Annually observed on March 20, World Storytelling Day is a celebration of the craft of storytelling. On this day, all forms of narration are celebrated, whether they involve words, images, symbols, or expressions.
The day recognizes the art form of storytelling and promotes diversity between cultures and ethnicities. So put on your Peter Pan attire and join us in honoring one of the earliest forms of communication.
The background of World Storytelling Day
Storytelling is considered a unique form of communication. It can traverse space and time without losing relevance to the present. Storytelling can be presented in any language or medium and still be relatable and comprehensible. Additionally, it can affect thoughts and emotions and stimulate creativity.
The storytelling tradition dates back to the stone period. Over time, cave paintings, illustrations, and inscriptions have become a source of knowledge. It is a repository of primordial knowledge that informs us about the past. The stories discovered on cave walls were repeated each time they were viewed by a human. With each retelling, the craft of storytelling grew in sophistication.
As populations grew and people began to migrate across borders, they passed down their experiences through generations in the form of tales. Each successive generation added its own unique set of experiences to the growing number of tales.
In addition to true accounts containing experiences and information, people also created fiction. This is a realm of fiction and imagination. Each type of narrative has a distinct position in life, and it is evident that the art form has existed for decades.
In terms of the day’s exclusivity, the Swedish began honoring “Alla Berratares Dag” (Day of the Storyteller) in 1991, thereby committing the day to storytelling in a proper manner. The founders of this day have passed away, but the reins have been taken over by devoted adherents, and it has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Each year, people from all over the world commemorate World Storytelling Day by performing their favorite captivating tale. Most people attend storytelling seminars, libraries, and other venues to partake in the merriment and revelry that a day filled with words brings.
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5 FACTS ABOUT STORYTELLING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
No other form of art predates narrative, which has existed since the beginning of humankind.
Everyone is an expert at making and telling stories for their own purposes, even if they are not adept at performing on stage.
Technically, we tell stories constantly, as 65 percent of all conversations consist of tales.
The stories of heroes, which are generally referred to as legends, influence us to be or obtain what we aspire to be or achieve; modern storytellers influence others through the use of personal narratives or political/cultural commentary in their stories.
There are established formats for storytelling and narrative composition. Grab a collection of tales, and you will observe a recurring pattern.
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WORLD STORYTELLING DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |