September 22 National Days

September 22 is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years), with 100 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 22nd — September 22 National Days

The Autumnal Equinox occurs on this date in 2025, marking the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Day and night are nearly equal in length, symbolizing balance in nature and in human life. Across cultures, this celestial event has inspired harvest festivals, spiritual observances like Mabon, and reflections on gratitude, change, and renewal.

Beyond the equinox, today’s celebrations spotlight ice cream cones, elephants, rhinos, white chocolate, and brown butter, while also honoring business women, centenarians, and hobbits. The date draws attention to fall prevention, addiction recovery, car-free living, and radiant peace, alongside lighter themes like beach towels, legwear, and girls’ nights in.

Here’s a look at the 19 national and international days celebrated on September 22.

National and International Days on September 22

American Business Women’s Day originated from the establishment of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) on September 22, 1949. The holiday was first observed in 1982 to recognize the achievements of women in business and leadership. It gained official recognition through a Congressional resolution and presidential proclamations by Ronald Reagan in 1983 and 1986. The day honors women’s contributions to the workforce, entrepreneurship, and professional organizations that advance gender equality in business.

Chainmail Day celebrates the ancient art of creating chainmail—armor made from interlinked metal rings. Dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE among the Celts and Etruscans, chainmail became a staple of medieval warfare before evolving into a modern craft. Today, artisans and hobbyists produce chainmail for fashion, jewelry, reenactments, and protective gear such as butcher’s gloves.

Dear Diary Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays to celebrate the practice of journaling. Diaries have served as personal records for centuries, from the reflections of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius to modern memoirs. The observance encourages people to put pen to paper and explore their thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Keeping a diary can reduce stress, build self-awareness, and preserve meaningful memories, making the habit as relevant today as it has been throughout history.

Falls Prevention Awareness Day raises awareness of the risks and prevention of falls, particularly among older adults. First marked at the state level in 2007 by four state coalitions, the day later gained national traction through organizations such as the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults, but many are preventable through exercise, medication management, home safety improvements, and community education. This observance spreads life-saving knowledge and resources to keep aging populations safer and healthier.

Hobbit Day is tied to the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, beloved characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The American Tolkien Society formally declared September 22 “Hobbit Day” in 1978 as part of Tolkien Week. Fans celebrate by reading Tolkien’s works, hosting hobbit-themed meals, and dressing in costume. The day captures the joy, friendship, and storytelling legacy of Middle-earth, keeping Tolkien’s imaginative world alive for new generations of readers.

National Days for Book Lovers

International Day of Radiant Peace was founded by the Radiant Peace Foundation International, established in 1986 to promote peace through education and community action. The day was first proclaimed in 1999 by David J. Fischer, then mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida. “Radiant Peace” is defined as a natural, benevolent energy and the freedom to be oneself without fear. The observance encourages people to reflect on inner peace and share peaceful actions that strengthen harmony in families, schools, and communities.

National Brown Butter Day was created in 2024 by Mallory Oniki to honor the culinary technique of making beurre noisette. By gently cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, chefs achieve a nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. With origins in French cuisine, brown butter has become a beloved ingredient worldwide.

National Centenarian’s Day was established by the Williamsport Nursing Home in Maryland to celebrate individuals who live to be 100 years or older. Centenarians embody resilience and provide living links to history through their memories and life experiences. The observance encourages younger generations to listen to their stories and honor the wisdom they offer. As life expectancy rises, the day also highlights the importance of supporting older adults with dignity and respect.

National Elephant Appreciation Day was founded in 1996 by Wayne Hepburn of Mission Media after his daughter gave him an elephant-themed paperweight, sparking a lifelong fascination. Hepburn used his company to launch the holiday to celebrate the majesty of elephants and raise awareness of their plight. Elephants face grave threats from poaching and habitat loss. The observance promotes conservation efforts and inspires people to support organizations working to protect these highly intelligent and social animals.

