NATIONAL RAT CATCHER’S DAY
National Rat Catcher’s Day on July 22nd commemorates the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. It’s also a day 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
Appreciate all rat catchers and make this their day! Read the story about the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Post on social media using #NationalRatCatchersDay.
