World Storytelling Day

World Storytelling Day is celebrated on March 20th of this year. The Day is annual commemoration celebrated on March Equinox or the first day of Spring. What do these lines “Once upon a time…” reminds you? Yes, it is none other than the stories. So all of us do love to listen or tell stories. Of course, most of us are grown up by listening to lots of stories. The love for the stories varies from every person as there are lots of genres. Storytelling needs little creativity and skill to express the story in the best way such that to impress the listener. So those who are good at telling stories can go forward as it is World Storytelling Day. Amaze others with the most inspiring story which you have known. Be lively by showing hand eloquence to express quality thoughts of your story. Make the listener eagerly wait for the next moment until you finish the storytelling.

“Storytelling is about two things; it’s about character and plot.” – George Lucas

History of World Storytelling Day

The exact year of World Storytelling Day (WSD) celebration is not known. However, the Day has got its roots from Alla Berättares Dag, or All Narrators Day that was held in Sweden in early 1990’s. The spirit of tradition behind this event has caught globally and thus came the WSD. It is a global celebration that aims at encouraging the art of oral storytelling and is celebrated every year on the March equinox, on/or near March 20 i.e., the first day of Spring. Each celebration of WSD since 2004 has a theme associated with it. On this Day, participants are encouraged to tell and listen to stories from different cultures and in different languages on the same day.

The importance of the event lies in the fact that WSD is the found to be the first global celebration of storytelling of its kind. Participants usually will tell each other about their events to share their stories and inspiration and learn from each other as a way to forging links and create international contacts. So link up with other storytellers from around the globe who are also contributing to this Day as to make it a truly international festival. WSD is the best platform to creates new friends and promotes a positive understanding of different cultures from around the world. WSD celebration has also been considered significant as to draw public and media attention to storytelling as an art form.

Themes of World Storytelling Day

• 2004 – Birds
• 2005 – Bridges
• 2006 – The Moon
• 2007 – The Wanderer
• 2008 – Dreams
• 2009 – Neighbours
• 2010 – Light and Shadow
• 2011 – Water
• 2012 – Trees
• 2013 – Fortune and Fate
• 2014 – Monsters and Dragons
• 2015 – Wishes
• 2016 – Strong Women
• 2017 – Transformation
• 2018 – Wise Fools
• 2019 – Myths, Legends, and Epics

How to Celebrate World Storytelling Day

Celebrating the World Storytelling Day is quite simple. You can participate in the local Storytelling events in your region on this Day. Share your inspiring story with people at the event to share and enjoy. You can even organize a storytelling event and invite people to participate. On the other side, you can get to know stories even from other participants. Award prizes for the best story that depicts the culture and theme. You can share your stories and views about this Day on the social media using the hashtags #WorldStorytellingDay or #WorldStory18.