A few keystrokes this morning and my memory was refreshed -- it's the gender role reversal day -- the day a woman (or girl) takes the initiative in inviting a man (or boy) of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance.
I learned that Sadie Hawkins Day originated in Al Capp's classic hillbilly comic strip, Li'l Abner (1934–1977). When it was introduced on November 13, 1937, the event became a national sensation. The poor hillbilly Sadie was "the homeliest gal in the hills," and her father worried that she would never find a husband. To find his Sadie a mate, he started a special day -- Sadie Hawkins Day -- that featured a foot race where unmarried women chased bachelors. If a woman caught one of the bachelors, the slowpoke single man would have to marry the lucky girl.
Within two years of Sadie Hawkins Day premiering in the comic strip, Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day celebrations that mimicked the cartoon's foot race and ended with mock weddings. Colleges, fraternities, and sororities began sponsoring Sadie Hawkins dances where women invited the men.
And, in the spirit of the day, my wife asked me to go out on a date with her tonight :)
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