The moment you hear the words "summer vacation," the first image that comes to mind is – fun in the water! And when it comes to water, water balloons are usually the first thing to come to mind. 'National Water Balloon Day,' celebrated every year on August 1st, is dedicated to these splashes and laughter. The most special thing about this day is that it has no age restrictions, nor does it require a specific location – all you need is lots of water balloons and the desire to have fun!
What is National Water Balloon Day?
National Water Balloon Day is a unique summer celebration where people play with water balloons, have water fights, and enjoy getting soaked. The purpose of this day is to beat the heat and spend time with family and friends with laughter and joy. It is not a religious or national holiday, but rather a way to celebrate a summer fun activity that is gradually becoming popular worldwide, starting from America.
How did this day begin?
This day began in 2019 in New Haven, New Hampshire, through a summer camp program. The organizers of this camp thought, why not create a special day playing with water balloons, so that children not only have fun but also beat the heat. But the history of water balloons is much older than that!
The History of Water Balloons: Fun Born From a Mistake
Did you know that water balloons are the result of a mistake? Actually, in the 1950s, a British inventor named Edgar Ellington wanted to create a sock that was waterproof. He used latex and cotton in it. When he poured water into it, it leaked, and in anger, he threw it on the ground – and it burst! At that moment, the idea of making "water grenades" came to his mind. From here came the invention of the water balloon, which has become a favorite summer toy for children and adults alike.
How to Celebrate National Water Balloon Day?
1. Have a Water Balloon Fight
The first and most fun way is – a water fight! Get together with the kids in the house, neighbors, or friends, and decide on a small field and make two teams. Then, just throw water balloons at each other and laugh heartily. Include everyone from children to grandparents. This not only brings fun but also closeness in relationships.
2. Play Water Balloon Games
If you want to try something new, then try some of the games given below:
- Water Balloon Toss: Two people form a pair and throw the balloon towards each other. Increase the distance each time – the pair that catches the most times without breaking wins!
- Hot Potato Game: Everyone passes a balloon together with music, whoever has the balloon in their hand when the music stops is out!
- Water Balloon Relay Race: Run with a water-filled balloon on a spoon – if it falls, you're out!
3. Make Cleaning Up a Game Too
After the balloons burst, small pieces of plastic fall on the ground, which are harmful to the environment. Therefore, create a game for children – 'Cleanup Challenge'! Give a reward to the one who collects the most pieces. This will also instill cleanliness habits in children and the environment will also be safe.
Fun Facts Related to Water Balloons
- In Japan, there is a game called 'Yo-Yo Tsuri', in which a water-filled balloon is tied with a thread and tossed like a yo-yo.
- Water balloons are made smaller than normal balloons so that they burst easily and the fun is maintained in the game.
- Many people also throw water balloons with slingshots or launchers, but they should be used with caution as they can cause injury.
Memorable Time Spent Together for Children and Family
In today's time, when children are engrossed in mobile phones and TVs, such days can become a way to bring the family together. Water balloon games not only promote physical activity but also bring back laughter, fun, and a sense of belonging.
National Water Balloon Day teaches us that sometimes great joys are hidden in very small moments. A small water balloon – which makes someone laugh by soaking them, forces someone to run, and makes someone a child again by hugging them.
