Last Updated on May 25, 2023
Donuts are a type of pastry that many people enjoy for their flavorful and unique taste. Every year on June 2nd, National Donut Day is celebrated. In this article, let’s learn more about National Donut Day and why we celebrate it. We will also share the various ways to celebrate National Donut Day and some fun facts about donuts.
The history behind National Donut Day
National Donut Day’s fascinating history dates back to the early 20th century. The holiday was first established in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the brave women who served donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. These women, known as “Donut Lassies,” provided the soldiers with a comforting taste of home in the form of fresh, hot donuts.
The start of National Donut Day is deeply intertwined with the history of the Salvation Army, which has a long-standing tradition of providing aid and assistance to those in need. During World War I, the organization sent volunteers to the front lines to provide moral support and practical assistance to the soldiers, including providing them with food and other basic necessities.
The idea of serving donuts to soldiers quickly caught on, and soon the “Donut Lassies” was a fixture on the front lines, providing a sweet and comforting treat to soldiers in the midst of a war-torn and tumultuous environment. In 1938, the Salvation Army created National Donut Day to honor these brave women’s contributions and raise awareness of the organization’s ongoing work to help those in need.
Related: National Eat what you want day
Origin of the Donut
Despite the presence of evidence, there are many contradictions about the donut’s origin. The earliest claim for the origin of the donut is it was a Dutch dessert brought by Dutch settlers to the U.S. when they migrated there. The earliest mention of the word ‘doughnut’ was in an 1803 volume in the appendix of American recipes, according to anthropologist Paul R. Mullins. The word also appeared in a Boston Times newspaper article titled ‘fire cakes and doughnuts,’ which was published in 1808. Doughnuts were also referenced in Washington Irving’s History of New York, which was published in 1809. Print ads for doughnuts have existed in the United States of America since 1896. The first known printed use of the word ‘donut’ was in George W. Peck’s 1900 novel: ‘Peck’s Bad Boy and his Pa.’
How to celebrate National Donut Day?
National Donut Day is celebrated very grandly in the United States:
- Donut shops give out free donuts to passersby and customers on National Donut Day.
- Try to bake a donut at home with the family if you are up for some adventure!
- Share some delicious donuts with family and friends.
- Click a selfie and use the hashtag: #nationaldonutday
- Try out different varieties of donuts!
Why celebrate National Donut Day?
National Donut Day is more than just a holiday celebrating food. It is a day that celebrates America’s victory in World Wars I and II. It honors the people who served during the war, even the ones back home! So it’s not a day to be celebrated only by soldiers but also by civilians. We may know the different kinds of donuts, and it’s time we also learned their true history! If you see a donut, by all means, eat it.
When is National Donut Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 2 | Friday |
| 2024 | June 7 | Friday |
| 2025 | June 6 | Friday |