🐘 A similar observance, World Elephant Day, is celebrated on August 12th.

National Family Day* (Fourth Monday in September) was created in 2001 by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Use, founded by Joseph A. Califano. Research showed that teenagers who regularly ate dinner with their families were less likely to engage in substance abuse. To encourage stronger family bonds, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation officially designating the fourth Monday of September as Family Day. The observance promotes the power of shared meals and family connections as a protective factor for youth.

National Family and Relationship Days 2025

National Flaunt Your Favorite Beach Towel Day was founded in 2022 by FlightsInStilettos, LLC, a company promoting stylish travel accessories. The holiday encourages people to express their personal style through beach towels, transforming them from practical items into fashion statements.

👽 This day distinct from Towel Day, celebrated on May 25 in memory of author Douglas Adams, which has a literary focus.

National Girls’ Night In Day—also called National Girls’ Night—was founded in 2018 by Ketel One Botanical to celebrate friendship and relaxation. The day encourages women to step back from hectic schedules and enjoy time together with friends, prioritizing self-care, laughter, and connection. The observance reflects growing awareness of the importance of mental health, social bonds, and intentional rest in maintaining balance in modern life.

National Ice Cream Cone Day commemorates the invention and popularization of the cone, most famously linked to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. When an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes, Syrian waffle seller Ernest Hamwi rolled his product into cones to hold the ice cream. While earlier patents for edible containers existed, the World’s Fair launched the cone into mass popularity. The day celebrates this simple but brilliant innovation that revolutionized the way ice cream is enjoyed.

National Ice Cream Days

National Legwear Day was founded in 2017 by HanesBrands to highlight the role of legwear in both fashion and function. Covering socks, tights, leggings, and stockings, legwear has evolved for centuries, serving purposes of protection, warmth, and style. The observance encourages self-expression through legwear, recognizing its cultural significance as well as its practical everyday use.

National Online Recovery Day was founded in 2020 by Lionrock, an online substance abuse treatment provider, to promote the accessibility and effectiveness of digital recovery services. Co-founder Peter Loeb emphasized the importance of online programs for people unable to attend in-person treatment due to work, family responsibilities, or privacy concerns. The observance highlights the role of telehealth, virtual meetings, and online communities in reducing stigma and connecting people to support. It complements National Recovery Month by showcasing how technology expands pathways to healing.

National States and Capitals Day encourages people to learn or revisit knowledge about the 50 U.S. states and their capitals. While its exact origin is unclear, the observance promotes geographic literacy and civic awareness. Each state capital serves as a hub of governance, culture, and history. The day provides an opportunity for students, educators, and lifelong learners to test their memory and explore the stories behind each state’s identity.

National White Chocolate Day celebrates the innovation of white chocolate, first introduced in 1930 when Nestlé launched its Galak bar (later rebranded as Milkybar). Unlike traditional chocolate, white chocolate contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids, giving it a creamy texture and sweet, vanilla-forward flavor.

National Chocolate Days, Weeks & Months 2025: A Chocoholic’s Dream Calendar

World Car-Free Day encourages people to leave their cars behind and embrace sustainable transportation. The concept grew from European initiatives in the 1990s, with the European Commission helping to formalize the day in 2000. Observed annually on September 22, it highlights the benefits of walking, cycling, and public transit while raising awareness of pollution, traffic congestion, and urban planning. Cities worldwide mark the day with events that reimagine streets as spaces for people rather than vehicles.

World Rhino Day was initiated in 2010 by WWF-South Africa to spotlight the poaching crisis and the illegal trade in rhino horn. In 2011, conservationists Lisa Jane Campbell and Rhishja Cota helped expand the observance into a global movement. Today, World Rhino Day unites NGOs, zoos, and communities to raise awareness, fund conservation, and celebrate these endangered animals. The observance underscores the urgent need to protect rhinos, whose survival is critical to biodiversity and ecosystems.