National Ding-a-Ling Day 2021: Celebrated annually on December 12th, the National Ding-a-Ling Day encourages us to reconnect to people with whom we once spoke often! Does it ring a bell? Do you have friends or family whom you haven’t spoken to for a long time? Become a Ding-A-Ling and ring those bells for everyone today!
History of National Ding-a-Ling Day:
On December 12th every year, the Ding-a-Ling club founded by Franky Hyle in 1972 called their family and friends to rekindle their connections and be friendlier! This tradition continued each year and now we know it as the National Ding-a-Ling Day. However, there are no federal claims to deem it as a National holiday. Folks across America observe this day as an unofficial fun holiday!
Why Ding-a-Ling Day?
It is common to stop talking to people with whom you used to talk often when your schedule changes, move to another city, or change schools or jobs. With such changes, it is more often difficult to keep track of people or spend more time with them!
A similar situation arose during the 1970s where a couple of friends and family were discussing at Franky Hyle’s home for the need of much friendlier people! In their quest to find a suitable theme that could remind people to stay connected, they chose the term Ding-a-Ling!
This noun has two meanings – a person who hears a bell ring in his head or someone who is stupid or eccentric.
Franky Hyle chose the former meaning to create the Ding-a-Ling club in 1971, December 12th. Every year, the same day Ding-a-Lings club made calls to their dear ones with whom they had a good bond previously!
The ringing of the bell is also related to the telephones that were used during those times – they rang like a bell! The phrase “ring a bell” is used widely to remind us of anything that sounds familiar.
Thus the Ding-a-Ling club was born and continued as a tradition. They started with 871 members initially! The club became popular in 1972 when Franky encouraged memberships to the club by placing a free advertisement in Chase’s Calendar of Events. The memberships were available at $1 each! Today, millions of people are members of the Ding-a-Ling club!
Therefore this day, the members of the Ding-A-Ling club and everyone else who knows about the day pick up their phones and dial in to talk to dear ones to rekindle their connections!
How to observe National Ding-a-Ling Day?
Opt to call your dear ones instead of texting today!
To get into the spirits of National Ding-aLing Day, take a retro route by dialing your friends and family with whom you have lost tracks! A text is appreciated too, but a call serves the day’s purpose! Take your phones and dial away as people’s names ring a bell in your head!
Contribute to the Salvation Army Kettle!
Celebrate the day by donating to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle to aid the less fortunate. Just as people’s names and incidents ring a bell today, may you be also lured by the bells rung by the Salvation Army Volunteers this holiday season!
Add some Ding-a-Ling Music!
You would be surprised how many songs are written on Ding-a-Ling! Observe the day by tuning into some Ding-a-Ling music today! We recommend the 1972 version of Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.” Bobby Rydell’s 1960s song “Ding-a-Ling” and also Dread’s island version of Chuck Berry’s song!
Show a Ding-a-Ling side of you today!
Since Ding-a-Ling also means to be eccentric or stupid, here’s your chance to show your eccentric side today! Well, remember it’s only for today and take care to keep it light!
Share your thoughts about Ding-a-Ling Day on social media!
If you are not able to do anything from the above list, simply observe the day by sharing your thoughts about Ding-a-Ling Day! You could share how this day benefitted reconnecting with friends and family! Share your posts using #NationalDing-a-Ling-Day #Ding-a-Ling-Day
Interesting facts about National Ding-a-Ling Day:
Here are some fun facts about the things that rang before the Ding-a-lings the Bells!
- Did you know? The ancient Chinese invented the bells!
- During the 1800s, bells were not only used for certain ceremonies but also for music!
- To attract donations for the less fortunate in California, the Salvation Army was the first to have bell ringers for their Red Kettle!
- Saint Bede initiated the ringing of bells in England for Funerals!
- Bells are used for religious worship by Hindus and Buddhists!
