Keep Off the Grass Day – April 21, 2024

History of Keep Off the Grass Day

Keep Off the Grass Day took place for the first time in 2013. The holiday was invented by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a freelance writer who specializes in creating unusual holidays. As for the phrase “Keep off the grass,” it is often written on signs placed on lawns to keep people from trampling on the grass.

The word ‘lawn’ is derived from the Middle English ‘launde,’ which refers to an open glade in the woods. Later, the word came to include artificial stretches of land, which bore similarities to glades. During Medieval times, lawns were usually found around castles in Britain and France. They were usually devoid of trees so guards could have an unobstructed view of the surroundings and be adequately warned of any attacks or threats. Alternatively, lawns also referred to the village commons for sheep and cattle grazing. In the 16th century, during the Renaissance era, wealthy homes often maintained lawns, especially in Britain and France. However, instead of planting grass, herbs such as chamomile and thyme were planted.

In the 17th century, closely shorn grass lawns became a fixture in the homes of the wealthy and were seen as a status symbol. At the time, lawnmowers and other machinery hadn’t been invented yet so the work of trimming grass fell to laborers or servants. Only prosperous landowners could afford the expense of hiring laborers, which is why lawns became symbols of wealth in England. In the 19th century, lawnmowers came onto the scene. In 1830, Edwin Beard Budding invented the first lawnmower in Brimscombe and Thrupp, England. This invention has since become a staple piece of equipment in many households, easing the work of maintaining lawns considerably.