National Maize Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 15, 2022
Fact-checked by Dimple Malhotra
National Maize Day promotes Americans in understanding the history of Maize.

Where is National Maize Day celebrated?

 The United States of America celebrates National Maize day significantly, whereas it has now spread to the rest of the world.

Who is National Maize Day celebrated by?

It is celebrated to honor Maize's importance in our everyday diet and nourishment.

When did National Maize Day first start?

 On November 26, 2004, the first National Maize Day was celebrated.

Who started National Maize Day?

 Corinne Lightweaver, an artist and writer, was the first to start this tradition.

History And Timeline

Corinne Lightweaver started this day as a research project in which she intended to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday season by spotlighting the treasures of native tribes. Check out some of the specific events in its history.

First-ever Crop

Maize was first cultivated by Native Americans.

7000 BC

American Staple Food

Maize has now expanded over the rest of America as a staple meal.

2500 BC

First Maize Day

Corinne Lightweaver initiated the very first Maize Day.

2004

It's Been Decades

Now, with widespread recognition, this day's ceremonies span ten years.

2014

Global Recognition

Maize Day is now followed worldwide, with different culinary competitions on corn, visits to cornfields, and learning about maize history.

2021

Traditions And Customs

Corinne Lightweaver founded National Maize Day while researching the local indigenous culture, and every year since then, she has developed a practice of exploring more about Mayan civilization by learning Mayan tales and their cuisine on this day.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Maize Day

If you want to celebrate this day, you can prepare a special maize-based meal or simply prepare some popcorn, grilled corn on the cob, or sweet corn and share it with your family and friends. You may also make it special by learning about maize history and the benefits of eating this food and spreading the knowledge with others.

You can even participate in various activities organized on this day like maize growing, cooking, and crafts.

Facts And Stats

Every fourth Friday in November is designated as National Maize Day.

National Maize Day is the day after Thanksgiving.

The National Maize Producers Association sponsored the National Corn Yield Contest on National Maize Day in 2021, rewarding the skills of corn-producing farmers.

Is it called corn or maize?

In many places around the globe, the terms maize and corn may refer to the same plant.

Indeed, many scientists think that maize was genetically altered grain we now harvest; therefore, the name maize is accepted for scientific and international uses, although corn is favored over maize for foods produced from it, such as corn starch corn flour, so on.

How is maize day different from Buttered Corn Day?

Maize Day honors maize as a vital staple grain. While out of six different types of maize, sweet corn is valued on Buttered Corn Day.

What is the scientific name of maize?

The scientific terminology for maize is 'zea mays.'

Why was maize so important in Mesoamerica?

Maize was critical to the Mesoamerican people's survival as it grew well in their habitat. Moreover, this can be conveniently preserved for a long period and can be eaten in various forms.

Why did Mayans eat maize?

Mayans ate maize as it was the major food source and had spiritual and religious importance. Mayans thought that their forefathers were made from maize dough and continue to worship the maize deity today.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, November 27, 2020
  • Friday, November 26, 2021
  • Friday, November 25, 2022
  • Friday, November 24, 2023
  • Friday, November 29, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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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 Dimple Malhotra

Bachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

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Dimple MalhotraBachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

Dimple is a final-year management studies student from Sheila Raheja School of Business Management and Research with a passion for teaching the English language and artistic design. She has earned distinctions in commerce and science modules and is currently pursuing courses in UI/UX design and Social Media Management to advance her career. She is experienced in content editing and proofreading, data monitoring, and search engine optimization.

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