July 22 National Days

July 22 is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years), with 162 days remaining until the year ends. The day brings together a wide range of observances—from honoring the brain and raising awareness about genetic conditions to spotlighting language quirks, math education, and teamwork. It also includes moments to relax, recognize overlooked professions, and enjoy time-honored sweets and fruits. Each observance on this list has a story behind it, whether rooted in science, folklore, culture, or community action.

Here are the 10 national and international days celebrated on July 22.

National and International Days on July 22

Lion’s Share Day is based on the well-known phrase “the lion’s share,” which refers to taking the largest portion of something—often unfairly. The expression comes from Aesop’s fables, where a lion uses its power to claim the biggest or entire share of a reward. While the day has taken on a more playful tone, it still serves as a reminder of how language and storytelling shape our understanding of fairness, power, and sharing.

National Be a Good Teammate Day was created by Lance Loya, author and founder of The Good Teammate Factory. The day promotes teamwork and encourages people to shift from a “me” mindset to a “we” mindset. It’s a reminder to recognize those who support, collaborate, and uplift others—whether in sports, school, work, or everyday life. The observance also serves to inspire more people to be thoughtful, reliable, and cooperative team members.

National Hammock Day invites everyone to slow down and enjoy the timeless comfort of a hammock. First used by the Mayans for sleeping and resting, hammocks have become global symbols of leisure and relaxation. Celebrated annually on July 22, this day encourages people to take a break from busy routines, step outside, and rest in a hammock—whether it’s in a backyard, on a beach, or under a shady tree.

National Mango Day celebrates the tropical fruit known for its juicy sweetness and vibrant color. Often called the “king of fruits,” the mango is native to South Asia but enjoyed around the world in drinks, desserts, and savory dishes. The day is observed both in India, where it began, and in the United States, where the National Mango Board now promotes it. The holiday highlights the mango’s cultural significance and nutritional benefits.

National Penuche Fudge Day honors a creamy, maple-flavored candy made from brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla. Often mixed with pecans or other nuts, penuche has a lighter color and caramel-like taste compared to traditional chocolate fudge. It’s believed to have Portuguese origins and became popular among whaling communities in New England in the 1700s.

National Rat Catcher’s Day commemorates the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin—a figure said to have lured rats (and later, children) out of the German town using a magical flute. While the story is centuries old and the date varies between sources, July 22 is commonly recognized thanks to Robert Browning’s 19th-century poem. The day now also honors modern-day pest control professionals who handle one of the least glamorous but essential jobs.

Pi Approximation Day recognizes the fraction 22/7 as a simplified stand-in for the mathematical constant pi π. While Pi Day is more widely celebrated on March 14, this July date offers a second chance to explore circles, ratios, and geometry in a fun, approachable way. The day appeals especially to educators and math enthusiasts, and it connects back to Archimedes, who used 22 divided by 7 over 2,000 years ago to estimate pi.

Spoonerism Day marks the birthday of Reverend William Archibald Spooner, an Oxford lecturer known for accidentally switching initial sounds in words. His amusing slips—like saying “our queer old dean” instead of “our dear old queen”—became famous and inspired the term “spoonerism.” Celebrated on July 22, the day is a lighthearted tribute to language mix-ups and how humor can emerge from verbal errors.

World Brain Day was founded in 2014 by the World Federation of Neurology to promote global awareness of brain health. Observed on July 22 each year, the day encourages education about neurological disorders, early prevention, and better access to care. It also supports advocacy for ongoing research into brain-related conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Each year often brings a specific theme to guide public campaigns and health messages.

World Fragile X Awareness Day brings attention to Fragile X syndrome—the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and a major genetic contributor to autism. Launched in 2021 by FRAXA, the day highlights advances in research, supports affected families, and encourages efforts to find better treatments. Landmarks around the world are lit up in celebration and solidarity. July 22 was chosen to raise visibility and bring communities together around this important cause.

National Days in July

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