Mother Goose Day

Created by Gloria T. Delamar in 1987
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Welcome, to the whimsical and wonderful world of Mother Goose Day!

Mother Goose Day was created in 1987 by the one and only Gloria T. Delamar, and it takes place every year on May the 1rst.
Fairy tales have been a staple in the world of literature for centuries, providing us with magical tales of talking animals, wicked stepmothers, and brave heroes who defeat dragons. Not only do these tales provide us with a sense of wonder and adventure, but they also offer valuable lessons about morality, ethics, and the human condition.

Who was Mother Goose and what species was she?

Mother Goose is a fictional character who was popularized in the 17th century as the supposed author of a collection of nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
The exact origin of the name “Mother Goose” is unknown, but it is believed to be a nickname for a French woman who told tales to children.
Despite her name, she was not a real goose and was not an actual person. Instead, she is a fictional character who is often depicted as a kindly old woman who tells stories and sings songs to children.
The idea of Mother Goose as a goose is simply an illustration used to accompany the stories and rhymes. Despite her fictional origins, the name “Mother Goose” has become synonymous with nursery rhymes and fairy tales, and continues to be an enduring figure in popular culture to this day.

Mother Goose is different from the Grimm Brothers in a few key ways.

For starters, she wrote nursery rhymes, not fairy tales. Also , Mother Goose predates the Brothers Grimm by several centuries.
The first collection of nursery rhymes and songs attributed to Mother Goose was published in the late 17th century, while the Brothers Grimm did not begin collecting and publishing their fairy tales until the early 19th century.
So, while both Mother Goose and the Brothers Grimm have made significant contributions to the world of children’s literature, they existed in different time periods and have different origins.
Mother Goose tales are often lighter in tone and focus on humor and absurdity, whereas the Grimm Brothers are known for their darker and grittier fairy tales. Both have their place in the world of literature, but Mother Goose is the perfect pick-me-up for a dreary day.

But what exactly is a fairy tale?

Some would argue that fairy tales are simply stories with a touch of magic, but there’s a little more to it than that. Fairy tales often have a clear-cut moral lesson and involve a struggle between good and evil, which is why they were chosen to be the perfect bedtime story for little ones.
For sweet dreams, you tell a happy rhyming tale from Mother Goose.
For interesting nightmares, pick one of the brutal tales in a first-edition collection from the Brothers Grimm.

And what puts the “fairy” in “fairy tale”?

The term “fairy tale” is somewhat of a misnomer, as many fairy tales do not actually feature fairies. The word “fairy” in this context actually comes from the Old French word “faerie,” which referred to the land of the fays or the realm of enchantment. The word eventually came to encompass any magical or fantastical story, even those that did not feature fairies. So, in a way, it is the magic and wonder of the story that puts the “fairy” in “fairy tale.”

Are fairy tales good for us?

On one hand, they give us a chance to escape reality and enter a world of magic and wonder.
On the other hand, they’ve been known to give children unrealistic expectations about life and love.
BAnd let’s be real, who needs reality when you have a fairy tale world to escape to?
But,  while these holidays are all about celebrating the joys of childhood, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind. For starters, don’t wander into enchanted forests without a map. And for the love of all that is good and holy, never eat the apples offered by witches.

Mother Goose Day is similar to other celebrations like National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, International Children’s Book Day, and National Nursery Rhyme Day. 

So, how do we celebrate Mother Goose Day?

You could of course read your favorite nursery rhymes, make your own fairy tales, or even try some fun experiments like turning your cat into a prince. If you’re feeling creative, you could even try your hand at writing your own Mother Goose tale! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could go on a goose chase to find the real Mother Goose!
But, if all of this sounds like too much work, you can always just sit back and enjoy the rhymes from the safety of your own home.

Mother Goose Day is a day to celebrate the lady who’s been bringing us rhymes for centuries.
So, grab your favorite nursery rhyme book, put on your prince or princess hat, and let’s celebrate the magical world of Mother Goose!