National Rat Catcher's Day

Divya Raghav
Dec 22, 2023 By Divya Raghav
Originally Published on Feb 21, 2022
Fact-checked by Niyati Parab
National Rat Catcher's Day is celebrated on July 22 annually.

Where is National Rat Catcher's Day celebrated?

National Rat Catcher's Day is celebrated in the USA.

Who is National Rat Catcher's Day celebrated by?

National Rat Catcher's Day is celebrated by people in the USA.

When did National Rat Catcher's Day first start?

The exact origins of the day are not known.

Who started National Rat Catcher's Day?

The founder of National Rat Catcher's Day is not known. It is a holiday to remember the rat-catchers.

Although it is celebrated on July 22, it can also be celebrated on June 22. The confusion of dates is because the Brothers Grimm cite June 26, 1284, as the date the Pied Piper led the kids out of the village, while the classic poem of Robert Browning cites it July 22, 1376.

History And Timeline

During the anniversary of Rat Catcher's Day, there is an annual tradition commemorating the well-known German folktale of Pied Piper of Hamelin.

During the rat infestation in Hamelin, a small German town, the mayor promised that he would pay a handsome amount to the Pied Piper (rat-catcher) if he would get rid of the rats. The Pied Piper then played the flute, and with his magic of music, all the rats followed him and left the town. 

The Pied Piper played his music and waded out into the River Weser, where he drowned them while being pursued by rats. Although he had done his duty, the mayor refuses to give him the reward. 

So, one day he played his music again, and this time he lured the children with him. In some versions, he kept the children until he was paid, but in others, they were never seen again. The 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' by Robert Browning is a famous poem.

Rodents Infest Hamelin

According to myth, around 1284, Hamelin, Germany, was infested by rats and the mayor promised to offer a handsome amount to the party who would get rid of them. The Pied Piper offered his services.

With his magical music, the Pied Piper (rat-catcher) lured the rats, and he then took them to the Weser River, where he drowned the rats.

But the mayor did not pay him, so the rat catcher lured the village children away. According to one version of the story, the townsfolk never saw their children again.

Around 1284

Robert Browning's Poem

Robert Browning's poem 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin, a Child’s Story' is a classic narrative poem of 303 lines published in 1842.

1842

Rat Traps Introduced

American inventor William C. Hooker patented the first spring-loaded rat trap.

1894

Traditions And Customs

There are no set traditions and customs, however, this day is celebrated to honor the rat-catchers and their work. On this day, people thank the rat-catchers as they are the ones who play a key part in protecting people through pest control.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Rat Catcher's Day

To celebrate the day, it is essential for you to appreciate all the rat-catchers! You can even read the story and poem about the Pied Piper. Use the hashtag #NationalRatCatchersDay and post about it on social media.

Facts And Stats

  • National Rat Catcher's Day commemorates the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
  • July 22 is annually celebrated as National Rat Catcher's Day.
  • On this day, people pay their regards to the rat-catchers and their work.

How do families celebrate Rat Catcher's Day?

People celebrate National Rat Catcher's Day by telling their children about the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and also posting online thanking and appreciating all the rat-catchers.

What are some benefits of celebrating Rat Catcher's Day?

The holiday is instrumental in recognizing the importance of the work of the rat-catcher. 

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, July 21, 2020
  • Wednesday, July 21, 2021
  • Thursday, July 21, 2022
  • Friday, July 21, 2023
  • Sunday, July 21, 2024

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Written by Divya Raghav

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

Divya Raghav picture

Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.

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Fact-checked by Niyati Parab

Bachelor of Commerce

Niyati Parab picture

Niyati ParabBachelor of Commerce

With a background in digital marketing, Niyati brings her expertise to ensure accuracy and authenticity in every piece of content. She has previously written articles for MuseumFacts, a history web magazine, while also handling its digital marketing. In addition to her marketing skills, Niyati is fluent in six languages and has a Commerce degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also been recognized for her public speaking abilities, holding the position of Vice President of Education at the Toastmasters Club of Pune, where she won several awards and represented the club in writing and speech contests at the area level.

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