Dying to Know Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Dying to Know Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Dying to Know Day is observed on August 8th.

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

📅 What day is Dying to Know Day 2024?

In 2024, Dying to Know Day is on Tuesday, August 8th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in August; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about August 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

“Dying to Know Day,” which takes place on August 8th, focuses on facilitating meaningful conversations about death, a universal experience. Inspired by the book “Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life,” The Groundswell Project, an Australian group, initiated this day to combat the stigma surrounding death and guide individuals in embracing their own unique wishes and values when it comes to dying. The aim of this festival is to encourage acceptance and preparation for death, ultimately enabling us to live more authentically and fully in the present.

📜 Dying to Know Day History

The first Dying to Know Day (D2KD) was held in Sydney, Australia, in 2013, with just 23 events taking place. This year, on August 8, around 300 meetings, seminars, and other events will be held to commemorate this occasion.

D2KD aims to remove the stigma surrounding death and encourages people to engage in practical activities such as writing their wills and obituaries, discussing end-of-life plans with loved ones, and making funeral arrangements. The Groundswell Project and D2KD USA organization believe that everyone, regardless of their age or health, should have the opportunity to consider their own mortality and make decisions about how they want to be laid to rest.

What makes D2KD unique is that it not only honors the living but also pays tribute to those who have passed away. It encourages participants to reflect on the deaths of their friends and family members. D2KD encompasses grief, bereavement, and coping with loss, in addition to planning for the end of life. For the other 364 days of the year, society tends to avoid discussions about death, but on August 8, people are encouraged to openly ask questions, have conversations, express their feelings, and make necessary preparations, breaking the taboo surrounding this topic.

✅ Dying to Know Day Facts

🔖 Aromatherapy
In the past, prior to the Industrial Revolution, people would place flowers and candles in the room where a dead person was kept in order to mask the unpleasant odor caused by the body decomposing.

🔖 Frozen in time
During the Victorian era in England, it was common for mourners to pause their analog clocks at the exact moment they discovered the passing of their loved ones.

🔖 Somber hues
The custom of dressing in black for funerals originated around 300 A.D., when Romans began dyeing their togas black prior to attending funeral ceremonies.

👍 Why Is Dying to Know Day Important

While it is natural to be afraid of death and to avoid thinking or speaking about it, the mission of D2KD allows us all to push past that fear and gain a better understanding of the subject at hand. We’re likely to feel much more at ease after talking with others about the inevitability of death and how we’d like to die.

According to The Groundswell Project, 41% of individuals prefer to die at home, yet only 25% are able to do so. Open discussion about end-of-life wishes permits more individuals to die in the manner that they choose.

After all of the somber conversations, will-writing, and death research, we’ll have a new perspective on what’s left of our lives. Accepting our own mortality opens up new avenues of thankfulness and delight for the moments we have left to live.

🙂 How To Observe Dying to Know Day

⚡ Begin writing your will

⚡ Host a dinner party
D2KD USA suggests the Dying Over Dinner program, where people can gather their loved ones at home to openly discuss their wishes and goals regarding their own death. It encourages participants to prepare comforting meals and have a notepad handy to record the important details shared during the dinner conversation.

⚡ Read the book
Your final will and testament will be as important to your family members whether you are a child in your first apartment or a grandma in your last house. Why not sit down and start jotting down your desires? You may always amend the document as your circumstances change.

📅 When is Dying to Know Day?

See all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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