National Polka Dot Day
When is National Polka Dot Day? This holiday is always observed on January 22
Do you see spots before your eyes? Well, it’s no surprise. Today is National Polka Dot Day. Walt Disney Corporation created this January 22 holiday to celebrate Minnie Mouse. Disney honored this holiday with a “Rock the Dots” event. Minnie is always seen in a polka dot dress. Since its creation, this fun holiday has expanded to celebrate an iconic pattern that is found on practically anything and everything. Why, you can even use this holiday to celebrate and spend time with your multi-spotted Dalmatian. One could say this dog sitting atop a fire truck, is a classic symbol of the ever-popular pattern.
Which came first, the dance or the dots? A pattern consisting of a solid color and multiple spots existed since Europe’s Medieval times or earlier. However, this pattern originally represented disease and impurity. It was often associated with smallpox. So at the time, wearing this pattern was considered taboo. Then in the mid-1800s, the “Polka” became a dance craze. Along the way, dots were added to the hats, dresses, shirts, and other clothing worn while performing the lively dance. This led to the creation of the term “Polka Dot”. As a result, the pattern was no longer considered taboo. Rather, it became associated with the cheerful and liveliness of the Polka dance. To this day, the pattern continues to be popular. You can find it on virtually everything, from clothing to furniture artwork, paper goods, and more.
Song of the Day: Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (1960). Sung by Brian Hyland
Our Favorite Cartoon Movie: 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Polka Dots are Everywhere
Early fabric designs containing multiple dots or spots had a variety of different names. The first mention of the term “polka dot” appeared in 1857 in Godey’s Lady Book”. It was a Philadelphia fashion magazine. This fashion design became very popular. From this early beginning, its popularity never waned. Over time, they appeared almost everywhere. And, it adorned nearly everything. Here are some examples of where you will find them today:
- They are very popular on shirts and dresses.
- You’ll find plenty of polka dot bikinis on beaches and at the poolside.
- They also look great on pajamas, coats, scarves, hats, children’s boots, and virtually any clothing.
- Bookbags and lunchboxes.
- They appear on all kinds of paper goods, including spiral notebooks, stationary, Post-it notes, paper plates, and paper cups.
- Cell phones
- Artwork
- Kitchenware
- Wallpaper
- Toys
- The list never ends.
Famous Polka Dot Fashion Statements
Polka Dots have long been a popular fashion statement. Here are some famous ladies and characters who made a fashion statement wearing them:
- Norma Smallwood, the 1926 Miss America pageant winner wore a polka dot swimsuit.
- In 1928 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse premiered in the animated cartoon “Steamboat Willie”. Minnie wore a bright red dress with white polka dots. Since the premiere, she has always worn a polka dot dress. On occasion, she wears a pink dress with white dots.
- In 1934, Shirley Temple charmed us when she wore a red dress with white polka dots in the movie Stand Up and Cheer.
- In 1955, Marilynn Monroe wore a white dress with black spots in the comedy movie “Seven Year Itch”.
- In 1961, the animated movie 101 Dalmatians premiered. These gentle dogs have white fur with black spots. We fell in love with them.
- Julia Roberts was irresistible when she wore a brown dress with white polka dots in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman (1990).
Did You Know? In 2018, Minnie Mouse received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How to Celebrate National Polka Dot Day
Without a doubt, this is a fun-filled holiday. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy this holiday:
- Wear something with polka dots.
- Buy something with lots of spots. Don’t limit it to just clothing.
- Hold a theme party. Wear well-spotted clothing. Decorate cakes, muffins, cookies, and any other party treats with polka dots.
- For school art teachers: Have the class do an art project decorated with lots of spots.
- Dance the polka. If you don’t know how, learn how today.
- Don’t forget to post images of your fun day on social media.
Today's Quote
“A line is a dot that went for a walk.” – – Paul Klee
History and Origin of National Polka Dot Day
Originally, this holiday celebrated Minnie Mouse who wears her trademark red and white polka dot dress. In 2016, Walt Disney amusement parks celebrated the first National Polka Dot Day. They held a “Rock the Dots” event. This holiday is celebrated annually.
We have not yet discovered why this date was chosen to celebrate this fun holiday.
There is no evidence to suggest that this is truly a “National” day. A “true “National” day requires an act of Congress or a presidential proclamation. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation about this special day.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Here are some important things that happened on this day:
- The historic Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade legalizes abortion. (1973)
- The world’s first vaccine against malaria is introduced. It saves one in three lives. (2024)
- Bill Bixby, the “Incredible Hulk” star was born on this day in (1934)
More January 22 Holidays
In addition to National Polka Dot Day, here is another January 22 holiday for you to celebrate and enjoy:
Related Holidays
People who like Polka Dot Day will also like:
Tweed Day – It’s another day to celebrate fashionable fabrics.
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Hollyhocks
Recipe of the Day: Chocolate Brownies
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any January calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in January 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? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. January 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.