It’s our opinion that most people don’t know someone who swallows swords for either fun or profit. If a person does, however, they should thank them on World Sword Swallowers Day—a holiday that celebrates this ancient art and the people who practice it.

Of course, if a person doesn’t know someone who swallows swords, they can still observe this holiday by giving sword swallowers a shoutout on social media or by learning more about the profession. Although many people think sword swallowing is some kind of trick or illusion, the truth is that it’s a real skill that takes time and practice to master.

The History Of World Sword Swallowers Day

This holiday was created shortly after the World Sword Swallowers Association International was created in 2001. This organization was created to preserve the art of sword swallowing and to spread general information about sword swallowing to the public. The holiday was created to allow sword swallowers from all around the world to organize events that spread the word about this art form.

Interesting Facts About Sword Swallowing

Let’s take a few moments to learn a little bit more about sword swallowing by taking a hard look at the following interesting facts.

• Sword swallowing goes back over 4,000-years to ancient India.
• Sword swallowing can take up to 7-years to learn.
• The longest sword ever swallowed was done by George the Giant. It was 33-inches long.
• Every year, there are approximately 6 sword swallowing injuries around the world.
• The average person swallows about 600 times per day.
• Sword swallowing is when a solid blade or sword of at least 16-inches in length is passed through the mouth and into the stomach.

Observing World Sword Swallowers Day

On this holiday, there are usually events that feature sword swallowers of all types. If a person doesn’t live near one of these events, they can always learn more about sword swallowing from World Sword Swallowing International’s website. People can also use the hashtag #WorldSwordSwallowersDay on social media to spread the word about this holiday.