Tom Thumb Day 2023: Date, History and All you need to know

Have you heard of Tom Thumb Day 2023? Most likely not! This fun-filled day is celebrated on the fourth of January, 2023 every year in the United States. It marks the birth of Charles Sherwood Stratton’s beloved character, Tom Thumb. Tom Thumb was featured in a number of stories and tales, inspiring generations of children and adults alike. Celebrations for Tom Thumb Day include games, fanciful performances and activities, all based on the themes from Perrault’s stories. In this blog post you will read about how to celebrate Tom Thumb Day and why it’s become such an important cultural event in America today.

What is Tom Thumb Day?

Tom Thumb Day commemorates the day that one of America’s most popular folk heroes was born. On this day in 1808, General Tom Thumb, also known as Charles Sherwood Stratton, first came into the world weighing a mere two pounds.

Despite his diminutive size, Tom Thumb went on to have a remarkable life. He was signed to P.T. Barnum’s circus at the age of five and soon became one of its biggest attractions. He toured the world, meeting famous people like Queen Victoria and Abraham Lincoln along the way.

Tom Thumb retired from show business in 1865 and settled down with his wife Lavinia Warren (who was also a dwarf). The couple had two children, both of whom were of average height.

Nowadays, Tom Thumb is remembered as an important part of American history and culture. His birth is still celebrated every year on January 4, in the town of Bridgeport, Connecticut where he was born. If you find yourself in Bridgeport on Tom Thumb Day, be sure to check out the displays and exhibits dedicated to this unique figure!

History of Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1838 as Charles Sherwood Stratton. He was a small baby, only weighing 4 pounds. When he was just four years old, his parents took him to P.T. Barnum’s American Museum in New York City.

Barnum put Stratton on display as a living curiosity and started billing him as “General Tom Thumb, the Smallest Boy in the World.” The young boy became an overnight sensation and toured the country with Barnum’s circus.

During his performances, Stratton would sing songs, tell jokes, and even play the piano. He quickly rose to fame and even met celebrities like Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln.

In 1863, Stratton married Lavinia Warren, another one of Barnum’s performers who was billed as “the Tallest Woman in the World.” The couple had a lavish wedding that was attended by over 10,000 people.

Stratton continued to tour and perform until 1883 when he retired at the age of 45. He died five years later of pneumonia but his legacy continues on to this day.

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How to celebrate Tom Thumb Day

One way to celebrate Tom Thumb day is to host a small gathering. This can be done by inviting friends over and having them bring their favorite book that is under 50 pages. Another way to celebrate Tom Thumb day is by donating books to a local library or children’s hospital.

Conclusion

Tom Thumb Day is an interesting way to remember and celebrate the history of fairy tales in the United States. It can also be a great opportunity to introduce children to classic stories through activities such as reading, coloring or making crafts. Whether you are planning a special celebration with family and friends or just looking for something fun and educational to do on January 4th, Tom Thumb Day is sure to provide plenty of entertainment while reminding us all of our rich literary past.

TOM THUMB DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	January 4	Wednesday
2024	January 4	Thursday
2025	January 4	Saturday
2026	January 4	Sunday
2027	January 4	Monday