Short Novels: The 20 Traditions That Started as Jokes – and Became Sacred

April Fools’ Day

Imagine a world where a calendar switch could inspire centuries of global mischief. That’s exactly what happened in the 1500s, when France moved from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who stuck with the old New Year’s Day—April 1st—were the butt of everyone’s jokes, literally branded as “April fools.” What began as a way to mock a few calendar holdouts has blossomed into a worldwide celebration of pranks and playful deceit. Each year, millions craft elaborate tricks, from fake news headlines to office shenanigans. According to the National Retail Federation, about 35% of Americans admit to participating in April Fools’ pranks, which shows just how deeply this day is woven into our culture. Companies get in on the fun, too, using clever hoaxes to bring a little laughter to their brands and customers. The tradition has grown from simple practical jokes to an anticipated day of collective humor.

Festivus (from Seinfeld)

Festivus is the holiday that famously sticks a finger in the eye of Christmas consumerism. Born from the mind of Dan O’Keefe’s father and catapulted into pop culture by Seinfeld in 1997, Festivus is packed with tongue-in-cheek rituals like the Airing of Grievances and Feats of Strength. What started as a family inside joke has now become a real alternative holiday—complete with its own aluminum pole and a date: December 23rd. According to a Harris Poll, 12% of Americans now recognize Festivus as a legitimate holiday, proving that satire can become sacred tradition. Households across the country gather each year to air their complaints and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Festivus has inspired merchandise, themed parties, and a sense of belonging for those who want to celebrate the season—just without the tinsel.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “Arrr!” in mid-September, you’re not alone. Talk Like a Pirate Day started in 1995 as a goofy exchange between friends John Baur and Mark Summers. They picked September 19th as the day for everyone to forget their normal voices and embrace their inner swashbuckler. Since then, this quirky tradition has gone global, popping up in classrooms, bars, and especially on social media. Google Trends regularly shows a massive spike in “Talk Like a Pirate Day” searches every September. Schools join in, dressing up lessons with pirate-speak and treasure hunts, making learning far more fun. It’s a prime example of how a joke between pals can ripple outward and become a moment of worldwide silliness.

The Darwin Awards

The Darwin Awards take gallows humor to a new level, honoring those who “eliminate themselves from the gene pool” through actions so foolish, they almost beggar belief. Originally a satirical nod to the concept of natural selection, these awards started as a joke but have become an enduring internet tradition. The official Darwin Awards website reports over 1.5 million submissions since its creation, and each year brings a new crop of stories that are both hilarious and harrowing. Books, forums, and annual lists keep the tradition alive. Despite the dark humor, the awards underscore a universal truth: sometimes, reality is stranger—and more entertaining—than fiction.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties

What once was the dreaded gift from a distant aunt is now the star of the holiday season. Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties began as a mockery of tragically outdated holiday fashion. The joke? Wear the loudest, most hideous sweater you can find. Today, these parties are a staple of December, with retail stores even dedicating entire lines to the ugliest of the ugly. The National Retail Federation found that 30% of Americans plan to attend or host an ugly sweater party each holiday season. Contests, parades, and social media posts celebrate those brave enough to flaunt their festive eyesores. What started as a fashion faux pas has become a badge of holiday honor.

The No Pants Subway Ride

Imagine stepping onto a subway car to find a sea of commuters—sans pants. That’s the reality every January, thanks to the No Pants Subway Ride, a prank that originated in New York City in 2002, orchestrated by Improv Everywhere. The first event, featuring just a handful of participants, has grown to include over 4,000 people in recent years, according to Improv Everywhere. Now, cities worldwide embrace the annual event, inviting thousands to drop their trousers in the name of spontaneous fun. The ride is a cheeky reminder that sometimes, a little absurdity can brighten an ordinary day for everyone involved.

Black Friday Shopping Campouts

Once upon a time, waiting outside a store overnight just for a sale was a stunt reserved for the most dedicated deal-hunters. What started as a joke among shoppers about extreme bargain-hunting has grown into a ritual: Black Friday shopping campouts. Retailers have even adjusted their schedules to accommodate the early birds, opening doors in the dead of night. The National Retail Federation reports that 186 million Americans shopped over Black Friday weekend in 2022, with many braving the cold and crowds to snag the best deals. The tradition is now part of the holiday lore, with families and friends turning it into an annual bonding experience.

Movember (Mustache November)

Movember began in 2003 as a playful dare between two friends in Australia: let’s grow mustaches for fun. The joke quickly took on a life of its own, morphing into a global movement to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. The Movember Foundation reports that over 6 million participants have raised more than $1 billion since the movement’s inception. The mustache, once a symbol of pure silliness, is now worn with pride as a sign of solidarity and hope. Offices, sports teams, and celebrities join in, making facial hair a symbol of something bigger than style.

Senior Prank Day

For high school seniors, the end of the school year brings a tradition equal parts mischief and nostalgia: Senior Prank Day. What started as a playful rebellion—think desks on the roof or hallways filled with balloons—has become a near-sacred rite of passage. Sometimes these pranks cross a line, leading to controversy or even disciplinary action, but the tradition endures. The National Association of Secondary School Principals estimates that 70% of American high schools report some form of senior prank activity annually. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, a last hurrah before adulthood, and a shared memory for countless students.

