Serendipity Day ✨

Overview

Serendipity Day, observed on August 18th, is an informal holiday that celebrates the concept of serendipity – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. It encourages individuals to be open to unexpected fortunate discoveries, appreciate the joy of pleasant surprises, and recognize the role of chance in positive outcomes in daily life.

Origin and story

The word "serendipity" was coined by English author Horace Walpole in 1754, inspired by the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip."

"Serendip" is an ancient Persian name for Sri Lanka, where the tale's princes often made fortunate discoveries.

Quick facts

• DateAugust 18
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

People also viewed

Ways to celebrate

The word itself was invented, not discovered by accident. English writer Horace Walpole coined "serendipity" in an 1754 letter, naming it after the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip," whose heroes kept stumbling onto valuable discoveries they weren't actually looking for.

Chase an accidental discovery of your own

• Take an unfamiliar route somewhere today, browse a section of a store or library you'd normally skip, and see what you notice that you wouldn't have on autopilot.

Read where the word came from

Helpful resources: Etymonline traces Walpole's coinage and the fairy tale behind it in its etymology entry for "serendipity."

Learn from science's accidental hits

• Look up a famous serendipitous discovery — penicillin, the microwave oven, or Post-it Notes were all found while researchers were looking for something else entirely.

Did you know?

"Serendip" was an old name for Sri Lanka, meaning the word "serendipity" indirectly traces a happy accident back to the island's historical name, by way of an 18th-century English letter-writer's love of an old Persian tale.

Fun facts

• The word "serendipity" was coined by English author Horace Walpole in 1754, inspired by the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip."
• "Serendip" is an ancient Persian name for Sri Lanka, where the tale's princes often made fortunate discoveries.
• Many significant scientific and technological advancements, such as the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming and the invention of Post-it Notes, were the result of serendipitous events.

Sources and attribution

• Serendipity - Etymology, Origin & Meaning (Etymonline)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

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

• Yesterday: National Black Cat Appreciation DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: National Potato DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: Shrimp DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: Shrimp Scampi DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

• Sidewalk Egg Frying DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• Skyscraper DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• Smile Power DayExplore another holiday from this category.

FAQ

When is Serendipity Day?

It is observed on August 18 each year.

What is Serendipity Day?

Serendipity Day, observed on August 18th, is an informal holiday that celebrates the concept of serendipity – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. It encourages individuals to be open to unexpected fortunate discoveries, appreciate the joy of pleasant surprises, and recognize the role of chance in positive outcomes in daily life.

How do people celebrate Serendipity Day?

Take an unfamiliar route or browse somewhere new to invite a chance discovery, and read up on how Horace Walpole coined 'serendipity' in 1754 after an old Persian fairy tale.

Recently viewed holidays