September 5 National Days

September 5 is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years), with 117 days remaining until the end of the year.

The date balances culture, charity, humor, health, and relaxation. It honors timeless favorites like cheese pizza, Chianti, and samosas, while spotlighting important causes from food banks to spinal cord injury awareness. It also offers lighter reminders to laugh, relax, and appreciate quirks like being late or indulging in an extra glass of wine.

Here’s a look at the 13 national and international days celebrated on September 5.

National and International Days on September 5

Bring Your Manners to Work Day* (First Friday in September) was created in 2013 by the Protocol School of Washington to highlight the importance of courtesy and etiquette in the workplace. The observance serves as a reminder that good manners—whether holding a door, listening attentively, or acknowledging a colleague’s contribution—create healthier, more productive professional environments.

International Day of Charity was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Mother Teresa, who passed away on September 5, 1997. The day promotes charitable action and volunteerism as essential tools for fighting poverty and distress. It calls on individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to take part in charitable activities and strengthen a global culture of compassion.

National 401(k) Day* (First Friday after Labor Day) began in 1996 through the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America, now the Plan Sponsor Council of America. The observance promotes financial literacy and retirement planning, encouraging employees to review their retirement accounts and employers to provide guidance on savings. The date was chosen to tie into Labor Day, reminding people to link their work today with security for the future.

National Actdumb Day, founded in 2020 by the apparel brand Actdumb, promotes kindness through the idea of “acting dumb” in the sense of doing something simple, lighthearted, or unexpected to make someone else smile. The day reclaims the phrase as a positive message, encouraging compassion and acceptance while addressing the stigma historically attached to mental disability.

National Be Late for Something Day was launched in 1956 by the Procrastinators’ Club of America as a playful rejection of over-scheduling and constant rush. It invites people to pause, slow down, and enjoy the present moment—even if it means arriving late. The observance humorously reframes tardiness as a chance to appreciate life at a more relaxed pace.

National Cellulite Day, established in 2019, encourages acceptance and body positivity by normalizing cellulite, a natural condition affecting most women. The observance challenges beauty industry stigma and promotes the message that cellulite is not a flaw but a normal feature of human bodies. It also raises awareness about misleading “miracle treatments” and focuses instead on self-love and authenticity.

National Cheese Pizza Day celebrates one of the most popular forms of pizza, enjoyed for its simplicity and versatility. Pizza came to the United States with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming especially popular in cities like New York and Chicago. A recorded “Cheese Pizza Day” event took place in 1965 in Ironwood, Michigan, though the modern observance spread much later as pizza grew into a cultural staple.

National Chianti Day* (First Friday in September) was founded in 2020 by Santa Margherita USA to highlight the Tuscan wine made primarily from the Sangiovese grape. Recognized by the black rooster emblem on Chianti Classico bottles, Chianti is known for its bright acidity and flavors of red fruit and herbs, making it a classic companion to Italian cuisine. The observance encourages people to explore the history, terroir, and craftsmanship behind one of Italy’s best-known wines.

National Food Bank Day* (First Friday in September) was launched in 2017 by St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona, to mark its 50th anniversary as the world’s first food bank. Founded in 1967 by John van Hengel, the food bank model spread worldwide, evolving into Feeding America in the United States. The observance recognizes the vital role food banks play in alleviating hunger and invites communities to support them through donations and volunteering.

National Lazy Mom’s Day* (First Friday in September) is a lighthearted counterpart to Mother’s Day. It gives mothers permission to rest while others take over their responsibilities for the day. By encouraging partners and children to cook, clean, and manage tasks, it underscores the value of rest and self-care for hardworking moms.

National Shrink Day, observed on Bob Newhart’s birthday, September 5, honors both mental health professionals and the actor who played a psychiatrist on The Bob Newhart Show. It recognizes the vital role of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in supporting mental well-being while celebrating how pop culture has helped normalize conversations about mental health.

Spinal Cord Injury Day was declared on September 5 by the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) to highlight not only the physical challenges of spinal cord injuries but also the social, psychological, and professional barriers individuals face. Linked with awareness efforts like the Wings for Life World Run, the day promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for those living with spinal cord injuries.

🗒️ Related observance, Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (UK 🇬🇧), held annually in May, raises awareness about the challenges of living with spinal cord injuries and promotes inclusion, resilience, and support.

World Samosa Day celebrates the triangular pastry with deep historical roots, tracing back to Middle Eastern sambusak brought to India by traders in the 13th or 14th century. Over time, the samosa became a South Asian staple, with countless regional variations in fillings and spices. The day honors both the global journey of this dish and its role as a beloved comfort food.