#NationalTellAFairyTaleDay

[rabbitcruiser]

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day 

Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…

History of Tell A Fairy Tale Day

The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.

The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.  

As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!

By celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.

How fairy tales change over time

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.

Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.

These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.

Why fairy tales are important

As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.  

How to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day

It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.

Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?

Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.

If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.

And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.  

However you choose to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!

Source

[carmendesousa]

And they…LIVED! Life isn't always Happily Ever After, rather, loving FOREVER, regardless. It's National Tell A Fairy Tale Day! Do you read Fairy Tales? If you said no, are you sure? Visit the link in my profile to read more! Or type in CarmenDeSousaBooks.com/News/022623#Reading #Writing #ParanormalRomance #RomanticSuspense #FairyTale #Creatus#NationalTellAFairyTaleDay https://www.instagram.com/p/CpIxnGVPM80/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[iffoundreturntosea]

February 26, Day 57

Day 57 2015

Papa made a sock monster while niece and I crafted.

#sockmonster #crafts #crafty #picoftheday #project365 #day57

He's good with suture thread and needles! HA!

Day 57 2016

There is no such thing as privacy with a toddler!

#lifewithatoddler #clifford #beaniebaby #stuffedanimal #spy #peeping #red #pink #shadesoflove #february #picoftheday #project365 #day57

You don't have to have kids of your own to know what your mom was talking about!

Day 57 2017

Bedtime snack

#yoplait #yogurt #seasaltcaramel #chocolate #sogood #yum #february #picoftheday #project365 #day57

Day 57 2018

Parents did another half marathon this weekend. They’re bad ass.

#race #walk #jog #run #cowtown2018 #metals #halfmarathon #pictureofapicture #instax #polaroid #snapshot #february #picoftheday #project365 #day57

And they continue to do it each year! They continue to be bad ass!

Day 57 2019

Once upon a time...

#artsy #fun #create #imagine #scene #story #tale #fairytale #theboywhocriedwolf #stuffedanimals #wolf #sheep #storyteller #nationaltellafairytaleday #february #feb26 #2019 #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day57

Day 57 2020

Excited for this week!

#niece #smile #fun #blacklight #glow #february #february26 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

I love all things that glitter, shine and glow! This week was so fun!!

Day 57 2021

Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

#fbf #cedarwaxwing #bombycillacedrorum #bird #birdsofinstagram #perched #color #bluesky #texas #winter #nature #outdoors #february #february26 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

Day 57 2022

Frost fronds

#frost #frosty #cold #winter #create #color #february #february26 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

Day 57 2023

He’s great til he tries to eat the props!

#brother #dinner #whiskeycake #goodtimes #february #february26 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

He did eat it! After it was in my pocket for several days!!

Day 57 2024

I love lighting up something to bring out the fun 🤩 The closest I will get to molten glass.

#warmcolors #dailytheme #glass #art #lightup #sopretty #february #february26 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day57

This beautiful piece is a sea star in glass. A piece my parents picked out for me!

[jamieroxxartist]

Today, Feb 26, 2024, is #NationalTellaFairyTaleDay!

(https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-tell-a-fairy-tale-day-february-26/)

a Custom #Commissioned #Painting I painted a couple of years ago:

‘#Maleficent (#AngelinaJolie ) #Disney’ 2014, acrylic & oil blend on canvas, 24"x30" by @ArtistJamieRoxx #JamieRoxx (www.JamieRoxx.us) This Sold Painting is Not Available.

[thewhattywhattins]

Here’s a piece I drew for #nationaltellafairytaleday It includes #characters based on popular #latin #childrensbooks #juanelbobo #lacucarachitamartina #elratonperez #elreinodelrevés and was designed to resemble #littlegoldenbooks I always learn from the pieces I create. #artistsoninstagram #instaart #fairytale Follow me @oscar_e_alonso https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXA9dFHDA7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=87ls7tkih7lv

[lizdejesus23]

Today is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day!! What better way to celebrate than to read some fairy tales or stories inspired by them! Check out The Frost Series or Zombie Ever After. Available now! #nationaltellafairytaleday #tellafairytaleday2019 #tellafairytaleday #fairytales #bookstagram #bookishfeatures #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #indiepub #indiepublishing #booknerd #booknerdigan https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWJd0Fg-Pj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lxc5kg9l8kkj

