National Opposite Day (January 25)
Check out the weird holiday National Opposite Day on January 25. Learn the history of opposite day, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 25 is National Opposite Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Opposite Day
No one is really sure why this date was chosen as a day to celebrate opposites, but the concept itself is not unknown – how often did kids on the playground at school claim it was opposite day?
Today is a fun day to do silly things, like have dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner. Another fun idea is to wear your clothes backwards and say “goodbye” to everyone instead of “hello.” Or you could go to bed in the morning and go to work in the evening – just let your boss in on the plan.
The problem with this weird holiday is that it is a lot like Schrodinger’s Cat. If you tell someone that it’s Opposite Day, then the fact that you can only say the opposite means it’s NOT actually opposite day.
In the 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, references are made to Opposite Day.
In the 1928 election of the United States, President Calvin Coolidge made a statement to the press where said, “I do not choose to run.” He then ran for President, causing people to speculate if it was an error or if he was celebrating this weird holiday.
In 1959, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared that August 17 would be Opposite Day on request of his granddaughter. The holiday never repeated, however.
The TV show “The Odd Couple” which focuses on two main characters who appear to be polar opposites first premiered on ABC in 1970. Two years prior, in 1968, the movie version had been quite successful.
1989 boasts being the year that Paula Abdul’s song “Opposites Attract” became extremely popular. The official music video casts Abudl’s love interest as an animated character.
In the TV show “Seinfeld” which ran from 1989-1998, the fictional character George Costanza realizes his life isn’t where he wanted it, so he decided to make the opposite choice of what he normally would do in any situation. This means that he goes from being sedentary and curmodgeonly to sincere, active, and honest.
In 1999, SpongeBob Squarepants decides to celebrate opposite day in an attempt to not get a house sold. In the end, everyone starts acting like Squidward.
In 2009, the movie Opposite Day is released into theaters. Starring Billy Unger, a boy wishes on a start that all the kids could become adults because he is tired of them making all the rules tha the has to follow. His wish comes true, and the adults end up becoming the children, too! (Yes, it’s a bit like Freaky Friday.)
Ideas for National Opposite Day
While saying and doing everything opposite today may lead to chaos in your professional and personal lives, here are some ideas on how you can celebrate.
Black & White Cookies
The perfect Black & White Cookie rides the line between cake and cookie. It’s topped with both vanilla and chocolate icing, which means you don’t have to choose. You get both flavors in one delicious treat, which is perfect for National Opposite Day.
Juxtaposition Examples: a FUN, Useful Lesson in 21 Photos!
The easiest way to define the noun “juxtaposition” is: CONTRAST. More specifically, juxtaposition is when two very different things are put right next to each other, causing an impact for the viewer, reader, or listener. Learn more about this on National Opposite Day!
Sweet + Spicy Air Fryer Plantains
Sweet & spicy air fryer plantains make a delicious side dish or starter on National Opposite Day. Tasty, with hints of sweet, tang and spice for a fabulous flavour combo and ready in less than 15 minutes, start to finish.
Sweet & Salty M&M Fudge
This sweet and salty M&M fudge is the perfect blend of salty and sweet for National Opposite Day, and it also has a little bit of crunch! It’s a great treat to share!
WW Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken is a delicious Weight Watchers dinner recipe. It is perfect for National Opposite Day, or even just those days when your points are running low, it’s also easy to meal prep!
Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickles
Sweet and spicy refrigerator pickles are the perfect topping for a burger on National Opposite Day. Refrigerator pickles are easy for anyone to make at home - no canning involved. These pickles are perfectly sweetened with a kick of spicy jalapeño!
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Stir Fry with Pork
This quick and easy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Stir Fry with Ground Pork will get your taste buds dancing on National Opposite Day! Serve over noodles or rice, or on its own for a light grain-free meal.
Sweet and Spicy Cream Cheese Dip
This Sweet and Spicy Cream Cheese Dip appetizer recipe is a total snap to throw together in moments for National Opposite Day - the combination of flavors make the opposites perfect!
Sweet and Spicy Fried Plantain
A spicy alternative to the ever popular fried plantains. Perfect to be paired with your favorite main dish on National Opposite Day!
Pin it!
Share this post about opposites on Pinterest!
