Date
Tuesday
Jan

January 7

Distaff Day

On Distaff Day, we honor the unsung heroines who keep the household running smoothly. Let's raise a glass to these hardworking women!

Yearly Date
January 7
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the often overlooked holiday of Distaff Day on January 7! This unique day has been observed for centuries, originally as a way to mark the end of the Christmas season and return to work. The word "distaff" refers to a tool used in spinning wool, making this day a celebration of women's work and contributions. It's a perfect time to honor the strong and hardworking women in our lives, whether they are mothers, sisters, friends or colleagues. So let's take a moment to recognize and appreciate all that they do on this special day!

Distaff Day Timeline

14th Century
Origins of Distaff Day
Distaff Day traces its roots back to medieval times when it signified the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and a return to work.
1800s
Decline in Recognition
Distaff Day started to lose recognition and observance as industrialization changed the nature of work and role of women.
1920
Women's Suffrage
The women's suffrage movement in the United States culminated in the ratification of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote, highlighting women's roles both in the household and society.
1975
United Nations and Women
The United Nations started observing International Women's Year elevating global awareness towards women's rights and gender equality, providing greater context and importance to celebrations like Distaff Day.
21st Century
Revival
A resurgence of interest in traditional crafts and women's history in the 21st century sparks increased recognition of Distaff Day as a celebration of women's work and contributions.

How to Celebrate Distaff Day

1

Host a spinning party

Gather some friends who enjoy spinning and have a spinning party. Everyone can bring their own spinning wheels or drop spindles and spend the day creating beautiful yarn.

2

Learn a new fiber art

Use Distaff Day as an opportunity to learn a new fiber art, such as knitting, crocheting, or weaving. Sign up for a class or find tutorials online to expand your skills.

3

Organize a fiber swap

Get together with other fiber enthusiasts and organize a fiber swap. This is a great way to trade materials and try out new fibers without breaking the bank.

4

Visit a local textile museum

Spend the day exploring a local textile museum and learning about the history of spinning and other fiber arts. This can inspire new ideas and techniques for your own projects.

5

Share your love for spinning on social media

Spread awareness about Distaff Day by sharing photos and videos of your spinning or other fiber art projects on social media. Use the hashtag #DistaffDay to connect with others celebrating this holiday.

Why We Love Distaff Day

A

Celebrates women's work and contributions

Distaff Day is a holiday that honors the hard work and contributions of women throughout history. It acknowledges the role that women have played in society, often behind the scenes, and celebrates their strength, resilience, and achievements.

B

An opportunity to learn traditional skills

Traditionally, Distaff Day was a time for women to gather together and work on textile projects such as spinning or sewing. Nowadays, it provides an opportunity for people of all genders to learn these traditional skills and appreciate the labor and creativity that goes into handmade goods.

C

Inspires us to support and uplift women

By celebrating Distaff Day, we are reminded of the important role that women play in our communities and are inspired to support and uplift them. It's a day to recognize women's rights and push for gender equality, and to appreciate the strength and diversity of the female experience.

Distaff Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jan 6
Friday
2024
Jan 6
Saturday
2025
Jan 6
Monday
2026
Jan 6
Tuesday
2027
Jan 6
Wednesday