Created by the World Toilet Organization on November 19th 2001 Adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 2012
World Toilet Day: Celebrating the White Throne of Convenience
Imagine a world without toilets. A place where nature’s call brings dread instead of relief. Where would we be without this porcelain throne of comfort and relief? Those humble porcelain thrones that grace our homes and public spaces deserve a moment of appreciation. What if we didn’t have this modern marvel at our disposal? Or worse, what if we had to resort to more primitive alternatives? It’s time to give credit where it’s due and wipe away any doubts about the worthiness of these essential facilities. Let’s dive into the world of toilets and discover the conveniences they bring to our lives.
The Holy Grail of Comfort?
Have you ever pondered the blessings of a well-functioning toilet? What if the modern conveniences we’re accustomed to suddenly disappeared, leaving us with primitive alternatives? The prospect of squatting over a hole in the ground might make us yearn for the comforts of our trusty porcelain thrones. Let’s face it, toilets make our lives so much more convenient. So, it’s time to flush away any doubts and appreciate the porcelain thrones that keep our bottoms comfy.
A Brief History of Lavatorial Lexicon
The word “toilet” derives from the French term “toilette,” which originally referred to a small cloth used for grooming. Back in the day, people used to use a cloth to cover their grooming area, which later evolved to include the place where we answer nature’s call. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the act of dressing oneself and eventually came to represent the space where one takes care of personal business. So, when we use the word “toilet,” we are essentially referring to the place where we freshen up, attend to our bodily needs, and experience a moment of privacy.
Contrary to popular belief, toilets have been around for thousands of years. Either by making use of already flowing water or by flushing the waste into a cesspit. Rome, communal latrines were a common sight, but their ingenious design was far from primitive. These communal facilities, known as “public latrines,” consisted of a long row of stone or marble benches with strategically positioned holes. Instead of toilet paper, the Romans utilized a sponge on a stick, which was shared among the users (let’s hope they cleaned it!). The latrines were built above running water channels, ensuring a continuous flow to carry away waste. The Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE, featured an impressive drainage and sanitation system in their cities, including homes equipped with toilets connected to elaborate underground sewer networks. The Minoans, an ancient civilization on the island of Crete around 2000 BCE, also had indoor plumbing systems in their palaces and towns, with toilets that utilized water for flushing waste away. The ingenuity of humans has transformed the way we handle our business, quite literally. We’ve moved from squatting over holes to the convenience and comfort of modern flush toilets.
The Perks and Potty Quirks
Toilets provide us with a myriad of benefits, making them an essential fixture of modern life. Here’s a summary of why we should bow down to the porcelain throne:
Comfort and Convenience: No more squatting over holes or searching for secluded spots, risking encounters with creepy crawlies in the wild. Toilets offer comfort and safety, making the whole experience much more pleasant.
Hygiene and Health: Say hello to proper safe and hygienic waste disposal, preventing the spread of diseases and keeping us all feeling fresh.
Privacy and Dignity: Wave goodbye to awkward moments of while trying to find a secluded spot. Toilets offer a sanctuary for our most intimate business.
Water Conservation: Modern toilets have made significant advancements in water efficiency, helping us conserve this precious resource.
Without toilets, we would face challenges in maintaining cleanliness, promoting public health, and preserving our natural resources. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the comfort and convenience they bring to our lives.
The Origin of World Toilet Day: Advocating for Better Sanitation
World Toilet Day, created by the World Toilet Organization on November 19th, 2001, aims to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and to promote access to safe and hygienic toilets for all. November 19 was chosen to commemorate the founding of the World Toilet Organization, emphasizing the importance of access to clean and safe toilets worldwide. It’s a call to action to address the needs of the billions of people worldwide who still lack access to proper toilet facilities.
Let’s Get This Potty Started: Celebrating the Throne
On World Toilet Day, individuals and organizations come together to celebrate the importance of proper sanitation and raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis. Here are some suggestions to make your celebration as memorable as a flawless flush:
Break the bathroom taboo by engaging in discussions about sanitation and the importance of proper toilets with family and friends.
Support organizations working to provide clean and accessible sanitation facilities around the world.
Organize a toilet-themed gathering with your loved ones. Get creative with toilet paper crafts, toilet-themed trivia, or even a “decorate your own plunger” contest.
Organize a community clean-up event to improve access to proper sanitation facilities in your area.
Share your toilet-related anecdotes and appreciation on social media using hashtags like #WorldToiletDay, #FlushForChange, #SanitationMatters and #ToiletTales. Let the world know just how grateful you are for the throne that brings you comfort.
Remember, by participating in World Toilet Day, you become an advocate for improved sanitation and contribute to a healthier, more hygienic world.
The Call of Doodie
As we celebrate World Toilet Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the helpful heroes of hygiene—the toilets that ensure our comfort and well-being. They deserve our recognition for the invaluable role they play in maintaining public health and preserving our environment. Go forth, appreciate your commodes, and spread awareness like a flush of enthusiasm. And if anyone asks you why your ringtone for them sounds like a toilet flushing, simply inform them that Wild Calendar gave you a license to celebrate with toilet-themed revelry. May cleanliness always be within your reach! Happy World Toilet Day!
“When the shit hits the fan, you really have to ask yourself why you weren’t sitting on the toilet.” ― Anthony T.Hincks
