Even though National Ding-A-Ling Day might sound like an offensive holiday, it’s actually a day on which people are encouraged to rekindle those connections they once had. Yes, “ding-a-ling” in this context means to ring up people on the telephone and touch base with them once again.

Although the term “ding-a-ling” has been used informally as slang for a stupid or eccentric person, it also means the ringing sound of a bell. Since telephones used to have bells in them, this seems like an appropriate use of the word, so celebrate this holiday by calling friends on December 12th.

The History Of National Ding-A-Ling Day

National Ding-A-Ling Day was founded when Franky Hyle of Melrose Park, Illinois, placed a free advertisement in Chase’s Calendar of Events with his P.O. Box Number in 1972. The ad stated that for just $1, a person could join the National Ding-A-Ling Club.

The purpose of this club was for members to call friends and family members they haven’t connected with for a while once per year on December 12th. Since then, the idea of the club began to spread all around the world, and now it’s a beloved holiday for people looking to reconnect with old friends and family members.

Interesting Facts About Bells

Want some interesting facts about bells? Well, probably not, but we’re going to give them to you anyway. Below are some of the facts we uncovered about bells while we were doing research for this holiday.

• The ancient Chinese invented the first bells.
• From the Middle Ages through the 19th century, bells were used for ceremonies and for music.
• In England, St. Bede initiated the ringing of bells for funerals.
• Bells are also used by Buddhists and Hindus during ceremonies.
• Alexander Graham Bell faced over 600 lawsuits over his telephone patent.
• Japanese Shinto temples often use animal-shaped bells.

Observing National Ding-A-Ling Day

Anyone looking to celebrate this holiday can do so by reaching out and connecting with friends and family members that they haven’t talked to in a while. Although this holiday was created during the 1970s, a time when reaching out was usually done by phone, people can use modern technology to reach out to people.

They can reach out to loved ones and friends on social media using the hashtag #NationalDingALingDay, or they can simply send them an email. And, of course, if they want to adhere to the original intent of this holiday, they can always call people using their smartphone.