Mud slides, mud pies, and mud baths, what do all these three things have in common? Yes, they all involve mud but they can also be ways to celebrate International Mud Day on June 29th.This holiday which began in 2008 is observed around the world as a way of connecting and celebrating all things mud. At Workman’s Friend we love any activity that involves getting dirty. That’s because an application of our hand cream prior means the post mud clean-up is easier and less painful. Read on to learn how you and your family can observe International Mud Day.
What is it?
This holiday was born out of a discussion by Australian pedagogist (children’s educator) of Gillian McAuliffe had with a group of 7 and 8 year olds at her school. She had just come back from a conference where she’d had a discussion with a colleague from Nepal. There were exploring the challenges children face when they want to enjoy the simple and fun activity of playing with mud. They discovered factors such as geography that is not conducive to making mud (dry and sandy), lack of clothes that can be disposed of after getting dirty, and a cultural preference for cleanliness prevent kids from playing with mud. McAuliffe and her class decided to create a fundraiser to pay for new clothing for a group of Nepalese children in a local orphanage. The new clothing would allow these kids the chance to literally get dirty and to play in the mud for the day. The idea was so popular that International Mud Day was created on June 29th.
How to celebrate?
Now if you’re not in Australia or Nepal you can still celebrate. All you have to do is log on to Facebook and search for “International Mud Day” when the results appear narrow your search by events and location.
Remember before you attend any type of this celebration to apply a layer of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream to your hands and forearms. Then you can get dirty. Our cream will ensure the clean-up is easy.
What do you need to celebrate?
Dirt, that’s the most important ingredient of all and lots of it. Topsoil can be found at a big-box garden center. It can also be found through online neighborhood websites where items are bought, sold and given away.
You need a dedicated space to place that topsoil.
To turn that dirt into mud you’ll need lots of water. A garden hose is the quickest and most convenient way to do this.
Don’t forget disposable clothes or bathing suits that you can throw out if they become too dirty to clean.
A supply of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream that you’ll need to apply before you get dirty. A quick rinse or wipe down with a cloth is all it will take for you to clean up once the mud party is over.
Lastly, don’t forget the shovels, buckets, pans and spoons that will allow you to be creative with the mud. Any kind of instrument that will help you get dirty is welcome.
Mud=Fun
In all likelihood, the dirtier you get during your celebration the more fun you will have. International Mud Day might have begun as an activity for children but it is truly designed for every child young and old. On June 29th bring your patience and imagination to your event and, above all else, being an open mind. Things are about to get dirty!