National Goose Day

History of National Goose Day

Egyptians were among the first civilizations to domesticate geese some 3,000 years ago. They captured thousands of the birds in nets, kept them in pens, and bred them for meat and eggs. Goose was a delicacy only the wealthy merchants and nobility could afford. In the 4th century in France, locals told the story of St. Martin of Tours and his geese. Martin did not want to be a bishop, and on the day of his appointment, he locked himself inside a barn. The honking was so loud that the geese drew the congregation to the barn, where they discovered Martin hiding. Martin became a bishop in 327 A.D. The goose was the traditional bird eaten by the Christian faithful on his feast day on November 11.

The first informal Goose Day in the U.S. was celebrated in Pennsylvania, in the Juniata River Valley. A Dutchman named Andrew Pontius employed Archibald Hunter, and their contract stated that Pontius would settle payments on September 29. Hunter appeared on Pontius’ doorstep with a goose on the day of payment. He explained to his employer that geese were good luck symbols for the coming year.

This is how the tradition of Goose Day caught on in America, starting in the Juniata River Valley. In 1973, International Goose Day was officially celebrated in Mifflin County, and in 1976, Juniata County followed suit. Since then, International Happy Goose Day has been observed annually on September 29.

National Goose Day timeline

3,000 Years Ago

Geese in Egypt

Ancient Egyptians domesticate geese.

17th Century

A Goose For Christmas

In London, geese become a popular Christmas dish.

1843

A Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Scrooge presents a goose for Christmas dinner.

1856

“The Food of London”

According to George Dodd’s “The Food of London,” 888,000 geese are sold every year, compared to 69,000 turkeys.

National Goose Day FAQs

When is National Goose Day?

National Goose Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 29, inviting a mid-week culinary adventure. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the rich history and flavors associated with this traditional fowl.

How popular is goose meat today?

While less common than chicken or turkey, goose meat maintains a niche popularity, especially in European and holiday culinary traditions. Its rich, dark meat is prized by gourmands and often featured in festive meals.

What is the history behind National Goose Day?

National Goose Day originates from Michaelmas Day, celebrated on September 29, which honors Saint Michael the Archangel. In medieval England, this date was traditionally a rent-payment day, and geese were often used as a form of payment, leading to the association with the bird.

What is the difference between a goose and a duck?

Geese are generally larger than ducks, with longer necks and more upright postures. Their meat tends to be richer and fattier than duck, and they have a distinct, strong flavor. Ducks, while also waterfowl, are typically smaller and have a broader, flatter bill.

National Goose Day Activities

Roast a goose

Roast goose has a gamey but intense flavor comparable to dark meat like beef. Now is the perfect time to give it a try.

Fry a goose egg omelet

Goose eggs are larger and richer in flavor compared to chicken eggs. A goose egg omelet is sure to be a tasty treat.

Sharing is caring

Give your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers some succulent goose meat to sample. They’ll love it, and you get to introduce one more person to this delicious fowl.

5 Great Facts About Geese

Imprinting on moving objects

Goslings will imprint on the first suitable moving stimulus, whether it's a mother goose, a human being, or an object.

Geese are territorial

Geese are fiercely protective of their territory, making them good guard animals on a farm.

Geese are the largest waterfowl

Aside from swans, geese are the largest waterfowl.

They are loyal

Geese mate for life and are very protective of their partners and offspring.

Goose alarm

In ancient Rome, geese were used to alert the citizens of the Gaulish invasions.

Why We Love National Goose Day

Goose meat is juicier

Farmers often joke that geese are the pigs of the air, bred to be lard animals. This means their meat is juicy and tender. You won’t need any gravy.

They have a unique taste

Geese absorb the flavor of whatever they eat in their body fat. Breeds like Black Brant are prized for this reason. Fed on eelgrass or wild celery diet, they’re pretty popular on the West Coast.