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Annual observance

Lost Sock Memorial Day

May 9 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

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Overview

Lost Sock Memorial Day, observed annually on May 9th, is an unofficial, whimsical holiday dedicated to acknowledging the countless single socks that mysteriously disappear, often during the laundry cycle. It's a day for people to humorously mourn their lost sock companions and ponder the enduring mystery of where they vanish to, encouraging a moment of reflection for these unpaired garments.

Observed each year on May 9, Lost Sock Memorial Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Lost Sock Memorial Day, observed on May 9, serves as a playful reminder of the everyday mysteries of life, inviting families and friends to share in the humor of lost items and the quirks of household chores. This lighthearted observance fosters community bonding through shared experiences of laundry mishaps and the whimsical lore surrounding missing socks.

Origin and story

The holiday offers a lighthearted explanation for missing socks, often attributing their disappearance to a mythical 'laundry monster' or 'sock monster'.

Many individuals keep a 'lonely sock basket' or drawer, holding onto single socks in the persistent hope that their lost mate will eventually reappear.

Quick facts

  • DateMay 9
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Post a story with #lost-sock-memorial-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
  • Plan something small on May 9: a quick nod to Lost Sock Memorial Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Lost Sock Memorial Day lands on May 9 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
  • Share the story of Lost Sock Memorial Day on social and tag it with #lostsockmemorialday so others can join in.

Fun facts

  • The holiday offers a lighthearted explanation for missing socks, often attributing their disappearance to a mythical 'laundry monster' or 'sock monster'.
  • Many individuals keep a 'lonely sock basket' or drawer, holding onto single socks in the persistent hope that their lost mate will eventually reappear.
  • One common theory for socks going missing during laundry is that they get caught in the drum, sucked into the filter, or simply fall out unnoticed during transfer.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Lost Sock Memorial Day?
It is observed on May 9 each year.
What is Lost Sock Memorial Day?
Lost Sock Memorial Day, observed annually on May 9th, is an unofficial, whimsical holiday dedicated to acknowledging the countless single socks that mysteriously disappear, often during the laundry cycle. It's a day for people to humorously mourn their lost sock companions and ponder the enduring mystery of where they vanish to, encouraging a moment of reflection for these unpaired garments.
How do people celebrate Lost Sock Memorial Day?
Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.

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