[supersteviegeekout]

She did not know that the wolf was a wicked sort of animal, and she was not afraid of him. - Scarlet by @marissameyerauthor ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ I can't believe I almost missed National Tell a Fairytale Day. There are so many amazing retellings out there. Especially as an adult, there are some spicy fairytale retellings available. However, in honor of the day, I have to talk about The Lunar Chronicles. Spacey retellings of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. These are fun, quirky, and outright amazing. Scarlet is my favorite in the world, but they are all incredible. Happy Saturday everyone. ☆What is your favorite fairytale?☆ ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookswelove #bookaholic #booklover #booklife #bookaddict #nationaltellafairytaleday #lunarchronicles #marissameyer #scarlet #cinder #cress #winter https://www.instagram.com/p/CadzQHYLMC7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[larlyland]

In a distant time, and a faraway place, there once lived A Belligerent Prince, An Altruistic Gypsy, An Amicable Rapscallion And a Circumscribed Beauty. They might never had met, if it weren't for the improbable legend of a certain scientist... Just thought I'd repost something for #nationaltellafairytaleday about a #fracturedfairytale I'm writing... #nationaltellastoryday #tellyourstory #storytelling #storytime #story #fairytales #fairytale #fairycore #steampunkfairytale #steampunkart #steampunkstory #steampunkillustration #storyretelling #tellmeastory #book #novel #novelwriting #novelist #blackgirlauthor #blackprincess #melaningoddess #browngirlprincess https://www.instagram.com/p/CLyIllehQIP/?igshid=fmon6i9g04jk

[scotthull]

What a nice post from @katherine_alw_ ! . I was all set to post today when I saw it was #NationalTellAFairyTaleDay, so in a quick change of plans I’m sharing these two fantastic fairy tale retellings (again, because they’re that good): Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty, written by @underwoodwriter, Deborah Underwood and illustrated by @meghuntillo, Meg Hunt. . We are working to expose our kids to more fairy tales because they’re at the ages where they are hearing more and more references to characters and tropes. Beyond the Disney versions, what are your favorite fairy tale collections? Or which retellings - like Interstellar Cinderella and Reading Beauty - do you enjoy? . . #interstellarcinderella #cinderella #readingbeauty #sleepingbeauty #deborahunderwood #meghunt #scotthullartist #fairytale #fairytales #fairytaleretelling #kidsbookstagram #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #kidlit #picturebook #picturebooks #kidlitart #librarybooks #chroniclebooks #kidsbookstack #readaloud #readalouds #raisingreaders #readingtokids #momswhoreadtotheirkids https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DZ-MMhsxr/?igshid=1rj8e3l6m30x7

[rabbitcruiser]

National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… National Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…

History of National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.

The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.

As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!

By celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.

National Tell A Fairy Tale Day Timeline

3000 BC – 1200 BC Fairy Tales get their beginning

During the Bronze Age, stories are passed down orally through Eastern and Western Indo-European languages. This includes stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Beast, as well as many others.

1697 Term “Fairy Tale” is coined

French literary fiction writer, Madame d’Aulnoy publishes her own book of Fairy Tales and is the first to use the term which, in French, is conte de fées. She is one of many female fairy tale writers during this era.

1697 Charles Perrault publishes his first book

This French author publishes a story collection that not only includes Little Red Riding Hood, but the grouping is subtitled as “Tales of Mother Goose”.

Early 19th Century Brothers Grimm popularize Fairy Tales

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are German academics who collect stories from German folklore and retell them. Many of these stories are similar to those of French storyteller, Charles Perrault, from a century prior.

1837 Hans Christian Andersen publishes The Little Mermaid

Included in the first collection of Fairy Tales Told for Children, which is published in Copenhagen, The Little Mermaid is probably one of the most popular of Anderson’s tales.

How fairy tales change over time

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.

Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.

These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.

Why fairy tales are important

As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.

How to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.

Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?

Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.

If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.

And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.

However you choose to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!

National Tell A Fairy Tale Day FAQs

What is a Fairy Tale?

