National Limerick Day
Edward Lear, an English artist, illustrator, writer, and poet, was born on May 12th, 1812 – Jan. 29, 1888). Lear is best known for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks.
The limerick poem is also commemorated on the day. Edward Lear's book "Book of Nonsense" in 1846 popularized Limerick poems. A limerick is a short, amusing, nonsense poem. There are five lines in a limerick. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line, and the third and fourth line rhyme together, and the third and fourth line rhyme together.
The Limerick also has a particular rhythm that is officially described as an apestic trimeter.
A YOUNG LADY WAS DYING RIGHT NOW.
By Edward Lear
There was a Young Lady whose chin was a chink.
Resembled the point of a pin; a pin; Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp and bought a harp.
And she sang several tunes with her chin.
Although Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before his book was published. Even so, the Limerick celebrates fun twists of word, rhythm, and hum in short form. It also plays with words and people's aspirations.
How to celebrate #nationallimerickday
Enter a poem of your own into a Limerick competition. Use #NationalLimerickDay to post on social media to highlight your favorite Limericks. Read and post your favorite Limericks. Try reading Looney Limericks compiled by Frank Jacobs if you don't have a favorite.
History of national limerick day has influenced national limerick day
We were unable to find the author of this poetry day within our scope of inquiry. However, the day has been commemorated since at least 1984.
Relevant Observances
- Random Acts of Poetry Day is a day of Poetry Day
- Black Poetry Day
- National Poetry Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom and Ireland – Ireland and Ireland – on National Poetry Day
