Poetry Break Day is on January 13, and we’re committed to helping you have an amazing celebration. Do you know that the Mesopotamian Epic Of Gilgamesh is considered to be the first poem ever written, and is about 4,000 years old? Poetry Break Day is a celebration of the poet inside all of us. People celebrate this day by writing poems of their own and also reading poems written by their favorite poets. Some might say that it is a day when poets take a break and people who usually don’t write poems take up their responsibility; however, no evidence supports this claim. But one thing we can agree on is that this day celebrates poetry.
History of Poetry Break Day
There are many poems that are claimed as being the first-ever written in history, but the majority believe that the Mesopotamian “Epic of Gilgamesh,” a poem telling the story of Noah and his Ark, occupies that distinguished position. This poem is supposed to be about 4,000 years old. Poetry has been found in almost all ancient civilizations, including Africa, the Indus Valley, and some civilizations in some parts of Sumer. These poems were written as hymns and songs, and often depicted religious stories and sometimes fiction. In Hinduism, the Rigveda is considered to be one of the oldest sets of poems, and it was written in 2000 B.C.
Later in 350 B.C. Aristotle defined the genres of poetry as epic, comic, and tragic. Poetry became immensely popular among the people in the Middle East in the later centuries. In Europe, poetry rose to prominence, especially during the Renaissance. Poetry was something exclusive to the rich and the elite in those times.
Modern poetry emerged in the 19th century, with poets such as Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning rising to prominence. The 20th century saw poets such as Thomas Stearns Eliot and Robert Frost. Poetry saw some variations with poets such as Virginia Woolf, who gave poetry a modern touch.
Poetry Break Day was created as an appreciation of poetry. People started celebrating this day by writing poetic lines for their loved ones or reading poems written by their favorite poets. Some dig deep into the lives of their favorite poets to find out what inspired them to write the great lines they’d written.
Poetry Break Day timeline
The Mesopotamian “Epic Of Gilgamesh,” about Noah and his Ark, is written.
“The Rigveda,” one of the oldest manuscripts in Hinduism, is written.
Poets such Alfred Tennyson and T.S. Eliot are born.
Poetry Break Day is created to appreciate the beauty of poetry.
Poetry Break Day FAQs
What are the different types of poetry?
There are mainly three types of poetry. They are lyrical, narrative, and dramatic poetry. Many believe that poetry should not have restrictions and the poet should feel free to structure the poem in which way.
Who are some of the most famous poets?
Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde, T.S. Eliot, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Milton are some of the most famous poets who revolutionized poetry.
How do I write a good poem?
Any great poem starts with an idea. An idea, thought, or feeling which you think is powerful can be the base of your poem. Try different combinations of words and sentences to express that idea in the best way possible. You can use literary devices like metaphors, alliteration, similes, and personification to help you structure your poem and make it aesthetic.
Poetry Break Day Activities
Write a poem
What better way to celebrate Poetry Break Day than to write a poem on your own? You can write some beautiful lines for your loved ones or yourself. If you have never written a poem before, today would be the perfect day to start.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know that you're celebrating this day. Share the poems you write with your friends and family and post them on your social media pages. You can also write articles on Poetry Break Day itself and share them online.
Read more about your favorite poets
Use this day to improve your knowledge. Read more about the life and times of your favorite poets. How was life back then? What inspired them to take poetry? What were the challenges they faced? Reading about their story might give you the inspiration you need to just take up the pen and start creating masterpieces.
5 Facts About Poetry That Will Blow Your Mind
The president had a favorite
John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States, had as his favorite "I Have a Rendezvous with Death," by Alan Seegar.
The poet who hated 'r'
Gottlob Burmann, a German poet, disliked the letter 'r' and often avoided it even in conversation.
The fear of poetry
The fear of poetry is known as Metrophobia.
“Mahabharata” is the longest poem
With over 100,000 verses, “Mahabharata” is the longest known poem.
Singapore invented twin cinema poetry
Twin Cinema Poetry, in which poems are written in two vertical columns and can be read both vertically and horizontally, was invented in Singapore.
Why We Love Poetry Break Day
It allows us to wake up the poet in us
This day allows us to bring out our creative sides. It gives us the perfect opportunity to write poems and make the creative side of our brains work, which, in turn, improves our vocabulary and grasp of the language.
It gives us a chance to do something for others
This day gives us a chance to do something for our loved ones. When we put our love, affection, and thoughts into words and present it to someone, it becomes a precious gift.
It gives us a chance to improve our knowledge
This is also a day of learning. We learn more about the lives of the great poets of the past and present. It makes us appreciate the geniuses in them and provides us with the motivation to pursue our passion.
Poetry Break Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 13 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 13 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 13 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 13 | Saturday |
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