What is National Rat Catcher’s Day?
The Pied Piper of Hamelin's tale is told on July 22nd in honor of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The day also gives the opportunity to thank all present-day exterminators..
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According to the folktale, residents of Hamelin, Germany, hired a strangely dressed man to rid their village of rats. Hamelin's Pied Piper did so by playing his flute. The Pied Piper returned after finishing the task, but the townsfolk refused to pay — so the Pied Piper returned. Once more, the Pied Piper played his flute while the children followed him. The children were killed, never to return, and with the Pied Piper.
Although a tragic tale of revenge doesn't seem to be something to celebrate, someone found a way. The day includes festivals and re-enactments, depending on where you live. Hamelin, Germany, celebrates the day on June 26th due to a variety of dates in stories and poems. A pied piper led children through the city streets at the festival. Even Richard the Rat is allowed to tell his version of the tale.
