Oct

National Witch Hazel Day October 21

National Witch Hazel Day October 21

Have you ever stumbled upon a plant that seems to defy the rules of nature, blooming when everything else is preparing to sleep for the winter? Witch Hazel is that extraordinary shrub, casting spells with its vibrant foliage and peculiar winter flowers. Native to North America, this plant's zigzag branches and captivating blooms have woven a rich tapestry of folklore, medicine, and gardening allure around its name. But why do some folks mark October 21 as a day to celebrate this botanical wonder, despite no official decree? As leaves turn to gold and the air grows crisp, Witch Hazel reaches its peak beauty, with its unique flowers daring to emerge. This period also nods to the birthday of Samuel Upton, a pivotal figure in Witch Hazel's journey from American forests to global recognition. As we delve into the story of Witch Hazel, we uncover a narrative that intertwines the natural world with human history, showcasing a plant that's as fascinating as it is beautiful.

Key Takeaway

Witch Hazel is known for its vibrant autumn foliage and unique winter blooms, making it a popular choice for fall landscapes and gardens.
October 21 is a significant day for Witch Hazel enthusiasts as it is associated with the shrub's peak coloration, early winter blooms, and the birthday of Samuel Upton, an influential botanist who introduced Witch Hazel to the European market.

Timeline

1796
First Mention of Witch Hazel
The first recorded mention of witch hazel by a European was by the English explorer William Bartram, who encountered it in the forests of Georgia in 1796.
1842
Introduction to Europe
Witch hazel was introduced to Europe in 1842, where it was initially used as an ornamental plant.
1870
Medicinal Uses
The medicinal uses of witch hazel were first documented in the United States in 1870, when a patent was issued for a method of extracting the plant's medicinal compounds.
1950
Commercial Production
By the mid-20th century, commercial production of witch hazel extract had begun in the United States, and it became a popular ingredient in a variety of medicinal and cosmetic products.
1988
National Witch Hazel Day
In 1988, the governor of Rhode Island, Edward DiPrete, proclaimed October 21 as National Witch Hazel Day, in recognition of the state's long history of producing and using this versatile plant.

Day Activities

  1. Morning Nature Walks: Kick off National Witch Hazel Day with a brisk morning walk through local parks or botanical gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for the fiery hues of Witch Hazel's leaves, a true spectacle of fall. Don't forget to snap some photos; these beauties are Instagram gold!

  2. DIY Witch Hazel Crafts: Afternoon's perfect for getting crafty. Gather some Witch Hazel branches (if you've got 'em) and dive into making your own natural wreaths or centerpieces. This hands-on activity not only celebrates the plant but also adds a personal touch to your fall decor.

  3. Evening Witch Hazel Skincare Session: Wind down the day with a pampering skincare session featuring Witch Hazel products. Known for its soothing and healing properties, it's the ideal ingredient for homemade toners or face masks. Invite friends over and make it a spa night to remember, all in honor of this versatile plant.

Why We Love This Day

  • Vibrant Fall Colors Light Up the Landscape: Witch Hazel's autumn foliage is a sight to behold. As October rolls around, these shrubs put on a spectacular show with their yellow, orange, and red leaves. It's like Mother Nature's own fireworks display, minus the loud bangs. This transformation makes Witch Hazel a must-see for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their fall scenery.

  • Blooms That Beat the Winter Blues: Just when you think all flowers have said their goodbyes until spring, Witch Hazel surprises us with its winter blooms. These little guys are not only a rare treat because they bloom while the leaves are still hanging on but also because they're some of the first to pop up in the fall. It's like getting a sneak peek of spring in the middle of scarf season.

  • A Tip of the Hat to Samuel Upton: Celebrating Witch Hazel on October 21 pays homage to Samuel Upton, a botanist who helped introduce this plant to folks across the pond. Thanks to him, Witch Hazel gained popularity far and wide. Recognizing this day is a nod to his contributions and a reminder of the impact one person can have on our gardens and landscapes.

Past & Future Dates

MonthDayYear
OCTOBER212022
OCTOBER212023
OCTOBER212024
OCTOBER212025
OCTOBER212026
OCTOBER212027
OCTOBER212028

FAQ

What is National Witch Hazel Day?

Dickinson's takes pride in the purity of its distilled Witch Hazel, offering highly efficacious products. The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the inauguration of National Witch Hazel Day on October 21, 2021, marking its celebration annually on this date.

What is the national day for October 21?

NATIONAL APPLE DAY | October 21 - National Day Calendar.

Is October 21 National Apple Day?

Yes, National Apple Day is observed on October 21. It's a day filled with apple-themed delights - think apple pie, sauce, crisp, and much more. This celebration encourages folks to relish the apple in all its delicious and versatile glory.



Also Happens on October 21

On This Day in History — October 21

  • 2005 — Images of the dwarf planet Eris are taken and subsequently used in documenting its discovery by the team of Michael E. Brown, Chad Trujillo, and David L. Rabinowitz.
  • 1994 — North Korea nuclear weapons program: North Korea and the United States sign an Agreed Framework that requires North Korea to stop its nuclear weapons program and agree to inspections.
  • 1994 — In Seoul, 32 people are killed when the Seongsu Bridge collapses.
  • 1987 — Jaffna hospital massacre is carried out by Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka killing 70 ethnic Tamil patients, doctors and nurses.
  • 1986 — In Lebanon, pro-Iran kidnappers claim to have abducted American writer Edward Tracy (he is released in August 1991).
  • 1983 — The metre is defined at the seventeenth General Conference on Weights and Measures as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

More about history on this day →

Notable Births on October 21

  • 1995 — Cameron Burgess, Scottish-Australian footballer
  • 1995 — Antoinette Guedia Mouafo, Cameroonian swimmer
  • 1992 — Bernard Tomic, German-Australian tennis player
  • 1991 — Tom Eastman, English footballer
  • 1991 — Geoffry Hairemans, Belgian footballer
  • 1991 — Vadaine Oliver, English footballer

Notable Deaths on October 21

  • 2015 — France Bučar, Slovenian lawyer and politician (b. 1923)
  • 2015 — Marty Ingels, American actor (b. 1936)
  • 2015 — Norman W. Moore, English conservationist and author (b. 1923)
  • 2015 — Sheldon Wolin, American philosopher, theorist, and academic (b. 1922)
  • 2014 — Ben Bradlee, American journalist and author (b. 1921)
  • 2014 — Nelson Bunker Hunt, American businessman (b. 1926)