National Bagel and Lox Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on February 9th and celebrates one of the greatest food combinations to have ever been created. Lox is a brined salmon fillet that’s sometimes smoked (but doesn’t have to be) and is served on a bagel with cream cheese, and sometimes garnished with sliced onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, and capers.

Bagels are a bread product that started in Jewish communities in Poland during the 17th century and the process of making lox was perfected by Scandinavians. However, the combination of bagel and lox wouldn’t be put together until Jewish communities in New York created it during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The History Of Bagel & Lox

Although the combination of Bagels and Lox is only a little bit over 125+ years old, bagels and lox have been around for a long time. Bagels are believed to have been created in China before the 12th century. Bagels would be used heavily among the Jewish community in Poland during the 12th century thanks to a church ban that only allowed boiled bread to be used. Eastern European Jews would eventually end up bringing their bagels with them to America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Lox is a fish that originated in Scandinavia. They perfected the art of using saltwater brine to preserve salmon sometime during the 19th century. It was during this time that Scandinavians also brought the art of making Lox to America. It was there that bagels and lox would eventually come together.

Early American Jews began to use lox on bagels because it was easier to buy Kosher fish—even from non-Jewish stores. And because lox didn’t require refrigeration to stay good, it was easy to keep on hand. And that’s how bagels and lox became such a great combination that’s still eaten today. A combination that has earned its own holiday.

Observing National Bagel And Lox Day

The best way to observe this holiday is by enjoying some bagel and lox. It’s almost a no-brainer. Just purchase some fresh bagels, some lox, and whatever else you want to put on it and you’re ready to have a whole lot of fun with this special holiday.