NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY
National Rat Catcher’s Day on July 22nd commemorates the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The day also provides an opportunity to thank all present-day exterminators.
According to the folktale, residents of the German town of Hamelin hired a strangely dressed man to rid their village of rats. The Pied Piper of Hamelin did so by playing his flute. Upon finishing the task, the townsfolk refused to pay — so the Pied Piper returned. Once again, the Pied Piper played his flute while the children followed him. And with the Pied Piper, the children vanished, never to return.
While a harrowing tale of revenge doesn’t seem like something to celebrate, someone found a way. Depending on where you live, the day includes festivals and re-enactments. Due to differing dates in stories and poems, Hamelin, Germany, celebrates the day on June 26th. The event consists of a pied piper leading children through the city streets. There’s even Richard the Rat who gets to tell his version of the story.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRatCatchersDay
Appreciate all rat catchers and make this their day! Read the story about the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Post on social media using #NationalRatCatchersDay.
NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY HISTORY
