Clerihew Day

Clerihew Day

Celebrating Whimsical Poetry

Clerihew Day, observed on July 10th, is a celebration of a unique and whimsical form of poetry, named after its creator, Edmund Clerihew Bentley. This day honors Bentley's birthday and his contribution to the world of literature through the clever and playful style of clerihews. Join us as we delve into the history of Clerihew Day, explore Bentley's poetry, discover fun ways to celebrate, learn tips for sharing on social media, and understand how this holiday brings people together through the joy of poetry.

History of Clerihew Day

Clerihew Day is celebrated annually on the birthday of Edmund Clerihew Bentley, born July 10, 1875. Bentley, an English author and humorist, is best known for inventing the clerihew, a whimsical, four-line biographical poem. The first clerihew was penned by Bentley at the age of 16, and this unique poetic form has since captured the imaginations of poets and readers alike.

A clerihew typically consists of four lines with an AABB rhyme scheme, featuring a person's name in the first line and humorously commenting on their life or personality. The light-hearted and often humorous nature of clerihews makes them a delightful way to engage with poetry.

Examples of Bentley's Clerihews

Here are a few examples of Bentley's original clerihews:

Sir Christopher Wren
Said, "I am going to dine with some men.
If anybody calls
Say I am designing St. Paul's."

The art of Biography
Is different from Geography.
Geography is about maps,
But Biography is about chaps.

Why His Style is Popular

Bentley's clerihews are popular for several reasons:

• Humor and Wit: The playful and humorous nature of clerihews makes them enjoyable to read and write.
• Simplicity: The simple structure of four lines with an AABB rhyme scheme is easy to grasp, making clerihews accessible to all.
• Creativity: Clerihews encourage creativity as poets craft clever and amusing comments about well-known figures.
• Educational: Writing and reading clerihews can be an engaging way to learn about historical and contemporary figures.

How to Celebrate Clerihew Day

• Write Clerihews: Try your hand at writing clerihews about famous people, friends, or family members.
• Read Bentley's Work: Explore and enjoy Edmund Clerihew Bentley's original clerihews and other writings.
• Host a Poetry Reading: Organize a poetry reading event where participants share their clerihews.
• Teach Others: Introduce the concept of clerihews to friends, family, or students, encouraging them to write their own.
• Share on Social Media: Post your clerihews online to spread the joy and engage with a broader audience.

Tips for Sharing on Social Media

1. Share Your Clerihews: Post the clerihews you write, along with a brief explanation or background about the subject.
2. Illustrations and Photos: Pair your clerihews with illustrations or photos related to the person you’re writing about.
3. Video Recitations: Record videos of yourself or others reciting clerihews and share them.
4. Interactive Challenges: Host a clerihew writing challenge, encouraging your followers to create and post their own.
5. Educational Posts: Share information about Edmund Clerihew Bentley and the history of clerihews to educate your audience.

Celebrate with emojis like 📝📖📚✍️ and use hashtags such as #ClerihewDay, #EdmundClerihewBentley, #PoetryFun, #WriteAPoem, #LiteraryCreativity, #HumorousPoetry to connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts and share your creations.

How This Holiday Unites People

Clerihew Day unites people through the shared love of poetry and creativity. By writing and sharing clerihews, individuals can connect with others over humor, historical figures, and personal anecdotes. This day encourages everyone, regardless of their poetic skill, to engage in the joy of writing and reading poetry, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for the arts.

Clerihew Day is a celebration of humor, creativity, and the unique poetic style of Edmund Clerihew Bentley. Let's embrace this day by writing delightful clerihews, sharing our creations, and connecting with others through the whimsical world of poetry.

How will you celebrate Clerihew Day? Share your plans, poems, and experiences with us as we honor the legacy of Edmund Clerihew Bentley and the joy of clerihews together!