National Goose Day is celebrated on September 29 each year. It is also called Michaelmas Day, which originally honored the Archangel Michael. Over time, the day became linked to geese because it was the time when rent was due in medieval England and many people paid their landlords with geese. Today, people use the holiday as a reason to enjoy roast goose, a dish not often eaten anymore. However, if you decide to celebrate, have a great International Happy Goose Day!
History of National Goose Day
About 3000 years ago, the Egyptians were among the first to domesticate geese. They caught thousands of geese in nets, kept them in pens, and bred them for meat and eggs. Goose was a delicacy that only wealthy merchants and nobility could afford.
In the 4th century in France, a story emerged about St. Martin of Tours and his geese. Martin did not want to become a bishop, so on the day of his appointment, he locked himself in a barn.
The geese honked so loudly that they led the congregation to find Martin hiding. Despite his reluctance, Martin became a bishop in 327 A.D. The goose became the traditional bird eaten by Christians on his feast day, November 11.
The first informal Goose Day in the U.S. was celebrated in Pennsylvania, in the Juniata River Valley. It started when a Dutchman named Andrew Pontius hired Archibald Hunter. Their contract said Pontius would pay Hunter on September 29.
On that day, Hunter showed up at Pontius’ door with a goose, explaining that geese were symbols of good luck for the coming year. This is how the tradition of Goose Day began in America, starting in the Juniata River Valley. In 1973, Juniata Country joined in. Since then, International Happy Goose Day has been observed every year on September 29.
| 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. |
Seven Interesting Facts About Geese
- Monogamous Relationships: Geese are known for their strong pair bonds. They typically mate for life, forming monogamous relationships with their partners. If one partner dies, the surviving goose may mourn and can sometimes take years to find another mate.
- Imprinting on moving objects: Goslings will imprint on the first suitable moving stimulus they see, whether it’s their mother, a human, or an object.
- Geese are territorial: Geese are very protective of their territory, making them good guard animals on a farm.
- Geese are the largest waterfowl: Apart 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 citizens of the Gaulish invasions.
- Migratory Masters: Geese are renowned for their migratory abilities. They fly in a distinctive V-formation, which helps them conserve energy by reducing wind resistance. The lead goose breaks the wind, and the geese in the following positions experience reduced air resistance.
Conclusion
National Goose Day on September 29, also known as Michaelmas Day, celebrates a tradition dating back to medieval times when geese were used for paying rent. Originating from ancient Egypt, where geese were first domesticated, and evolving through various cultural stories, this day highlights the historical significance and unique traits of geese.
Today, it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy a roast goose and appreciate the bird’s monogamous nature, migratory skills, and historical importance. Celebrate National Goose Day by reflecting on these fascinating creatures and their place in history. Happy Goose Day!
Frequently Ask Question
What is National Goose Day?
National Goose Day, celebrated on September 29, is a holiday that honors the tradition of enjoying roast goose. It is also known as Michaelmas Day, originally dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Why is National Goose Day associated with geese?
The tradition dates back to medieval England when people paid their rent with geese. Over time, this practice became associated with the holiday, leading to the celebration of roast goose.
What is the historical significance of geese?
Geese were first domesticated by ancient Egyptians around 3,000 years ago. They also played a role in various cultural stories, such as the tale of St. Martin of Tours in France and the early U.S. Goose Day celebrations in Pennsylvania.
How did National Goose Day begin in the U.S.?
The U.S. tradition started informally in the Juniata River Valley, Pennsylvania, when a Dutchman named Andrew Pontius paid his worker, Archibald Hunter, with a goose on September 29. This practice evolved into the celebration of Goose Day.
What are some interesting facts about geese?
Geese are known for their monogamous relationships, territorial behavior, and migratory skills. They also have a unique way of flying in a V-formation to conserve energy during migration.
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