National Wicker Day is celebrated annually in the United States on February 4. Wicker is not as common as it used to be, but it is still as fashionable and eco-friendly! Wicker is a technique for making products woven from any one of a variety of plant materials. It is a generic name for the materials used in the manufacture. Furthermore, the term is also used for the technique of making the materials. Wicker can be used to make furniture, baskets, and souvenirs. National Wicker Day celebrates this great fiber and the people who create these valuable items.
History of National Wicker Day
Wicker is traditionally made of plant material. The most common materials include willow, rattan, reed, and bamboo. With time, even synthetic fibers are being used as wicker. The wicker is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for moving items often. You must have noticed that the porch and patio furniture are wicker.
Human beings have used wicker for a long time. Wicker has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt, where they were made from locally available reed and swamp grasses. Low-income families could only afford a few pieces of furniture, and they preferred wicker since it was cheap but durable. Archaeologists have also discovered various items made of wicker in the tombs of the noble and wealthy pharaohs. The tombs contain chests, baskets, wig boxes, and chairs! Wicker also found its use in the Achaemenid Empire on the battlefield, where they were used as shields.
In the 19th century, wicker became extremely popular in Europe, England, and North America. People in the Victorian Era believed it to be more sanitary and resistant to harsh weather. In recent times, the aesthetic of wicker was influenced heavily by the Arts and Crafts movement of the 20th century. Collectors highly sought after antique wicker products, and they are put to use indoors and outdoors. Wickerwork is an essential industry in Poland, with laundry baskets being the most popular wicker products. Synthetic wicker is preferred for making furniture since it is durable and does not decompose.
National Wicker Day timeline
Human beings use wicker for the first time.
People start using them to carry items, among other things.
Cyrus Wakefield commercially produces wicker in the US.
Lloyd Looms patents synthetic wicker.
National Wicker Day FAQs
What material is wicker?
Wicker is traditionally made from plant materials, such as willow, rattan, reed, and bamboo, but synthetic fibers are now also used.
What is considered wicker?
The term ‘wicker’ refers to various vines, grasses, and plants that are used to weave furniture.
Are rattan and wicker the same?
The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving.
National Wicker Day Activities
Buy wicker
Celebrate National Wicker Day by buying pieces of wicker furniture and souvenirs. How about adding wicker furniture to the patio or exchanging your boring old laundry basket with one made of wicker?
Make something with wicker
You could even try your hand at making something with wicker. Celebrate National Wicker Day by starting with something small such as a basket or container. Who knows, you might be good at it!
Post photos
Do you already have an incredible collection of wicker items at home? Celebrate National Wicker Day by posting photos of your wicker collection and encouraging others to do the same.
5 Interesting Facts About Wicker
It’s not the material, it’s the design
Wicker gets its name from its woven patterns.
Moisture and heat destroy natural wicker
Regular exposure to moisture and heat can destroy furniture made of natural wicker, so keep it indoors.
Highly durable and easy to clean
It’s durable and can be cleaned with a simple cleaning agent.
T.V. show appearances
It’s not uncommon to find wicker furniture on T.V. shows.
Wicker and rattan are used interchangeably
However, rattan is cheaper than wicker.
Why We Love National Wicker Day
It’s an ancient art
Wicker is the oldest furniture-making art form. National Wicker Day celebrates this ancient art and our aesthetic understanding of furniture and souvenirs. Five thousand years since its origin, and wicker continues to be popular!
It’s durable
The best thing about wicker is its durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. National Wicker Day celebrates the sturdy material that withstands dust, heat, rain, and hail.
It’s pocket-friendly
Wicker is the way to go if you want to decorate your home on a budget. It is the perfect choice for its durability and affordability. National Wicker Day celebrates the versatility of wicker.
National Wicker Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 4 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 4 | Sunday |
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