National Raisin Day
About National Raisin Day
When is National Raisin Day? This holiday is always celebrated on April 30
Raisins deserve to have their day to dry in the warm sun. That day has arrived. It is National Raisin Day. Why they are so popular that one advertiser has dancing raisins in their commercials. Hit songs have been written with raisins and grapes in mind. And, at least one movie has our beloved raisin in its title. Among other things, use this holiday to learn how to make them.
Raisins are popularly eaten by themselves as a snack, or as an important ingredient in a wide range of culinary recipes and treats. Healthy, nutritious, and packed with energy, raisins are a basic ingredient for trail mix. They are in cereals, cookies, muffins, and cakes. Sprinkle a few raisins in your salad. You will find raisins in both candy and energy bars. Raisins are in some puddings, too. The list goes on and on.
Humans have been drying grapes in the sun to make raisins for thousands of years. It is believed the practice started around 2,000B.C. in ancient Egypt and Persia.
While many of us love our raisins, not too many people have tried their hand at converting a grape into a raisin. It’s easier than you think. Why don’t you celebrate National Raisin Day by trying your hand at drying grapes into raisins? It makes for a fun school project, or at home with the kids.
Song of the Day: “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”
Movie of the Day: “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961)
How to Make Raisins
Here’s how to make them. It’s easy!
- Remove the grapes from the stems.
- Wash grapes in cold water.
- Spread the grapes out on a clean screen or baking tray.
- Place the screen in the sun when there will be 3-4 sunny, warm, and dry days in a row.
- Turn them once or twice a day.
- Place dried raisins in an airtight container or a baggie until ready to eat.
How to Celebrate National Raisin Day
You can choose to celebrate in any way you desire. Hopefully, your plan for today will include the consumption of plenty of dried grapes. Here are some ways how to enjoy this holiday:
- Eat plenty of them.
- Make them yourself from grapes.
- Bring some to work to share with co-workers.
Today's Chuckle
“4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea…. does that mean 1 enjoys it!?” – – George Carlin
History and Origin of National Raisin Day
We found a reference suggesting this day has been around since the early 1900s. However, we could not confirm it. We also did not find the creator of this day.
This is referred to as a “National” day. However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day.
Definition of “National” Days – Discover why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Raisin Day, here are some other things that happened on April 30:
- George Washington is inaugurated as the first president of the United States. (1789)
- Mr. Potato Head is marketed for the first time. (1952)
- John Galecki, actor, played son Rusty in “Christmas Vacation” movie, Leonard on televison sit-com series “Big Bang Theory”, was born on this day in 1975.
Related Holidays
Additionally, people who like today’s holiday will surely want to celebrate:
More April 30 Holidays
Here are more April 30 holidays you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in April. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous April Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Plant of the Day: Grapes
Recipe of the Day: Spiced Pumpkin Raisin Bread
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any April calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in April is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Besides National Raisin Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. What’s more, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.