World PUPPETRY Day was established in 2003 by Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA) and is celebrated on the 21st Day in March. UNIMA uses this day through its National Centers and its worldwide members to promote puppetry arts with UNESCO by bringing puppeteers together. A puppet theater artist named Javad Zolfaghari from Iran proposed the idea for World PUPPETRY Day during the UNIMA World Congress in 2000. Three years later he realized his dream.
The International Puppetry Association (UNIMA) was formed in Prague in 1929. Most puppet performers in the United States didn’t make this sort of splash until Tony Sarg, a famous puppet pioneer, started holding public puppet shows. This ultimately led to the founding of the Puppeteers of America in 1937. Jim Henson founded UNIMA-USA in 1966, then came UNIMA Australia, UMIMA Pakistan, British UNIMA, and UNIMA-France among others.
Can you think of any famous puppets you can remember growing up with? What about Howdy Doody, Pinocchio, or the adorable Lamp Chop? Perhaps Kermit the Frog, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert and Ernie, or Daniel Striped Tiger?
Historians claim that puppets were born before theatre actors. Even before putting actual people on stage, these inanimate actors were doing a great job of entertaining a wide range of audiences from different parts of the world.
In India, the origin of puppetry was traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 2500 B.C. Archaeologists had found a terracotta doll with a detachable head capable of being manipulated by a string. Many Indian Classical texts like the “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” also mention puppets. China, Japan, and Taiwan also had their versions of puppetry.
In ancient Greece, old written records found in the works of Herodotus and Xenophon state that puppetry was in practice since the 5th century B.C. These Greek plays had puppetry shows performed in front of the common people and European puppetry was inspired by this. There is also archaeological evidence of puppets in Egypt in 2000 B.C. During this period, figures of wood operated by string by humans to demonstrate the actions such as kneading bread.
In the 16th century, the traditional British “Punch and Judy” puppetry originated from the Italian commedia dell’arte (an earlier theatre form). This show became very popular among the masses and was performed with various alterations till the 19th century.
In 1929, the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), or International Puppetry Association, was established in Prague. This organization was made to spark a resurgence of puppetry and help puppeteers show off their art form and connect with other like-minded artists. UNIMA centers have since been created in several parts of the world.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on World PUPPETRY Day!
Puppet shows are unique art forms and can be quite enjoyable. Go see a local puppetry production. View some hand puppet videos online. Watch some puppet-based television programs such as The Muppets, Sesame Street, Mr Rogers Neighborhood, Alf, Thunderbirds, or Fraggle Rock.
Many books and online educational resources exist about puppetry dating back thousands of years. Learn about famous puppet performers like Fred Rogers, Jim Henson, Bil Baird, Shari Lewis, Señor Wences, and Frank Oz. Who knows, you might become enthralled at the prospect of giving your own performance.
After watching and reading, you’re now ready to take the finger puppet show you did behind your dad’s favorite chair to the next level!
Use social media posts with the hashtags #WorldPuppetryDay, #PuppetryDay, #Puppets, #Muppets, #EntertainmentHolidays, #MarchHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ World PUPPETRY Day.
Distinguished military general of the Later Zhou dynasty who founded the Song dynasty by staging a coup d’état and forcing Emperor Gong to step down and advocate him instead. Born 927.
American actor & singer best known for his roles in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Biloxi Blues, WarGames, and voicing Simba in The Lion King movies. Born 1962.
MATTHEW BRODERICK Quote
“I slip from workaholic to bum real easy”
Prussian industrial designer best known as the “Architect of Detroit” who developed numerous skyscrapers, office complexes, and mansions. Born 1869.
ALFRED KAHN Quote
“If you can’t explain what you’re doing in simple English, you are probably doing something wrong.”
Year | Date | Day of the Week |
---|---|---|
2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
2025 | March 21 | Friday |
2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
2027 | March 21 | Sunday |
Let’s face it, puppetry makes us all happy. It’s been a common form of entertainment for centuries now but its time is fading. With the new advent of CGI, animation technologies, and the like, we’re seeing less and less puppetry. People talk about breaking the fourth wall – the art of puppetry can break down lingual barriers by providing deep heartfelt stories that transcend verbal plays. I can remember going to see a production at the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts and being blown away at the mastery and artistry that goes on behind the scenes.
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