Shades Day: History, Facts & Insights

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

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

📅 What day is Shades Day 2024?

In 2024, Shades Day is on Friday, May 12th. It is the 2nd Friday in May; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the fun details and facts about May 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Shades Day is an annual event celebrated in the United Kingdom, usually on the Friday closest to International Day of the Family (May 15). This year, it will be observed on May 12. The holiday was established by the Family Vacation Association (F.H.A.) and aims to provide coastal vacations and day trips to families facing challenging circumstances like loss, illness, mental health issues, and domestic abuse. Since the organization doesn’t receive government funding, it relies solely on donations and fundraising activities for financial support. On Shades Day, people are encouraged to take photos of themselves wearing sunglasses and contribute money to the charity.

📜 Shades Day History

Sunglasses have a long history dating back to ancient times. Inuit people used flattened walrus ivory spectacles to protect their eyes from the sun. The earliest references to sunglasses can be found in China and Rome. Roman Emperor Nero would wear polished jewels while watching gladiator battles, and in China, smokey quartz lenses were used to shield the eyes from the sun’s brightness. Interestingly, historical texts suggest that judges wore sunglasses to hide their facial expressions during court proceedings. In the 18th century, Venice saw the use of “Murano spectacles” by women and children to protect their eyes from the glare of the water in canals. It was in 1752 that James Ayscough, an English optician, began producing eyeglasses with colored lenses, believing that blue or green tints could improve eyesight. However, it was not until 1899 that Rodenstock GmbH created sunglasses with UV protection, which is now a standard feature in the industry.

✅ Shades Day Facts

🔖 A seaside trip brought inspiration
The Laurances felt motivated when their friends asked them to join them on a trip to the beach.

🔖 They experienced tough times

🔖 A couple founded the F.H.A.
The foundation was established by Patrick and Joan Laurance, who are married to each other.

👍 Why Is Shades Day Important

Shades Day is essential because it allows people to collect money for needy families. Donations help families enjoy much-needed holidays and respite from the stresses of everyday life.

Shades are a stylish fashion statement, whether it’s cold or sunny outside. They add a touch of glitz and personality to your ensemble.

What would we do if we didn’t have sun protection? They prevent squinting and even shield our eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause dryness, wrinkles, impaired vision, and a variety of other issues. Shades are therefore not only fashionable but also necessary for optimum health.

🙂 How To Observe Shades Day

⚡ Support the cause

⚡ Wear shades
Celebrate and treat yourself to a fabulous pair of sunglasses! Not only will you look fashionable, but you’ll also safeguard your eyes from harmful sun rays.

⚡ Take a picture
Raising funds for suffering families is more important than ever. If you have the resources, consider giving to the F.H.A. to help families in need.

📅 When is Shades Day?

You can view all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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