September 19th is National Meow Like a Pirate Day, and it is definitely one of the, uh, most unique national pet holidays for sure. Here’s how this pawsatively purrfect pirate day was born.
You would think (or at least hope) that there would be some hilarious backstory to this unique holiday, but really it all started with two guys and a game of racquetball. Meow Like a Pirate Day is a funky adaptation of Talk Like a Pirate Day, also celebrated on September 19. A day where, you guessed it, everyone (that cares to participate) talks like a pirate.
It all started with two men by the name of John Baur and Mark Summers. On June 6, 1995, the men were playing a rather competitive game of racquetball in an attempt to lose some weight and be healthier. Racquetball, as you may know, can turn into an intense game very quickly.
John and Mark were playing a hard fought game when one of them pulled a muscle going for a low shot, they yelled “Argh!” as they fell to the ground. The two guys thought it was hilarious and began bagging on each other in pirate slang. As they played on, they found their games to be more fun and entertaining when they played while only speaking in pirate lingo.
As the National Day went on through the years, cat owners found it even funnier to dress their feline friends in pirate attire. And here we are, Meow Like a Pirate Day, and Talk Like a Pirate Day sharing the spotlight.
If you want to really dig deep, it’s actually a historical fact that cats were often kept on ships – and yes, pirate ships too – for luck, and to keep the vermin population under control.
Yes, cats are a sign of good luck, and believed to be good luck for pirates too! That is why they were brought aboard their pirate ships. It was thought cats would ward off the evil spirits of the fallen pirates lost at sea. And of course, they helped with keeping the rats at bay.
The cats’ mysterious, independent personalities make them the perfect companion for the pirates on a ship. You could also speculate that pirates and cats make a great match is their predatory natures; they use the element of surprise to attack their enemy.
A cat’s independent nature makes them attractive as pets today. Many aren’t very needy. They go about their business, chasing mice and insects and protecting your home. So Talk Like a Pirate Day and Meow Like a Pirate Day both live on as an excuse to relieve the stressors in our lives, and allow us some much needed levity. As we all know, sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Me-OW, me hearties!
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