Pack Rat Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
Pack Rat Day, observed annually on May 17th, is an unofficial holiday that playfully acknowledges individuals who have a strong tendency to save, collect, and accumulate items. While the term "pack rat" originates from the animal known for its collecting habits, the day humorously celebrates or gently pokes fun at the human inclination to hold onto possessions, sometimes leading to cluttered spaces or a reluctance to discard things, even those no longer needed.
Observed each year on May 17, Pack Rat Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The term "pack rat" is derived from the *Neotoma* genus of rodents (also known as woodrats), native to North America, which are known for collecting various objects and storing them in their nests.
These actual pack rats are particularly fond of shiny items but will collect almost anything they can carry, including bits of trash, food, or decorative objects.
Quick facts
- DateMay 17
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
- Pack Rat Day lands on May 17 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
- Add Pack Rat Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.
- Plan something small on May 17: a quick nod to Pack Rat Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
- Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
- Share one fast fact about Pack Rat Day: The term "pack rat" is derived from the *Neotoma* genus of rodents (also known as woodrats), native to North America, which are known for collecting various objects and storing them in their nests.
Fun facts
- The term "pack rat" is derived from the *Neotoma* genus of rodents (also known as woodrats), native to North America, which are known for collecting various objects and storing them in their nests.
- These actual pack rats are particularly fond of shiny items but will collect almost anything they can carry, including bits of trash, food, or decorative objects.
- Culturally, being called a "pack rat" describes a person who habitually saves items, often more than they need, which can result in cluttered living or working spaces.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
Continue to
FAQ
- When is Pack Rat Day?
- It is observed on May 17 each year.
- What is Pack Rat Day?
- Pack Rat Day, observed annually on May 17th, is an unofficial holiday that playfully acknowledges individuals who have a strong tendency to save, collect, and accumulate items. While the term "pack rat" originates from the animal known for its collecting habits, the day humorously celebrates or gently pokes fun at the human inclination to hold onto possessions, sometimes leading to cluttered spaces or a reluctance to discard things, even those no longer needed.
- How do people celebrate Pack Rat Day?
- Pack Rat Day lands on May 17 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.