Frankenstein Day is an unofficial holiday that falls on the 30th of August every year. This is a holiday that celebrates the life and works of Mary Shelley-an English author who crafted one of the most-read monster novels in the world entitled “Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus.” Her book is considered to be the first modern horror ever written and people have enjoyed it for over two centuries now. On this day, people can pick up a copy of this book or watch one of the many Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years.

The History Of Mary Shelley & Frankenstein

This holiday is a celebration of Mary Shelley, and as such, it falls on the anniversary of her birthday in 1797, August 30th. Her mother died less than a month after she was born and she would end up being raised by her father.  At the age of four, her father would marry Mary Jane Clairmont, a neighbor of theirs, and Mary would end up having a troubled relationship with her throughout her childhood.

At the age of 17, she would begin a romance with one of her father’s political followers, Percy Bysshe Shelley-a man who five years her senior and already married. Mary Shelley, Percy, and Mary’s stepsister Claire Clairmont all traveled throughout Europe. Upon their return to England, Mary was pregnant with Percy Shelley’s child. The next two years for the couple weren’t pleasant ones, however, as both of them faced ostracism and constant debt, as well as the death of their prematurely born daughter. When Percy Shelley’s wife committed suicide, the couple would then marry in 1816.

After being married, Mary and Percy Shelley, along with Mary’s sister, spent the summer with Lord Byron and John William Polidori near Geneva, Switzerland. This is where Mary Shelley came up with the idea of Frankenstein during a writing contest between all of them. The book would be published on January 1, 1818.

Observing Frankenstein Day

Frankenstein Day is best observed by picking up a copy of Mary Shelley’s classic and reading it from beginning to end. Finding a copy isn’t that difficult because it’s been in the public domain for many years now. It’s also a good day to learn more about Mary Shelley and her remarkable life. If you’re observing this holiday, then be sure to use the hashtag #FrankensteinDay on your social media accounts to share the fun with the world.

Another way to observe this holiday is by watching one of the many Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years. Below is an incomplete list of all of the Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years-starting with the first one made in 1910.

Frankenstein Movies:

• Frankenstein (1910)
• The Monster Of Frankenstein (1920)
• Frankenstein (1931)
• Bride Of Frankenstein (1935)
• The Ghost Of Frankenstein (1942)
• Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman (1943)
• House Of Frankenstein (1944)
• Frankenstein 1970 (1958)
• The Monster Squad (1987)
• I, Frankenstein (2014)