Aerodynamics in Action: Master the Paper Airplane! 📃🛫📈🛩️📉🛬📄
Even the most useless page of a book
can be made to fly
Up, Up and Away: Fold, Fly, Repeat!
Paper Airplane Day pays homage to the humble paper airplane, that childhood companion that defied gravity for a brief, glorious moment and carried our wildest dreams of soaring through the clouds.
On May 26th the sky becomes our playground as we are encouraged to unfold the fun and let creativity take flight by engaging in the most classic form of aerodynamic origami.
Why Paper Airplanes are Plane Awesome
Why do paper airplanes still captivate us in this age of high-tech gadgets?
Aside from the obvious fun of watching them glide effortlessly through the air, they’re a fantastic way to learn about aerodynamics, physics and the sheer joy of making something fly without needing a degree from MIT.
They glide through the air with the grace of a bird and they don’t cost a penny.
They bring out the kid in all of us, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest joys are the most enjoyable.
From Humble Folds to Soaring Flights
The first mention of paper airplanes dates back to 1864 when a book “Every little boy’s book, a complete cyclopædia of in and out door games” described folding a “paper dart” that curved through the air when thrown from the hand.
Obviously they weren’t called paper planes, because actual functional planes were not invented…yet.
The Origins of Paper Airplane Day
But how did the holiday come to be, we might wonder?
Like a paper airplane launched from the back of a classroom, the origins are a bit hard to trace.
We do know it’s a grassroots celebration that took off thanks to paper airplane enthusiasts who saw the need for a day to unfold the fun of miniature aviation.
The oldest mention with reliable source we could find during our extensive (half hour) internet search was that the wikipedia page of “National Paper Airplane Day” was first edited in 2010.
In 2012 a website appeared for “National Paper Airplane Day”.
It is unknown whether the authors of either pages are connected with the actual creator of this day.
Join the Mile High (Paper) Club
Celebrating Paper Airplane Day is a breeze.
Gather your friends, family or anyone who appreciates a good paper fold and have everyone create their own unique paper airplane.
Traditional festivities involve contests in two main categories: “distance” and “time in air”.
Who can send their paper bird the furthest or keep it in the air the longest?
Experiment with different designs to optimize your aircraft’s performance. Just remember, unlike Icarus, don’t fly too close to the sun.
And if anyone questions your aeronautical antics, just tell them Wild Calendar gave you permission and invite them to join the fun!
After all, nothing brings people together quite like the shared joy of a paper plane soaring skyward.
Aim for the Sky and Happy Landings!
Life can get bogged down by seriousness and Paper Airplane Day is a glorious reminder to lift your spirits with a sprinkle of childhood wonder.
Go forth, fold, fly and and most importantly, have fun. The only thing that should be grounded today is your worries.
May your folds be sharp and your flights be smooth!
Happy Paper Airplane Day!
You might also like these events:
Make-A-Book Day
Craft for Your Local Shelters Day
Local Quilt Shop Day
