Whether you see them as small winged tenders of the deep natural places of the earth, or as tall stately figures with fair skin and hair, there’s one thing for certain. The world has been absolutely captured by the Fae.
These creatures appear on everything from mugs to t-shirts and have been the subject of children’s fairy tales and even supernatural romances. International Fairy Day celebrates these incredible mythological creatures that have captured the imagination of people everywhere and their diverse history.
History of International Fairy Day
Fairies have existed in just about every culture over the world, though they may have been called by different names. What they have in common, no matter where you go, is that they are spirits that inhabit the world around us and often operate by strange and often odd laws. That’s about where the similarities end, and where the amazingly diverse concepts that are the fae begin.
We’ve all heard of the winged fairies that flit around flowers and are always drawn like butterfly winged cherubs of slight form, but did you know that Dwarves and Gnomes are also part of the fae family?
These creatures were common among the Germanic folk, and especially those who worked in mines and mountains. Knockers were a form of fairy that lived in mines and would ‘knock’ to warn miners of pending cave-ins and danger, hence their name.
The red-hatted gnomes that occupy so many people’s gardens were fashioned after creatures from the far north. These quiet and unassuming creatures were part of the dark northern forests and spent their time living near the homes of humans, which they’d sometimes help out.
There’s even fae that lives in the oceans like the Irish Selkie, dark of hair and eye, these creatures were able to turn into humans. If one were lucky enough to steal their skin they’d be able to take a Selkie wife, so long as they didn’t let the skin be found!
How to celebrate International Fairy Day
Celebrate International Fairy Day by participating in one of the many festivals and celebrations that have formed around the world to honour these mythical creatures.
You can have a little festival at home by having a fairy themed party with your friends and family! Whatever you do, don’t forget to honour the fae in your own home by leaving out a plate with cookies and a small portion of milk. Here are some magical ways to celebrate International Fairy Day, no matter where you live and what you believe in.
Put on a movie
If International Fairy Day is perfect for anything, it’s throwing on a movie while sitting back and relaxing. Some of the greatest films involve tales of fairies, pixies, and other magical creatures, from Snow White to Peter Pan. And, the incredible thing about these movies is that they are timeless.
Build a fairy garden
Gardens have never been more loved than now. A fairy garden is an excellent way to celebrate the event and indulge in the majesty that is International Fairy Day. Families will enjoy how much the kids love pretending to be Tinker Bell.
Dress up the pets
Fun for all the family means fun for all the family. To create a world suitable for magical creatures, you need magical creatures. Letting the kids put on a tiara and throw glitter on their clothes takes care of the fairy element, but what about the unicorns, dragons, and frogs? That’s where the pets come in handy. Sew them a little costume and make them part of the day. It won’t be complete otherwise.
Read a fairy tale
Reading is about getting lost in different worlds, and there isn’t a world more creative than Narnia or Neverland. Even if you’re no longer a kid, fairy tales teach morals that everyone should cherish.
Reasons To Celebrate International
Fairy Day Undoubtedly, the main reason is to have fun. Kids and grown-ups need to make as much time as possible for the activity. Without a sense of childlike wonder, the world isn’t a very exciting place!
Fairies could be real, and they could not be, but they are a huge part of culture and society around the globe. Participation in Ireland or Scandinavia, two places where fairy legends are strong, is about feeling closer to your country and its folk. It’s interesting to learn about the history and where the myths came from, and how they have been sprinkled with a dash of fairy dust.
If that isn’t a reason to celebrate International Fairy Day, what is?