International Juggler’s Day is observed on April 18 every year. The day honors the art of juggling and its many accomplished practitioners. If you’re looking for a way to have fun with various things, you might consider learning how to juggle them. Toss juggling is the most well-known kind of juggling. Juggling may be done with one or more hands, and one can do it with one or several items at a time. Many jugglers refer to the things they juggle as ‘props.’ Props like balls, clubs, and rings are quite prevalent. Knives, flaming torches, and chainsaws are some of the most dramatic props used by jugglers.
History of International Jugglers Day
The first known representation of juggling was discovered in the Beni-Hassan tombs of the ancient Egyptian civilization’s Middle Dynasty. Inside one of the crypt’s murals, depictions of lady jugglers were found amid acrobats and dancers. The artwork was created around 2000 B.C. After the Beni-Hassan tombs, there is a 1500-year hiatus until evidence of juggling returns in Greek art.Juggling gradually regained legitimacy when the Middle Ages ended. Pierre Gringoire (1475-1538) was renowned as the “King of Jugglers,” a title that did not seem to be disparaging. In 1528, the Emperor of Hindustan reported a troupe of jugglers performing with wooden rings in his chronicle. In the same year, Christoph Weiditz depicted jugglers among the Aztecs of Mexico. The brothers Mooty and Medua Samme initially debuted in Europe about 1820. These two Indian performers used Chinese devil sticks and oriental ball manipulation. They were so popular that “Far East” acts quickly became the rage.There was a lot of misunderstanding between American and Asian Indians. Many Europeans contributed to the confusion by claiming to be from China, Japan, or India. Carl Rappo, a German performer who described himself as an Indian and did exotic maneuvers and feats of strength with iron balls, was one such artist. The Burmese Moung-Toon, who worked only with his feet and got “excellent praise across Europe,” was one of the real Asian entertainers. In 1870, the first authentic Japanese troupe arrived in the West, led by juggler Awata Katsnoshin, who practiced traditional Japanese ball and stick play, from which contemporary ball manipulation originated. The International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) founded International Jugglers Day in the mid-1980s.
International Jugglers Day timeline
The first known representation of juggling is discovered in the Ancient Egyptian tombs of Beni-Hassan.
The Emperor of Hindustan writes about a troupe of jugglers performing with wooden rings in his chronicle.
Two East Indian brothers, Mooty and Medua, — who use Chinese devil sticks and oriental ball manipulation in juggling — debut in Europe.
The first authentic Japanese troupe arrives in the West, led by juggler Awata Katsnoshin.
The International Jugglers' Association (IJA) initiates International Jugglers Day in the mid-1980s.
International Jugglers Day FAQs
How long does it take to master juggling?
If you devote enough time to practicing the skill every day, you should be able to learn how to juggle the ball in less than a month.
How many balls can be juggled?
The finest jugglers in the world can toss and catch 14 balls simultaneously.
Can anyone learn to juggle?
Most individuals can start learning three-ball juggling in a few days. Three balls are often the entry point into proper juggling, roughly described as the ability to move more items than one’s hands can handle.
International Jugglers Day Activities
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Learn how to juggle
You can celebrate this day by giving the art of juggling a try. Take some lessons and practice!
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Attend a circus
It’s always exciting to see juggling in real life. On this day, make plans to attend a circus show.
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Share on social media
You can also celebrate this day by sharing posts on the event on social media. Use the hashtag #InternationalJugglersDay.
5 Facts About Juggling
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Stalin’s double started as a juggler
Felix Dadaev, better known as Stalin, attended circus and ballet school as a youth.
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A patron saint of jugglers exists
Jugglers have prayed to St Julian the Hospitaller for help and success since the twelfth century.
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Slave Roman jugglers in China
The ancient Chinese emperor appears to have loved the entertainment in Rome and had jugglers brought to serve him regularly.
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Juggling used for intimidation
Juggling was used by ancient Chinese soldiers to scare their opponents before combat.
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Cook was the first to juggle clubs
DeWitt Cook was the very first juggler to use clubs instead of sticks or knives, using very heavy wooden objects called Indian Clubs.
Why We Love International Jugglers Day
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Juggling improves hand-eye coordination
Juggling builds hand-eye coordination. Practice can improve reaction time, reflexes, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and concentration.
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Juggling is egalitarian
It makes no distinctions based on age, gender, or athletic skill. A 10-year-old is just as likely as anybody else to be a terrific juggler, which is not true in other sports.
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Juggling stimulates brain growth
According to research, learning to juggle speeds up the development of neurological connections associated with memory, attention, movement, and vision. The positive improvements persist even after weeks of not practicing.
International Jugglers Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 18 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 18 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 18 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 18 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 18 | Sunday |
