NATIONAL LIMERICK DAY – May 12
Fri May 12th

National Limerick Day

Edward Lear, an English artist, illustrator, writer, and poet, was born on May 12th, 1812 – Jan. 29, 1888). National Limerick Day, May 12th, is commemorated annually on May 12th. Lear is best known for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks.

The day also commemorates the limerick poem. In 1846, Edward Lear's book "Book of Nonsense" in Limerick was popularized in 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 on 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..

THERE WAS A YOUNG LADY DYING TO GO TO THE RIGHT LADY.

By Edward Lear

There was a Young Lady with a chin whose chin was a chin.

The point of a pin was disputed by a semblance; a pin was discarded; a pin was discarded.

So she had it made sharp and bought a harp. She had it made and bought a harp.

And she mastered many songs with her chin, including her chin.

Although Lear is credited with popularizing the Limerick, the poetry style existed long before his book was published. Also in short form, the Limerick celebrates fun twists of word, rhythm, and humour in short form. It also plays with words and people's aspirations.

How to celebrate #nationallimerickday.

Enter a poem of your own in a Limerick competition. Use #NationalLimerickDay to post on social media to read and share your favorite Limericks. Try reading Looney Limericks, Frank Jacobs' collection if you don't have a favorite.

National limerick day is the oldest national limerick day in history

We were unable to locate the author of this poetry day within our scope of inquiry. However, the day has been observed since at least 1984.

Relevant Observances

  • cts of Poetry Day is a random act of poetry
  • Black Poetry Day
  • National Poetry Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom and Ireland – both the United Kingdom and Ireland – Ireland and Ireland