Rat Catchers Day
About Rat Catchers Day
When is Rat Catchers Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 22
Rat Catchers Day commemorates the Pied Piper of Hamelin, the most infamous of rat catchers. Today is the anniversary of the legendary event of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
One of the most well-known German folklore is the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Hamelin, Germany was infested by rats. So, the mayor promised to handsomely pay the Pied Piper if he rid the town of rats. The Pied Piper played his flute. Lured by the magical music, all of the rats left town and followed him. He played his music all the way down to the Weser River. He waded into the river. When the rats followed him they drowned.
The mayor refused to pay him. So, one night when the townspeople were asleep, the Pied Piper played his music again. This time, the children of the town followed him into a cave. Some versions of the legend vary here. One version says the Pied Piper kept them there until he was paid by the town for his services. In most versions, the children were never to be seen again.
In addition to the Pied Piper of Hamelin, this day recognizes the hard work of all Rat Catchers. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. So, if you see a hardworking Pest Control Professional, let them know you appreciate the work that they do.
How many Rats were lured to the River? Estimates are upwards of a million!
If you see a rat catcher today, wish them Happy Rat Catchers Day!
How to Celebrate and Participate in Rat Catchers Day
There are many things you can do to join in on the fun on Rat Catchers Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Be prepared for a ruckus and a tumultuous day.
- Go with the flow. It’s easier that way.
- Try to bring some calm and sanity to the things that go occur today.
- Don’t panic! Recognize that uproar and brouhaha going on around you is beyond your control.
Today's Quote
“Be not simply good – – Be good for something.” Henry David Thoreau
History and Origin of Rat Catchers Day
The date for Rat Catcher’s Day commemorates the anniversary of the event.
According to one version of this legend, the Pied Piper rid the town of Hamelin, Germany of rats on or around June 26, 1284. After the town mayor refused to make payment as promised, the Pied Piper returned several weeks later on July 22, 1284, to lure the children into a cave. In another version of this legend, the Pied Piper lured the rats into the river on July 22, 1376.
A few internet websites are now calling this National Rat Catchers Day. The tale of the Pied Piper is German, so this should be a German holiday.
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