Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day
About Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day
When is Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day? This holiday is always celebrated on May 9
Did you ever wonder just what would happen if you ignored the notice on the mattress tag that threatened a federal prison cell for you if the tag is torn off? Will you serve time and come out of jail as a felon? Well, today is Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day. So, we’re going to tell you all about these tags that are found on mattresses and pillows. Also called Mattress Tag Day, this May 9 holiday encourages us to throw caution to the wind, and rip those tags off. Then, we will see you again in 7 to 10 years. Or, maybe less with time off for good behavior!
Officially, the tag reads “Under penalty of law, this tag is not to be removed….”. By law, the tag contains important information about the mattress, including the materials used, care instructions, and fire safety information. Manufacturers and retailers are not allowed to remove these tags.
In this often-divided country, there is one thing we all can agree on. Mattress tags are ugly and irritating. The objective of this holiday is to celebrate and exercise consumer freedom. After all, you own the tag. So, you can do anything you want to it.
Did You Know? If you live to be 75 years old, you will have spent 25 years in bed.
Why Do Mattresses Have Do Not Remove Tags?
Some people might think that mattresses and pillows have “Do Not Remove Tags” on them because federal lawmakers have nothing better to do. So, they create new and silly laws. However, this is not the reason for the law.
In the early 1900s and earlier, mattresses and pillows were made of many different things. For example, back then the contents inside could consist partly or all of straw and allergenic materials. Consumers did not know what was inside unless they cut it open and examined the contents. Then, the mattress was unreturnable. States and later the U.S. Congress enacted rules and laws requiring the tags to be put onto mattresses and pillows to provide information on the material, quality, care instructions, and fire safety.
In 1951, the U.S. Congress enacted a law to make it illegal for anyone except consumers to remove these tags. These early tags often did not state that consumers could remove them. Americans, always in a hurry, scanned or glimpsed the tags and all they saw were the words that said it was illegal to remove them. It led to much confusion. Finally, in the 1970s, further legislation required tag instructions to clearly state that consumers could indeed remove them.
Well, to put it in plain English, you the owner can remove all of these tags.
FYI: If a manufacturer or retailer removes the mattress tag, they can be fined $1,000 per incident.
How to Participate in Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day
Now, it is very clear how you should participate in Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day. But, are you willing to break the law and have a judge throw the book at you!? Here are some ideas for you:
- Go into every bedroom of your home and look for these irritating tags on the mattress. Rip them off the mattress. Note: They can be tough to tear off. So, carry a pair of scissors with you. Next, look at all of your pillows. Remove those tags, too. Don’t forget to check the throw pillows on your couch.
- Finally, check your lawn furniture cushions. You might find tags on them, too.
- If you are afraid to tear the mattress tags off, help someone else. Aiding and abetting in a crime carries a lesser sentence.
What to do with Mattress Tags
After you have removed countless mattress tags from around your home, what do you do with them? Here are some ideas.
- Hide the evidence where the detectives will never find them. Inside the walls of your home are good places to hide them.
- Plant them in the home or car of someone you don’t like. Then make an anonymous call to 911.
- Swap them like trading cards with friends.
- Hold a contest to see who has removed the most tags. The prize could be a $100 gift certificate for the best crime lawyer in town.
- Make a collage and hang them on a wall with pride.
- If you have a lot of them, use them to make a quilt.
Today's Chuckle
“I always put clothes and family photos under the mattress, in case the house burns down.” – – Kim Kardashian
History and Origin of Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day
Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Tags Day is a little-known, yet fun holiday. We found few references to this holiday. It appears to have been created around sometime in the 2010s.
More May 9 Holidays
Here is another May 9 holiday you will enjoy:
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