International Ninja Day
International Ninja Day:
Celebrated annually on December 5th, the International Ninja day is attributed to Ninja burger, a fast-food delivery service that commercialized the appeal for Ninjas, the skilled warriors of China and Japan.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2020 | 5th December | Thursday | United States |
2021 | 5th December | Friday | United States |
2022 | 5th December | Saturday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#InternationalNinjaDay
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on December 5th:
Why International Ninja Day?
The past few years have witnessed a growing fan base for ninjas. They are idolized through many movies and cartoons. Ninja warriors hail from the Iga Province of Japan from the Sengoku period. Assassination, guerilla warfare, sabotage, or espionage it’s all a piece of cake for the ninjas. As the Japanese folklore goes, ninjas originated from a demon that was half man and half crow. We can’t blame them, can we?
They were originally the local civilians who lived in the countryside with no access to weapons or training. This is the reason why weapons like sickles or Kunai commonly used by the ninjas resemble agricultural tools. These weapons were common tools, and their real intentions could be camouflaged under the unsuspecting identity of a farmer.
Ninjas were assassins or spies in feudal Japan. Ninjas were the warriors who evolved from the lower class in contrast to the elite Samurai warriors who belonged to the upper class. The Samurai were also known to hire ninjas for deeds that were not permitted by the Samurai’s code of conduct known as the bushido. They were also hired by the enemies of Samurai.
Ninjas were trained in survival skills, disguises, handling weapons and explosives, reading maps and understanding weather changes. Stealth and poison were their secret ammunition. They carried their short swords known as Katana on their back. They were trained in throwing knives, Shuriken (multi-bladed stars), kusarigama( sickle-shaped weapon), and grappling hooks.
Ninja leaders were known as Jonin and they commanded the Chunins who had power over the Genins. Even though these divisions were based on social class, the ninjas could rise to the highest ranks based on their skills. All the ninjas were well paid regardless of their ranks and could gain wealth and join the upper class.
The iconic black apparel that is now commonly associated with ninjas was a symbolic representation of the lay-men who were invisible to the ruling class, in theatrical performances. The black apparel also served as a camouflage against the black background of the theatres, so that sudden inclusion of a character clad in black shocked the audience. The black color also signifies that ninjas were invisible people who were not attached to any identity, banner, or nationality but were people of a particular mission.
The period from 1603 ushered in an era of stability until 1868, the services of the ninjas were no longer required and they faded into the night leaving behind a legacy.
A ninja gives his life for his mission, and there is no turning back until a ninja accomplishes his task. This theme taken up by Ninja Burger can also be a part of our lives, to do our best in everything, to live and die for what we love.
How Can We Observe International Ninja Day:
-Wear a ninja mask to your workplace, school or home and show them your ninja skills with plastic knives and swords (not undermining your talent here, just to be humble about it)
-You can aspire to gain the agility and stealth of a ninja, which you can make use of while sneaking away from your home or silently raiding your refrigerator when everyone’s asleep at home.
–Take a martial arts course and unleash your ninja-ness.
–Go on a ninja movie marathon with your friends and family, keep a punching bag near, if you get too excited.
–-Be a good ninja and in the anonymity of your black apparel, carry out little acts of kindness on the streets for the needy.
-Host a ninja theme part with Chinese and Japanese cuisine
-Share your photos and videos on social media using #InternationNinjaDay
Interesting Facts About International Ninja Day:
Here are some interesting facts about Ninjas to celebrate International Ninja Day!
–The origin of ninjas is still disputed as they developed as secretive agents to carry out missions.
-The masks worn by the ninjas were impregnated with antiseptic to be used as a bandage when required.
-Women ninjas known as Kunoichi served as spies infiltrating enemy castles as dancers, servants, and concubines.
-The throwing stars used by ninjas known as shuriken were intended to use for distraction rather than weapons
– The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise released on the same date.
History Of International Ninja Day:
International Ninja Burger Day was created by Ninja Burger in 2003. Ninja Burger is a fast food service founded in 1954. Ninja Burger claims that they deliver their burgers in Ninja speed and in ninja style discretion.