Mason jars have been a favorite for a long time. They were first made with a special screw lid so people could safely preserve fruits and veggies from their gardens. Nowadays, we use them for drinks, flowers, and candles too! Get together with friends and celebrate National Mason Jar Day on November 30 by trying a creative craft with your mason jars.
History of National Mason Jar Day
National Mason Jar Day started as a grassroots effort in 2015 when fans of the jar began a social media campaign to highlight its usefulness and style. The campaign grew quickly, and in 2019, the Registrar of the National Day Calendar officially recognized November 30th as National Mason Jar Day.
The day was created by Misty Campbell-Olbert, who runs Unboxing the Bizarre, a website that celebrates unusual holidays with themed gift boxes. November 30th is chosen because it’s the anniversary of John Landis Mason’s 1858 patent for the mason jar.
Mason jars, named after their inventor, changed the way we preserve and store food with their screw-threaded design that created an airtight seal. Before mason jars, people used less reliable methods like wax sealing to preserve food. The introduction of mason jars made home canning safer and more effective, greatly improving food preservation methods.
Mason jars have stayed popular for canning and have also become popular in home decor, DIY projects, and stylish drink containers in cafes and bars. Their durability, simplicity, and historical importance have turned mason jars into a symbol of sustainability, self-reliance, and creative expression.
| 2000s (Mason jars became collectibles) | Although families often kept mason jars for many years, people began buying and selling them as antiques. |
| 1910 (Blue mason jars became popular) | Many believed a colored glass was better for canning because it blocked light from reaching the fruit or vegetable inside the jar. |
| 1858 (The mason jar was born) | John Landis Mason invented and patented the glass jar and unique screw top to make canning safer and easier. |
| 1830s (Wax sealing became popular) | Preserving food in sealed containers became popular but the wax-sealed method was complicated and often ineffective. |
The Mason Jar’s Impact on Food Preservation
The Mason jar greatly changed food preservation. Before it was invented, preserving food was a hard and time-consuming task that needed careful preparation and constant attention.
The Mason jar made this process easier, allowing more people to preserve food and changing home kitchens everywhere. When the Mason jar was introduced, home canning became widely used, especially during economic downturns or wartime when food security was a worry.
It allowed families to store fruits, vegetables, and meats for long periods, helping them have a varied diet year-round and cut down on food waste.
Five Interesting Facts About Mason Jars
- Historical Invention: Mason jars were invented by John Landis Mason in 1858. He designed them with a unique screw-on lid and a glass jar that could be sealed tightly, which helped preserve food for longer periods. This innovation was a game-changer for food storage and home canning.
- Variety of Uses: While originally designed for canning and food preservation, Mason jars have found countless uses beyond the kitchen. They’re used as decorative items, storage containers for crafts and office supplies, and even as drinking glasses.
- Collectible Items: Vintage Mason jars can be quite valuable. Collectors seek out jars from different eras, colors, and embossings. Some rare jars, especially those with unusual markings or in unique colors like cobalt blue, can fetch high prices.
- Environmental Impact: Mason jars contribute to sustainability. Reusable and durable, they help reduce the need for disposable containers. They’re a popular choice for those looking to minimize waste and embrace a zero-waste lifestyle.
- Pop Culture Presence: Mason jars have made their way into pop culture and modern design trends. They’re featured in DIY crafts, wedding decor, and even trendy restaurants and cafes that use them for serving drinks and dishes, adding a rustic charm to the presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Mason Jar Day on November 30th is a celebration of both the historical significance and modern versatility of these beloved containers. From their origins in 1858, when John Landis Mason revolutionized food preservation with his innovative design, mason jars have grown to symbolize sustainability, creativity, and practicality.
What began as a solution for safer canning has evolved into a cultural icon embraced for its diverse applications, from home decor to trendy beverages. As we honor this day, it’s a perfect opportunity to explore the many ways mason jars can be used and to appreciate their enduring impact on our lives and traditions.
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is National Mason Jar Day?
National Mason Jar Day is celebrated on November 30th to honor the historical significance and modern versatility of mason jars. It recognizes the innovation of John Landis Mason and highlights the jar’s various uses in food preservation, home decor, and more.
2. When did National Mason Jar Day start?
National Mason Jar Day began as a grassroots effort in 2015 through a social media campaign by mason jar enthusiasts. It gained official recognition from the Registrar of the National Day Calendar in 2019.
3. Who created National Mason Jar Day?
The day was created by Misty Campbell-Olbert, who runs the website Unboxing the Bizarre, known for celebrating unusual holidays with themed gift boxes.
4. Why is November 30th significant for National Mason Jar Day?
November 30th marks the anniversary of John Landis Mason’s patent for the mason jar, which was filed in 1858. This date was chosen to honor his contribution to food preservation.
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