Elf on the Shelf

A small elf with a watchful eye has become an essential part of many families’ Christmas traditions. Elf on the Shelf started as a children’s book and toy in 2005, introducing the idea of a scout elf who reports back to Santa on kids’ behavior. Parents embraced the concept, turning it into a month-long spectacle of daily elf antics. The Toy Industry Association estimates Elf on the Shelf is now a $500 million franchise. Children wake up each morning to find the elf in new, creative scenarios, making December feel truly magical. It’s a tradition that sparks imagination and anticipation all season long.

National Lampoon-Style Christmas Light Displays

Inspired by the outrageous decorations in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, some homeowners began putting up over-the-top light displays as a joke. The rivalry soon became serious, with entire neighborhoods vying for the title of “most lit.” The American Lighting Association reports that 70% of Americans decorate for the holidays, with many taking inspiration from these elaborate displays. Some communities even host competitions, drawing crowds and media attention. What began as a tongue-in-cheek homage to a movie scene is now a dazzling—and sometimes competitive—holiday tradition.

Meme Holidays (e.g., May the 4th – Star Wars Day)

Meme holidays like May the 4th—playing on the iconic “May the Force be with you”—were born out of playful internet wordplay. But what started as a fan in-joke has exploded into a global celebration, complete with themed parties, movie marathons, and merchandise galore. The NPD Group notes a 30% increase in Star Wars merchandise sales during May the 4th, highlighting the commercial impact of these internet-born holidays. Brands, schools, and celebrities embrace the fun, proving that a simple pun can launch a cultural phenomenon.

Towel Day (Tribute to Douglas Adams)

On May 25 each year, fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy celebrate Towel Day by carrying towels wherever they go. This wacky tradition pays homage to the absurd importance of towels in Douglas Adams’ beloved books. Social media lights up with towel selfies and tributes, and the event draws thousands of posts from fans each year. It’s a literary in-joke that’s become a badge of fandom and a way for people worldwide to connect over a shared love of wit and whimsy.

Pi Day (March 14)

Pi Day, observed on March 14, started as a playful nod to the mathematical constant pi (3.14). What began as a mathematician’s wink has become a nationwide event, with pie-eating contests, math games, and lessons in schools across the country. The American Mathematical Society reports enthusiastic participation among educators and students, with many schools even making it an official part of the curriculum. Pi Day has managed to turn math—a subject many dread—into something delicious and fun.

Air Guitar Championships

Pretending to rock out on an invisible guitar might have started as a joke, but it’s become a surprisingly serious pastime. Air Guitar Championships, now held internationally, draw thousands of participants and fans each year, according to the Air Guitar World Championships. Contestants don costumes, invent personas, and perform with all the passion of real rockstars. The events are judged, prizes are awarded, and the community is vibrant. It’s a reminder that sometimes, pretending can be just as powerful as the real thing.

Office “Secret Santa” Gift Exchanges

What started as a cheeky way to exchange anonymous gifts (often of the gag variety) has become a fixture in office culture. Secret Santa is now a staple of the corporate holiday season, encouraging generosity—and sometimes groans—among coworkers. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that 60% of companies now organize Secret Santa events. The tradition helps break down workplace barriers and sparks laughter, even if the gift is a singing fish or a whoopee cushion.

Internet “National Days” (e.g., National Donut Day)

The internet loves any excuse to celebrate, and “National Days” have proliferated—often originating as jokes or marketing stunts. From National Donut Day to Squirrel Appreciation Day, there’s an observance for nearly every interest. The National Day Calendar tracks over 1,500 unique national days in the United States alone. Brands and influencers use these days to connect with audiences, and social media explodes with themed content. What started as a joke is now a social media mainstay.

“First Day of Fall” PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) Obsession

Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season has become a cultural phenomenon, with Starbucks’ iconic drink marking the unofficial start of autumn. The hype, often poked fun at online as “basic fall behavior,” has only fueled the obsession. Starbucks reports over 400 million PSLs sold since the drink’s launch in 2003. Every year, coffee lovers (and haters) debate the drink’s merits, while other brands jump on the pumpkin-flavored bandwagon. The PSL is now as much a sign of fall as changing leaves.

Throwing Graduation Caps

The tradition of tossing graduation caps began in 1912 as a way for students to mark the end of their academic journey. What started as a playful gesture has become one of the most iconic images of graduation day. The National Center for Education Statistics notes that roughly 3.7 million high school students graduated in 2022, with cap-tossing a near-universal part of the ceremony. The act symbolizes both freedom and accomplishment, turning a simple joke into a momentous rite of passage.

Baby Gender Reveals

Baby gender reveals began as a sweet and simple family moment—often a cake or balloon filled with pink or blue. But the tradition has grown more elaborate, sometimes dangerously so. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recorded several incidents linked to gender reveal parties, raising safety concerns. Despite the risks, gender reveals continue to grow in popularity, reflecting both excitement for new life and the power of viral trends. What started as a playful surprise has become a major milestone for many families.