Goose Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
Goose Day is celebrated every year on September 29.

Where is Goose Day celebrated?

Goose Day is celebrated in Pennsylvania, USA.

Who is Goose Day celebrated by?

 This day has been celebrated by the people of Pennsylvania living in Mifflin and Juniata counties since 1973 and 1976, respectively.

When did Goose Day first start?

In 1786, in Juniata River Valley, Pennsylvania, Goose Day started.

Who started Goose Day?

A person named Archibald Hunter started this day in 1786.

History And Timeline

In 1786, Andrew Pontius, a Dutchman from Bucks County, Philadelphia, decided to settle with his family in Snyder county, Pennsylvania. There he couldn't get a tenant farmer to manage his farm.

Later, Andrew Pontius moved off to Lancaster county. He decided to spend a night at Harrisburg, where he met a young English person named Archibald Hunter, who had been a refugee since the Revolutionary War.

After a long conversation, Pontius liked Archibald Hunter and hired him. They agreed to sign a mutual agreement every year on September 29, for the accounts to be settled for the whole year.

On September 29, 1786, Hunter showed up to his owner with the accounts along with a duck. He also explained to Pontius that bringing a goose would bring good luck; the tradition carried on Michaelmas Day in England.

Origin Of Michaelmas Day

Saint Michaelmas Day was first started by Pope Felix III to celebrate the guardian Michael and eventually, that day became a day to elect jurists in England.

480 CE

Goose Considered As Good Luck

Queen Elizabeth I had goose for her dinner, and that's when she came to know about the Spanish Armada defeat. Later she announced that everyone should eat this lucky bird on September 29 every year.

1588

County Declarations

In 1970, both Juniata and Mifflin commissioners issued ordinances by originating Goose Day as a recognized county holiday.

1970

Special Postcard Designed

Jessica Miller, a local artist, designed a unique postcard that depicts goose drawings as a souvenir to make that year's event more memorable.

September 29, 2021

Museum Day Organized

On September 18, the Juniata River Valley visitor's agency organized a museum tour in Lewistown for the public to enjoy this holiday by recognizing the history it holds.

September 18, 2021

Traditions And Customs

The traditions that can be followed are to host a dinner for the most valued people in your life and eat goose on this day. You can even spend some money and gift a goose to needy people which in turn, will fill their hearts and might work as a piece of good luck for them.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Goose Day

You can observe this day by making a goose with fruits and vegetables, which would be a fun activity for children. You can even visit your local zoo or any museum to learn interesting facts about different types of geese.

If you live near Mifflin or Juniata county, you can check their website as there will be countless events happening on that day.

Organize some fun events at home or have young children sing any duck rhymes or read good stories to them.

Spend time with your family in any of your favorite restaurants where goose dinners are served.

Facts And Stats

  • Virginia Zoo celebrated Goose Day on September 29, 2021.
  • In 1979, the late Jim Canfield composed historical information about Goose Day for Sentinel's Goose Day supplement.
  • The Mifflin county community innovated an art project comprising fiberglass geese as a Goose Day tradition.

Is there a National Goose Day?

It is just a Goose Day celebrated in Mifflin or Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

What are some events related to Goose Day?

Some of the events related to Goose Day are goose dinners, Goose Day Magnet on Lewistown streets, color your hair with feathers at Amy B's hair salon, Lewistown, Goose Day Pumpkin Festival, Goose Day Road Rally, and Goose Day Happy Hour is hosted by Brooke mere Winery.

What are some important facts about Goose Day?

Juniata county and Mifflin county started celebrating Goose Day in 1976 and 1973. Goose Day Road Rally was conducted on September 26, 2021.

What are some reasons for celebrating Goose Day?

The reason for celebrating Goose Day is that people in Mifflin county still believe that eating roast goose brings good luck.

Who discovered Goose Day?

Goose Day was introduced by Archibald Hunter in 1786.

Is it ethical to celebrate this day?

Yes, it is ethical to celebrate this day, especially in Mifflin or Juniata County.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, September 29, 2020
  • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
  • Thursday, September 29, 2022
  • Friday, September 29, 2023
  • Sunday, September 29, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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