Also called wonder tales, magic tales or fairy stories, Fairy Tales are a genre of fiction originating in European folklore. These tales often feature mythical creatures such as elves, dwarves, giants, fairies, gnomes, mermaids and more.

Who wrote the first Fairy Tales?

The original stories were passed down orally for thousands of years so it’s impossible to tell who started them. However, some of the first Fairy Tales that were written and published were by French Authors Charles Perrault and Madame d’Aulnoy.

What are the most popular Fairy Tales?

A favorite part of many childhoods, some of the most popular stories of all time include Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty.

Which Fairy Tales are Grimm?

In the early 19th century, the Grimm Brothers spent time collecting stories from people of all classes in Germany. Some of their Fairy Tales include Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, The Frog King, Rumplestiltskin and Little Red Riding Hood.

When is Tell a Fairy Tale Day?

Each year on February 26, National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is the perfect time to spend time reading and making up stories with children.

Source

[fair-oaks-antiques]

Dropping some storied facts on National Tell A Fairy Tale Day ;)

At a time in history when the tradition of oral storytelling was fading, The Brothers Grimm collected and published some of the fairy tales we still know today. One of the tales collected,  Rumpelstiltskin, was especially tricky as the little dude went by many names in different countries. In Ireland, he was Trit-a-trot; in Scotland, Whuppity Stoorie; in Iceland, Gilitrutt; in Arabic, he was known as Joaidane "He who talks too much".  

Illustration by Walter Crane from Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm (1886)

[wwwkaygriffin55com]

So my Lovlies Wednesday February 26, 2020 is of course #ashwednesday ✝️!! And it is #nationaltellafairytaleday 📚 "If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales, If you want them to be more intelligent, Read them more fairy tales" ~Albert Einstein. And it is #nationalpistachioday (at Middle Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9BLE8qh5HZ/?igshid=1l84ya6lf8mvd

[jamieroxxartist]

#Erasure – #LayAllYourLoveOnMe (Official Video Remastered HD) #ABBA cover #SnowWhite #NationalTellaFairyTaleDay!

[rladopts]

#nationaltellafairytaleday #fairytale #alberteinsteinquote #adventure #stories #magical #believers #feelgoodstories #imagination #newworld 🌎 #books 📖 #robandlauraadopts 👼 (at Staten Island, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuX_cblBSK9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cj29q2u5adx0

[daagodfatherofsolar]

On #February26, have a happily ever after kind of day. It’s #NationalTellAFairyTaleDay! What were once oral #histories, #myths, and legends retold around the fire or by #traveling storytellers, have been written down and become known the world over as fairy tales. The origins of most fairy tales were unseemly and would not be approved or rated as appropriate for #children by the Association of Fairy Tales by today’s standards. Most were told as a way to make children behave, teach a #lesson or to pass the time much like ghost stories around a #campfire today. Many of the stories have some basis in truth. For example, some believe the story of #SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs is inspired by the real life of Margarete von Waldeck, the daughter of the 16th century Count of Waldeck. The area of Germany where the family lived was known for mining. Some of the tunnels were so tight they had to use children – or small people such as dwarfs – to work the mines. Margarete’s #beauty is well documented, and she had a stepmother who sent her away. She fell in #love with a prince but mysteriously died before she could have her happily ever after. As the stories evolved, they took on a more magical quality with fictional characters such as fairies, giants, mermaids and gnomes, and sometimes gruesome story plots. Toes cut off to fit into a slipper, a wooden boy killing his cricket or instead of kissing that frog prince his head must be cut off, but those are the unrated versions. The brothers Grimm collected and published some of the more well-known tales we are familiar with today. Jakob and his brother Wilhelm together set out on a quest to preserve these tales at a time in history when a tradition of oral storytelling was fading. In 1812, they published their first volume of stories titled Household Tales.  Their stories had a darker quality and were clearly meant for an adult audience.  HANOI - U.S. #PresidentDonaldTrump and #NorthKorean leader Kim Jong Un begin their second summit in less than a year in the #Vietnamese capital.#love  #phototheday #style #hats  ...brought to you by #DaaGodfather aka #DaaGodfatherOfSolar aka your #SolarBrotherNo1 #ClimateChange #LovePeaceSolar (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXtzH8lNUW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a8c1t57bf2q6