When is Backward Day?

It is observed on January 31 each year.

How do people celebrate Backward Day?

Do something in reverse, like wearing clothes backward or flipping a routine.

Backward Day — Obscure Holiday Calendar

Overview

Backward Day, observed annually on January 31st, is an unofficial and lighthearted holiday encouraging people to do things in reverse. Participants might wear their clothes inside out or backward, walk backward, eat dessert before their main meal, or even try to say sentences in reverse order, all in the spirit of playful disruption and embracing the opposite of the norm for a day of fun and silliness.

Observed each year on January 31, Backward Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

Backward Day is an unofficial observance, primarily celebrated in homes and schools for amusement.

Common activities include wearing clothes inside out, walking backward, or speaking in reversed sentences.

Quick facts

DateJanuary 31
TypeFood / Dessert
Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Wear clothes backward or inside out.
Reverse a routine for the day.
Say simple phrases backward for fun.
Make sure everyone understands the joke.
Keep the humor friendly and inclusive.

Fun facts

Backward Day has no official origin and is celebrated mainly through imagination and humor.

Sources and attribution

Why Humans Enjoy Playful Contradictions (Psychology Today)

The Science of Play (National Institute for Play)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue to

Yesterday: National Croissant DayQuick context from the day before.
Tomorrow: Change Your Password DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
Random pick: National Rice Krispie Treat DayJump to another surprise holiday.
Popular: Talk Like a Pirate DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

Irish Coffee DayJanuary 25 - Irish Coffee Day, observed annually on January 25th, celebrates the iconic warm beverage that harmoniously ble...
National Measure Your Feet DayJanuary 23 - National Measure Your Feet Day, observed annually on January 23rd, encourages individuals to accurately measur...
Korean American DayJanuary 13 - Korean American Day, observed annually on January 13th, commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrant...

FAQ

When is Backward Day?: It is observed on January 31 each year.
What is Backward Day?: Backward Day, observed annually on January 31, is an unofficial and lighthearted holiday encouraging people to do things in reverse. Participants might wear their clothes inside out or backward, walk backward, eat dessert before their main meal, or even try to say sentences in reverse order, all in the spirit of playful disruption and embracing the opposite of the norm for a day of fun and silliness.
How do people celebrate Backward Day?: Do something in reverse, like wearing clothes backward or flipping a routine.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.