

Latin, being an ancient language, doesn’t have a direct influence on this particular word. Instead, “brunch” represents the playful and inventive nature of language evolution, where new words are crafted to suit changing social and culinary needs.

“Breakfast” comes from the Middle English word “brekfast” or “brekfaste,” which literally means “breaking the fast.” It was derived from the combination of “breken” (to break) and “fasten” (to fast or abstain from eating). The term reflects the meal that breaks the overnight fasting period and provides nourishment to start the day.

The word “lunch” has its origins in the Old English word “luncheon,” which meant a quick snack or a hasty meal. It was borrowed from the Anglo-Norman word “luncheon,” which had the same meaning. The term “lunch” in the sense of a midday meal became popular in the 19th century.

In Latin, the concept of breakfast can be expressed as “jentaculum.” This term is used to refer to the morning meal, particularly the first meal of the day that breaks the fast of the night. It’s derived from “jentare,” which means “to eat in the morning.”

In Latin, lunch can be referred to as “prandium.” “Prandium” typically denotes the midday meal, or what we commonly call lunch. It’s the meal that provides nourishment during the middle of the day.

Thus, the concept of brunch can be expressed as a combination of these Latin terms: “jentaculum et prandium.” This combines the words for breakfast and lunch, reflecting the idea of enjoying a meal that encompasses elements of both.

Thus, the term “brunch” is a linguistic concoction – a portmanteau, if you will: blending “breakfast” and “lunch.” This delightful fusion of meals has roots that reach deep into the past, and its history is as diverse as the dishes it encompasses.

Where Breakfast Meets Lunch: The History of Brunch

To appreciate brunch, it’s essential to understand the evolution of our daily eating habits. In medieval times, the concept of distinct meals wasn’t as established as it is today. People generally ate when they were hungry, breaking their fast in the morning, having a midday meal, and then enjoying a hearty dinner.

However, the idea of brunch as a separate and distinct meal only began to emerge in the late 19th century. England was one of the first places where this meal appeared, often enjoyed by the leisurely upper class. The idea was to have a lighter meal in the late morning, something to tide you over until the grand dinner later in the evening.

In the United States, brunch started to become popular during the late 1800s. By the early 20th century, the meal began to take its current form, often associated with Sunday mornings. It became a social event, a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy leisurely meals, and perhaps indulge in a mimosa or two.

Brunch Around the World

The beauty of brunch is its adaptability. Different cultures have embraced the idea of leisurely mid-morning meals, often putting their unique spin on the concept.

In Mexico, for instance, you have “brunch” as a traditional mid-morning meal, where dishes like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros take center stage.

In France, a similar mid-morning meal exists, which they call “brunch” as well. Here, you might savor croissants, quiches, and other delectable pastries.

In Lebanon, a brunch might feature a spread of mezze dishes, like hummus, falafel, and fresh pita bread.

The Japanese have their own version called “morning service,” which often includes toast, eggs, and coffee.

Across the globe, brunch is a flexible concept, reflecting the culinary traditions and preferences of each region. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of enjoying the best of two meals in one.

The Allure of Brunch

What makes brunch so irresistible? It’s a complex mixture of factors that contribute to its enduring appeal.

1. Versatility: One of the most appealing aspects of brunch is its culinary versatility. You can enjoy sweet and savory dishes side by side. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes or a hearty omelet, you can find it on a brunch menu.

2. Late Start: Brunch allows you to start your day a bit later, perfect for those who relish a more relaxed morning. It’s also a delightful way to begin your weekend, allowing you to sleep in without sacrificing a satisfying meal.

3. The Best of Both Worlds: The combination of breakfast and lunch items means there’s something for everyone at the brunch table. It’s a chance to satisfy various tastes and cravings, from eggs Benedict to crispy bacon.

4. Social Engagement: Brunch is often a social meal, a time to catch up with friends and family, to celebrate special occasions, or simply to enjoy a leisurely morning with loved ones.

5. Drinks: Many brunch menus feature special drinks like mimosas, Bloody Marys, or craft coffees, adding to the celebratory nature of the meal.

The Social Aspect of Brunch

Brunch has always had a social element. It’s a time for relaxation and enjoyment. Perhaps it’s the mid-morning timing, allowing you to wake up without the rush of a workday, or maybe it’s the mixture of breakfast and lunch foods, offering something for everyone. Regardless, brunch is often enjoyed in the company of friends and family, and this social aspect is one of the key factors behind its enduring popularity.

Brunch for Lunch: A Gourmet Affair

While brunch is typically a morning tradition, there’s a special day dedicated to enjoying it for lunch – Brunch for Lunch Day. It’s a delightful opportunity to break from the ordinary and indulge in a gourmet midday meal that combines the best of breakfast and lunch.

Celebrating Brunch for Lunch Day

Brunch for Lunch Day is a chance to break from your routine and savor the decadence of brunch during the lunch hour. Here are a few ways to celebrate:

1. Host a Brunch for Lunch Gathering: Invite friends or family over for a midday brunch feast. Set a table with a mix of breakfast and lunch items, from pastries and frittatas to sandwiches and salads.

2. Try a New Recipe: Experiment with new brunch recipes. How about a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, a breakfast burrito, or a classic quiche Lorraine?

3. Visit a Brunch Spot: If you’re not in the mood to cook, visit a local restaurant or café known for their brunch menu. Savor the experience of being served delicious brunch dishes.

4. Get Creative with Mimosas: Mimosas are a brunch classic, and they’re not just for the morning. Try different fruit juices and champagne combinations.

Brunch for Lunch Day is a delightful celebration of the mid-morning meal we all love. It’s an opportunity to indulge in both sweet and savory dishes, surrounded by friends and family, even when the lunch hour beckons.

So, on this special day, why not break from your regular lunch routine and treat yourself to a lavish mid-morning feast? After all, brunch is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures, and it’s best enjoyed when shared with others.

Ideas for Brunch for Lunch Day Recipes

For some delicious recipes, try out our posts for these weird holidays:

You might also enjoy these brunch for lunch recipes!