Darwin Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Darwin Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Darwin Day is observed on February 12th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Darwin Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you might want to know about Darwin Day.

📅 What day is Darwin Day 2024?

In 2024, Darwin Day is on Sunday, February 12th. It is the 2nd Sunday in February; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about February 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On February 12, we honor Charles Darwin and his significant contributions to science, regardless of whether you are an experienced scientist who enjoys practical work or someone who feels uncomfortable with math and dissection. It is important to take a moment to examine Darwin’s experiments, discoveries, and accomplishments and recognize their ongoing impact on our lives. The revolutionary concept of evolution has motivated scientists from diverse fields to uncover transformative and life-saving insights about our species and its development. We have Darwin and his research to thank for the many advancements we benefit from today.

📜 Darwin Day History

During his studies on religion, Darwin’s interest in the natural sciences grew stronger. His fascination with beetle collection, along with the influence of fellow parson naturalists, further ignited his curiosity. He made plans to join his professor on a trip to the tropics to study natural history.

Upon his return, Darwin was offered a position as a naturalist on the HMS Beagle, which was embarking on an expedition along the South American coast. The ship was under the command of Robert FitzRoy. Darwin spent five years onboard, exploring South America and encountering various fields of study such as geology, anthropology, zoology, and botany. He meticulously collected fossils, rocks, plants, and beetles to bring back to England. Both Darwin and FitzRoy documented their journeys in diaries, which continue to hold significance today.

As the HMS Beagle returned to England, Darwin’s ideas about evolution were already taking shape. The finches of the Galapagos Islands played a crucial role in solidifying his beliefs. He extensively reviewed his travel logs, studied Malthus’ writings, and conducted plant experiments to further develop his theories. During this time, he got married but also suffered from a persistent illness.

In 1859, Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” a groundbreaking book that presented the concept of natural selection. Although the book achieved unexpected success, it faced opposition from the church, which upheld the notion of divine creation. Darwin continued to work and publish on evolution and selection for the remaining 22 years of his life. He ultimately passed away in 1882 due to heart illness, most likely aggravated by the chronic Chagas’ disease he had.

✅ Darwin Day Facts

🔖 Darwin was born on the same day as Abraham Lincoln
The births of two noteworthy individuals, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, on February 12, 1809, marked a significant day. While Lincoln came into the world in a humble log cabin, Darwin was born in a more elegant and attractive residence.

🔖 He got married based on a pro/con list
Darwin created a list of advantages and disadvantages to aid him in determining whether he should marry his cousin, Emma. Eventually, he decided in favor of marriage, and the two of them tied the knot one year later.

🔖 He suffered from chronic illness
Darwin suffered from a chronic illness that plagued him with fatigue, nausea, severe headaches, and irregular heartbeats. This ailment, believed to be a consequence of his excessive workload and his newfound dedication to the study of natural history, is now suspected to be Chagas’ disease.

👍 Why Is Darwin Day Important

Beyond simply remembering and celebrating Darwin, Darwin Day compels us to consider the significant contributions of many scientists, particularly biologists. While Darwin’s theory of evolution established the groundwork for many biological investigations, many other great scientists have expanded on it.

As previously said, some of us haven’t touched anything Darwin-related since high school. Darwin Day is an excellent opportunity to review our natural history and perhaps reawaken our interest in zoology and botany!

Darwin changed the course of history. Revisiting his accomplishments reminds us of the environment in which they arose: a world with very little scientific information to go around. Darwin Day provides a glimpse into the science and medicine of the 1800s.

🙂 How To Observe Darwin Day

⚡ Post #DarwinDay on social media
Although Darwin’s ideas and teachings have ignited extensive discussions among the public, it is important to acknowledge that they are scientifically grounded, even if not everyone is fully informed about them. Utilize social media platforms to promote awareness of Darwin’s discoveries and to advocate for the importance of science within your social network.

⚡ Check out “On The Origin of Species”
On Darwin’s Day, it is highly recommended to delve into Darwin’s groundbreaking and influential book on evolution. This significant work spans approximately 500 pages, and it introduces the concept of evolution, which forms the basis for much of modern biological study.

⚡ Read up on Darwin
If you’re similar to most people, you probably haven’t thought about Darwin since your fourth-grade science class. Although the Galapagos Islands may have caught your attention, if that’s the only thing you recall about the renowned scientist, now is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge!

📅 When is Darwin Day?

See all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 Educational holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Darwin Day. So be sure to check back soon.