day · fixed · day 132 of 365

National Limerick Day

Read or write your own five-line limericks to enjoy the humorous, simple formula that has entertained children and adults alike for many generations.

Books & Literature Famous People Hobbies & Activities Poetry Reading & Writing35

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate Edward Lear's legacy by positioning your brand as a champion of playful learning and creative expression through limerick-writing campaigns and educational content.

Relevance 35low intent

Host a limerick-writing contest on social media with prizes for the funniest or most creative entries
Partner with schools to offer free limerick workshops or poetry kits tied to National Limerick Day
Create shareable limerick templates or generators that encourage user-generated content
Feature Edward Lear's 'Book of Nonsense' in curated reading lists or book bundle promotions

History

Each year on this day, National Limerick Day celebrates the birthday of famous English artist, illustrator, and much-loved author and poet, Edward Lear.

This multifaceted artist was born on May 12, 1812 and lived until January 29, 1888. Lear lived a long and vibrant life, making a significant contribution to the art world. National Limerick Day celebrates the incredible works he created during his life, including his many whimsical limericks. Edward Lear is primarily famed for his literary artistry in poetry, prose, and fittingly as the day is named, limericks.

National Limerick Day focuses on celebrating limerick poems, which were popularized by Edward Lear’s famous book of poems named ‘Book of Nonsense’ which was published in 1846, when he was 34-years-old.

How to celebrate

Learn About Limericks

A great way to celebrate this monumental day from English literature is to spend some time learning more about limericks and poetry in general. A fantastic way to mark this incredible day dedicated to Edward Lear and his incredible works, is to sit down and write a few limericks of your own.

Share with Others

You can also opt to share your limerick creations onto social media as part of the celebrations to mark National Limerick Day. Join in the community of limerick lovers on social media and learn more about limericks and poetry in general.

Get the Kids Involved

National Limerick Day is the ideal opportunity to encourage children to become more interested in poetry, as it brings humor and fun to a topic that many children can often find dull and boring and struggle to understand. The style of a limerick can work as a simple introduction to poetry to children and young people, with National Limerick Day helping schools to teach children how to create poetry and to learn to enjoy reading poetry. Many schools celebrate National Limerick Day with workshops and classes focused on poetry and limerick writing, as well as offering students the opportunity to experience performances of limericks by professional poets.

Acquire a Limerick Book

Did you know that many people choose to celebrate National Limerick Day by purchasing a copy of Edward Lear’s famous 1846 opus ‘A Book of Nonsense’ and then spending the day reading, reciting and having fun with all of his incredible limericks? Many people choose to perform these hilarious limericks to friends, family, and even colleagues to mark and celebrate National Limerick Day in style.

Write a Limerick

For anyone who is passionate about the written word and loves to spend time creating their own pieces of unique artistic works, National Limerick Day is an ideal excuse to put pen to paper and create a number of new, humorous pieces of content, perfect for sharing with friends and family. If you need limerick writing inspiration, there are plenty of online resources that can help to make creating limericks somewhat easier and more enjoyable, and are perfect for utilizing as part of your National Limerick Day celebrations this year. There are lots of examples online that you can find to work from, as well as plenty of sites that show you exactly how to draft a limerick that is both funny and wonderfully obscene. This year spend National Limerick Day getting creative, making up your own fun limericks that reflect your life and experiences!

FAQ

Did limericks exist before Edward Lear’s time?

Yes, limericks predate Edward Lear. The earliest recorded limerick is attributed to Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). His Latin prayer follows the limerick’s distinct AABBA rhyme scheme. This suggests that the limerick form has been in use since at least the 13th century.

How did limericks get their name?

The origin of the term “limerick” is debated. One theory links it to an 18th-century Irish soldiers’ song with the chorus “Will you come up to Limerick?” This refrain may have inspired the naming of the poetic form.

Are limericks always humorous?

While limericks are often humorous or whimsical, they can also address serious or nonsensical themes. Their defining feature is the AABBA rhyme scheme and rhythmic pattern, not necessarily their content.

How do different cultures celebrate Limerick Day?

Limerick Day is primarily celebrated in English-speaking countries. Enthusiasts share and compose limericks, host writing competitions, and attend poetry readings. The day honors Edward Lear’s contribution to popularizing this poetic form.

Is there a connection between limericks and the city of Limerick, Ireland?

The connection is unclear. Some suggest the name derives from the Irish city, possibly linked to songs sung in Limerick. However, definitive evidence is lacking.

What is the typical subject matter of traditional limericks?

Traditional limericks often feature humorous, absurd, or even risqué themes. They frequently begin with a person from a specific place and describe an amusing or outlandish situation involving them.

Did Shakespeare ever write limericks?

Yes, Shakespeare included limerick-like verses in his plays. For example, in “Othello,” the character Iago sings a song with a rhythm and rhyme scheme reminiscent of limericks.

Are there any famous limerick competitions?

Yes, limerick competitions have been popular, especially in the 20th century. Magazines and businesses often hosted contests, challenging participants to create witty and humorous limericks.

Can limericks be used for educational purposes?

Absolutely. Limericks can help teach rhyme schemes, rhythm, and creative writing. Their concise structure makes them useful tools for engaging students in poetry and language arts.

Are there any notable variations of the limerick form?

While the AABBA structure is standard, some poets experiment with variations. For instance, Edward Lear’s limericks sometimes deviate from the strict syllable count or rhyme, showcasing creative flexibility within the form.