Mad Hatter Day 🎩

Overview

Mad Hatter Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on October 6th, inspired by the eccentric character from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The date derives from the "10/6" price tag prominently displayed on the Mad Hatter's hat in John Tenniel's original illustrations, which fans interpret as October 6th. It's a day for fans to embrace whimsy, nonsense, and the absurd, often celebrated with tea parties, costume-wearing, and enjoying the spirit of Wonderland.

Origin and story

The date October 6th for Mad Hatter Day is derived from the "10/6" price tag on the Mad Hatter's hat in Sir John Tenniel's original illustrations for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

The idiom "mad as a hatter" predates Lewis Carroll's character and refers to 19th-century hat makers who suffered from mercury poisoning due to chemicals used in felt processing.

Quick facts

• DateOctober 6
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

Lewis Carroll's Mad Hatter wasn't just a whimsical invention — 18th- and 19th-century hatmakers really did go mad, from mercury poisoning caused by the chemicals used to treat felt.

Embrace the silliness

Celebrate by:

• Wearing your wildest or most unusual hat for the day.
• Doing something a little unconventional today, in the spirit of the character.

Learn the dark real history

Helpful resources:

• Where Did the Phrase "Mad as a Hatter" Come From? (HISTORY)

Did you know?

Mercury exposure during felt-making caused real tremors, hallucinations, and slurred speech among 19th-century hatters — in Danbury, Connecticut, a major hatmaking hub, the condition became so common it was locally nicknamed the "Danbury Shakes."

Fun facts

• The date October 6th for Mad Hatter Day is derived from the "10/6" price tag on the Mad Hatter's hat in Sir John Tenniel's original illustrations for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
• The idiom "mad as a hatter" predates Lewis Carroll's character and refers to 19th-century hat makers who suffered from mercury poisoning due to chemicals used in felt processing.
• Lewis Carroll never actually named the character "Mad Hatter" in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"; he is simply referred to as "the Hatter." The "Mad Hatter" title became widely used due to popular adaptations.

Sources and attribution

Where Did the Phrase "Mad as a Hatter" Come From? (HISTORY)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: Do Something Nice DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: Bathtub DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: Make a Gift DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: Make a Hat DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

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FAQ

When is Mad Hatter Day?

It is observed on October 6 each year.

What is Mad Hatter Day?

Mad Hatter Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on October 6th, inspired by the eccentric character from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The date derives from the "10/6" price tag prominently displayed on the Mad Hatter's hat in John Tenniel's original illustrations, which fans interpret as October 6th. It's a day for fans to embrace whimsy, nonsense, and the absurd, often celebrated with tea parties, costume-wearing, and enjoying the spirit of Wonderland.

How do people celebrate Mad Hatter Day?

Wear your wildest hat and learn the real, darker history behind the phrase "mad as a hatter."

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