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When is Sadie Hawkins Day? | Almanac.com

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When is Sadie Hawkins Day?

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Sadie Hawkins Day History and Facts

The Editors
October 6, 2021
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Ever heard of Sadie Hawkins Day? Find out more about this quirky holiday—and how it all got started.

What Is Sadie Hawkins Day?

On November 15, 1937, cartoonist Al Capp, creator of the Li’l Abner comic strip, introduced the idea of a day in fictitious Dogpatch, USA, when all unmarried ladies, including the character Sadie Hawkins, could pursue their men. If the men were caught, marriage was unavoidable.

The idea took off in real life in November 1938, when the first recorded “girls-ask-boys” Sadie Hawkins Day dance was held. In 1939, Life magazine reported that more than 200 colleges had held Sadie Hawkins Day events. Although it had not been his intention, after the Sadie Hawkins Day debut and subsequent popularity with his readers, Capp included the event in his comic strip every November.

When Is Sadie Hawkins Day?

The date of Sadie Hawkins Day events can vary. The Almanac uses the first Saturday in November. (A Saturday is a great day to have a fun dance, after all!) 

Some celebrate on November 15 because that is the anniversary of the original comic strip. However, some places in the United States may celebrate it on November 13.

Leap Day

A similar tradition is associated with February 29 in leap years. Long ago, Leap Day also was known as “Ladies’ Day” or “Ladies’ Privilege,” the only period of time when women were free to propose to men. It is thought that this event may have been based on a Scottish law in the 1200s or on an Irish legend, but no one knows for certain.

What Do You Think?

Do you think Sadie Hawkins Day still feels relevant today? Whatever your opinion, it’s a fun look at times’ past and an interesting idea for young girls and boys today!

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Comments

Karma Lewis (not verified)

1 year 10 months ago

The Sadie Hawkins dance at school meant nothing to me until I met my 1st "everything"! We shaved 1 class ... choir class ...and went to a choral festival where I finally met him. Later, when the Sadie was about to happen, I got up the nerve to ask him to the dance. We dressed as hillbillies, and when the photographer took our picture, he said "Lil Abner! Daisy Mae! It's you!" That handsome boy and I dated the rest of that school year until his dad suddenly moved his family to another state. It was my senior year. Fast forward to Christmas 2010, after 21 years and a divorce each,my HS sweetheart found me through social media. In 2011, he moved to my homestate to be with me. In 2013, I asked him to marry me and we were married exactly 1 year later! Thank you, Al Capp, for creating the Sadie Hawkins Day dance which led me to the love of my life! And, thank you, OFA, for sharing the history of this wonderful event! I hope that schools around the country will continue to keep this alive for all of the painfully shy people like me so that they, too, might possibly meet the loves of their lives.

Harry (not verified)

1 year 11 months ago

As a clueless male in Wisconsin in the 60's I knew what it was about. I had hopes of the class beauty asking me to the dance, but that did not happen. When I did get asked, I was completely disappointed but at least I got asked! Eventually I found the love of my life, although I was undeserving and it had nothing to do with the Sadie Hawkins Day dance. God does indeed work in mysterious ways; I am living proof...

Jennifer (not verified)

2 years 7 months ago

I wish Sadie Hawkins Day was a more well-known. Even at this day in age, guys don't like it when a girl asks them out - I know from experience. At least Sadie Hawkins Day/Dance would be a decent excuse.

Scarlett (not verified)

2 years 7 months ago

I remember when I was a kid & reading "Lil' Abner" in the funny pages of the newspaper. My sister had a plaque that celebrated Sadie Hawkins. It's a funny how it started in 1937 with a comic in a newspaper. I know it's leap year & it's tomorrow!! YOLO!!

Marj (not verified)

3 years 11 months ago

When my mother left home as a young lady she was given her first nickname. Her first name was very difficult to spell or say so she quickly was given the nickname Sadie as her last name was Hawkins. She was universally known as Sadie until she married Dad.
And my school had Sadie Hawkins week, but no dance which made it a nonevent except for the couples “going steady”, in the 60’s.