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When and What is Sadie Hawkins Day?

couple dancing, women in white dress and hat, man in black suit and tie. vintage sadie hawkins day dance
Image Credit:
Everett Collection/Shutterstock
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Sadie Hawkins Day is a unique holiday celebrated in some parts of the United States. It is named after a fictional character named Sadie Hawkins, whom cartoonist Al Capp created in his famous comic strip “Li’l Abner.” The holiday is observed on the first Saturday in November.

What Is Sadie Hawkins Day?

The origins of Sadie Hawkins Day can be traced back to the comic strip storyline published in 1937, Li’l Abner. In the story, Sadie Hawkins is a young woman who lives in the fictional town of Dogpatch. She was portrayed as very shy and introverted, making it difficult for her to find a romantic partner.

In an effort to help Sadie find a husband, her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, organized a foot race. The race was open to all the eligible bachelors in town, and Sadie would chase after them. The twist was that if Sadie caught a bachelor, he would be obligated to marry her.

lil abner comic book sadie hawkins day
Li’l Abner comic book, The Sadie Hawkins edition

The concept of Sadie Hawkins Day quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon. It was seen as a way to empower women and challenge traditional gender roles. 

In November 1938, the first “girls-ask-boys” Sadie Hawkins Day dance happened and became popular. In 1939, Life magazine reported that more than 200 colleges had held Sadie Hawkins Day events. The holiday was embraced by many communities, and schools and colleges started organizing Sadie Hawkins dances and events.

Over time, Sadie Hawkins Day has evolved into a day where women take the initiative to ask men out on dates or propose marriage. It is often seen as a reversal of traditional gender roles in which women are typically expected to wait for men to make the first move.

In some communities, Sadie Hawkins Day is celebrated with elaborate events and activities. These can include costume contests, parades, and even beauty pageants. The foot race featured in the original comic strip storyline is sometimes reenacted, with women chasing after men.

While Sadie Hawkins Day is not widely observed across the United States, it continues to be celebrated in specific regions and communities. It is seen as a fun and lighthearted holiday, encouraging women to take charge and break societal norms.

Sadie Hawkins Day is a quirky holiday originating from a comic strip storyline. It has since become a day where women are encouraged to take the lead in romantic pursuits. The holiday celebrates empowerment and challenges traditional gender roles, making it a unique and interesting observance.

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, too.

Leap Day

A similar tradition is associated with February 29 in leap years. Long ago, Leap Day was also 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 sure.

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 exciting idea for teenage girls and boys today!

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Jean Oconnor</span> Fri, 11/02/2018 - 17:41
We had a Sadie Hawkins dance every year when I was in high school. In fact, photos from that dance are a highlight of every yearbook.
<span>Nicholas Gomes</span> Fri, 11/02/2018 - 13:14
Happynes way life for boys and girls in today hawkins day very interesting
<span>Kosta</span> Sun, 11/05/2017 - 11:40
Raised in New England we celebrated this day with much fanfair and an interesting and long now forgotten teaching and opportunity to show core values and character cherished by the tradition. We held true to opening many doors that were closed in earlier years. It was amazing to find that overlooked person that may have had a crush on you and you were totally unaware due to social and religious pressures. Yes that was over 5 decades ago, but regardless we never married all of them, lol, but we sure built friendships that lasted. Men were very honored at these surprises where a lady would have the courage to ask a gentleman to dance. I know I was. What better way to open the door of ones true inner feelings? Today? I am not too hyped on all the political correctness we stuff down people’s throats. My take.... we all bleed red. Guess I am just old school. I still advocate Sadie Hawkins Day. :-)
<span>Mel Burnett</span> Thu, 11/02/2017 - 14:03
I was like the one part that thought is was about it being on Feb. 29 th. A Leap year. It only happened once every 4 years. That's what we were taught in Elementary School, by a teacher of English, Greek Mythology and other folk lore during a leap year. If a girl asked a guy to be her boyfriend, or at a dance to dance with her, then you HAD TO. But after you were 18 and on Feb. 29th. that if a girl asked you to marry her, you had to. That's why on Leap years day (Feb. 29) I would avoid all the gals I didn't like and would always be available to the ones I did. haha
<span>Jen</span> Thu, 11/02/2017 - 09:21
I would enjoy reading about the Scottish law and Irish legend. Please, post those. Would be awesome.
<span>Gaylene</span> Fri, 02/26/2016 - 23:38
When I was a teenager, we celebrated Sadie Hawkins Day. The girls would spend weeks decorating a corsage for the boys to wear, usually a stuffed toy with ribbons and trinkets hanging from it. The girls would take the boys out and pay their way all evening. It would be like a date only the boys would have to wear the corsages all evening. This took place in Winnipeg during the 70s. It was great fun.
<span>Lucia</span> Thu, 01/12/2017 - 22:38
when i was at summer camp LONG ago, i was about 8 years old and "in love" with my older brother's counselor, Bill. on sadie hawkins day i chased him all over camp until i caught him. LOL. i don't know what happened after the older girls at camp caught their men. Bill was nice enough to let me catch him (he was not a young man!). i don't remember what happened after that, but i never forgot it. that's the only sadie hawkins day event i ever took part in, but i know i had fun! :]
<span>Kelly</span> Tue, 02/23/2016 - 17:21
This article brought back fun memories of when I was in high school in the 70's. We had a Sadie Hawkins dance every November - and yes - girls would ask a boy to attend with them. And unlike Homecoming or Prom dances where the attire was formal, Sadie Hawkins dances were informal (i.e. Jeans, Flannels, the gym decorated with hay bales and picnic tables, etc.). But alas, the boys were not then betrothed to us lol! What a fun trip down memory lane thanks to this article! I hope schools still do this nowadays :)