Celebrated annually on January 23rd, National Pie Day is an unofficial holiday to celebrate that baked dish made out of pastry dough and filled with a tasty and usually sweet filling (although the filling can be savory, as well) – otherwise known as the pie.
You may well be wondering, “how did a day get set aside just for pie?” Well, “National Pie Day” was born in 1975 in Boulder, Colorado, thanks to a school teacher named Charlie Papazian. On January 23, his birthday, he declared that this day would be forever remembered as National Pie Day. Why did he do that, you ask? Well, for one good reason: Charlie really loved pie. In fact, he loved it so much he would have a “birthday pie” instead of a birthday cake. Since then, his idea for a National Pie Day has spread all over the United States, being adopted by The American Pie Council in 1986.
Pie Fun Facts
- The first pies appeared around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age.
- Throwing a pie in a person’s face has been a staple of film comedy since Ben Turpin received one in Mr. Flip in 1909. Cream filled or topped pies are generally the favorite throwing pie props.
- Don’t confuse National Pie Day with National “Pi” Day, observed on March 14 (3.14, get it?) annually.
Want to celebrate? Go out to your favorite diner or pie joint and buy a slice. Chances are, they know about Pie Day and may have some special deals going. Or, if you’re so inclined, you can always bake up one yourself and share with friends. You can let everyone else know you’re a pie fan by posting #NationalPieDay on social media.
What are you waiting for? Go get some Pie!
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Photo Credit: Elena Veselova / Shutterstock.com