Evolution Day | |
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Observed by | Humanists and others |
Type | Historical |
Significance | The anniversary of the initial publication of Darwin's Origin of Species, which introduced the concepts of evolution and natural selection to the public. |
Date | 24 November |
Next time | 24 November 2024 |
Frequency | annual |
Related to | Darwin Day |
Evolution Day is a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the initial publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin on 24 November 1859.[1][2][3][4] Such celebrations have been held for over a century, but the specific term "Evolution Day" for the anniversary appears to be a neologism which was coined prior to 1997.[1] By highlighting Darwin's contributions to science, the day's events are used to educate about evolutionary biology.[5] It is similar to the better-known Darwin Day, held on the anniversary of his birth (12 February 1809).[6] It is unrelated to the secularization campaign by the Giordano Bruno Foundation to have the German public holiday of Ascension Day renamed to "Evolutionstag" (Evolution Day).[7]