January 18 is 'World Day of the Snowman', an unofficial holiday begun in 2011. The date to celebrate this
symbol of wintertime was chosen because January is usually always cold
enough and snowy enough to build snowmen. The number 18 was chosen because
the number "8" represents the general shape of the snowman. The "1" stands
for the stick or broom often used to decorate one.
How the Snowman World Day Began
Cornelius Gratz, a German collector, began this 'World Day of the Snowman. He has a passion for snowmen, and is known to have the world's largest collection. He believes that the figure of a snowman brings joy and wonderful childhood memories of fun in the snow.
History of the Snowman
Building snowmen has been a popular winter activity since probably medieval times and has become a well-known theme for Christmas and winter decorations. They are loved in children's story books and songs (such as Frosty the Snowman) and in toys and costumes. Every winter the first thing kids want to do when snow arrives is build a snowman.
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| Snowman Image (Source: Pixabay) |
Snow has to be at its melting point before it is suitable to build a snowman. Powdery snow won't stick together, so moisture in the snow is needed. One rolls the snow across the yard making a ball. Most snowmen are made with 3 balls of graduated sizes, the smallest for the head. In Asia, snowmen are usually made of two such balls of snow. Then the 'snowman' is decorated with sticks for arms and other items for the face (carrot nose, rock or coal eyes, etc.). Many a fun winter afternoon is happily spent building snowmen.
The world's largest snowman was built in 2008 in Bethel, Maine, standing 122 feet 1 inch tall.
Crafty Snowmen
My fellow artistic craftsmen have created replicas of snowmen in many fiber arts. A crocheted snowman is a good way to enjoy a snowman inside out of the cold. Or have fun with a snowman even if you live where it is too warm to snow.
Snowman Kitchen Towel
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Snowman Design |
on a Kitchen Towel |
Bring a snowman into your kitchen for a wintertime decor. The towel is 16" x 24" and made of a woven polyester / polyamide blend microfiber. The microfiber towel is super absorbent which makes it perfect for use in the kitchen or bathroom. For care, machine wash with like colors and tumble dry on low. The towel comes out of the dryer wrinkle-free and ready to use. The snowman design is embroidered on the towel to add a pop of color to any kitchen or bathroom decor.
Created by Michelle of Richmond, Virginia for her Etsy Shop ClassyAccessoriesRVA.
The Abominable Snowman
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| Yeti, the Abdominal Snowman in Crochet |
And let's now forget the Abominable Snowman. A favorite from folklore and of kids who love monsters. Today known as Yeti, this mysterious bipedal creature is said to live in the mountains of Asia. But you can have your own Yeti in the form of a soft plush pal handmade in crochet and filled with fiberfill. He's the creation of a Kansas crafter, and is featured in her Etsy Shop 'CoastalCrochetCrafts'.
World Snowman Day
So, however you celebrate the World Day of the Snowman this January, by building a real snowman in your front yard, or enjoying a plush snowman or snowman décor indoors, snowmen are a fun part of winter.
(c) Written by Wednesday Elf on 1/27/2017. Updated on 7/10/2026.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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