National Mule Day
National Mule Day is a holiday that falls on October 26th and is a day used to honor the cross between a female horse and a male donkey, known as a mule. This holiday began as a city-wide event in Columbia, Tennessee, and has since become a holiday observed by mule enthusiasts across the U.S.
The History of National Mule Day
Although National Mule Day might sound like a holiday that was made up on the internet as a joke, it’s actually a holiday that has evolved from an event that dates back over 181 years.
It was initially started as “Breeder’s Day” in 1840 in Columbia, Tennessee, as a mule market event held on the first Monday of every May. Over time, it became known as Mule Day. Mule Day continues to be celebrated in Tennessee, but it is now observed on the last Monday in March.
Almost a quarter of a million people are attracted to Columbia, Tennessee, and it is part of a four-day event in the city that includes music, dancing, crafts, and traditional Appalachian foods.
National Mule Day is not connected to the celebrations in Tennessee but was inspired by them. It has since become its own holiday and is faithfully observed by mule fans all over the U.S. on October 26th. This date was likely chosen because it is around the time when King Charles III of Spain gave two Spanish Jack donkeys to U.S. President George Washington in 1785.
Fun Facts About Mules
Have you ever wanted to know more about mules but were afraid to ask? If so, then please take a moment to read some of the following facts about mules—facts that we have gathered together so that everyone can expand their mule knowledge. Let’s take a look at them.
- A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
- George Washington used the Spanish Jack donkey he received from King Charles III to create the American Mammoth Jackstock breed.
- George Washington has been called the Father of the American Mule.
- Donkeys have 62 chromosomes, mules have 63, and horses have 64 chromosomes.
- Mules are 99.9% sterile.
- A male mule is called a john, and a female mule is called a molly.
- An alternate name for a male mule is a horse mule, and the alternate name for a female mule is a mare mule.
- Mules were used for military missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Draft mules are a cross between horse mares and mammoth jack donkeys.
- Mules come in all sizes, from the smallest miniatures to the largest draft mules.
- Francis the Talking Mule was a 1950s mule character that starred in seven film comedies.
Observing National Mule Day
National Mule Day is usually observed by taking the time to learn more about mules or by visiting a local zoo or farm. You can also use the hashtag #NationalMuleDay to spread the word about this holiday on your social media accounts.
