National Essay Day

National Essay Day is observed annually on February 28. This day celebrates the art of written expression and the historical impact of the essay as a literary genre. It encourages individuals, especially students, to move beyond the rigid structures of academic assignments and rediscover writing as a tool for personal reflection, critical thinking, and the exploration of new ideas.

History of National Essay Day

The origins of this day are tied to the birth of Michel de Montaigne, the French philosopher born on February 28, 1533. Montaigne is credited with inventing the modern essay after he retired to his family estate to record his private thoughts and observations. He chose the word “essai,” which translates to “attempt” or “trial,” to describe his writings. Unlike the formal treatises of his time, Montaigne’s work was conversational, personal, and frequently revised to reflect his changing perspective on subjects ranging from education to human nature.+3

The official national observance was established more recently in 2020 by One Freelance Limited. The organization initiated a campaign and petition on Change.org to create a dedicated day that would help students overcome the “writing barrier” and view essay composition as a creative rather than a burdensome task. By selecting Montaigne’s birthday for the holiday, the founders aimed to reconnect modern writers with the exploratory spirit of the first essays, promoting a style of writing that values honesty and individual voice over strict adherence to five-paragraph formulas.+1

Why is National Essay Day important?

This day is important because it highlights writing as a fundamental life skill that extends far beyond the classroom. The ability to organize a coherent argument and communicate complex ideas clearly is essential in professional, civic, and personal life. By celebrating the essay, the holiday emphasizes the role of literacy in a functioning democracy, where the exchange of well-reasoned opinions through op-eds and articles helps shape public discourse. It provides a rare opportunity for people to slow down and practice the deep thinking required to synthesize information into a written narrative.+2

Furthermore, the holiday addresses the psychological benefits of expressive writing. Engaging in “essaying”—the act of trying out an idea on paper—can lead to greater self-awareness and mental clarity. It serves as a creative outlet for those who feel constrained by standard educational metrics, offering a day to write without the fear of judgment or the pressure of a letter grade. This helps to foster a lifelong love for language and ensures that the tradition of the personal essay continues to thrive in an era of rapid, short-form digital communication.+1

• It honors the legacy of Michel de Montaigne and his invention of the essay genre.
• The day promotes the development of critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
• It highlights the historical evolution of the essay from 16th-century France to modern digital media.
• The holiday encourages students to develop their own unique and authentic writing voices.
• It provides a platform to discuss the importance of literacy and clear communication in society.

How to Celebrate National Essay Day

The most traditional way to celebrate is by sitting down to write a “personal essay” on a topic that requires no outside research, such as a childhood memory or a specific belief. The goal of such an exercise is to follow the “Montaigne paradigm” of exploring a thought wherever it leads, rather than worrying about a perfect conclusion. Many schools and community centers observe the day by hosting writing workshops or “read-aloud” sessions where participants share their short pieces in a supportive environment, focusing on the quality of ideas rather than grammatical perfection.

Reading classic and contemporary essays is another common way to observe the day. Selecting works by famous essayists like Francis Bacon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Virginia Woolf, or James Baldwin can provide inspiration and a deeper understanding of the genre’s versatility. For those who prefer a more modern approach, the day can be used to draft a blog post or an “opinion piece” for a local newspaper. Sharing your favorite essay or a quote about the writing process on social media also helps spread awareness of the holiday and its goal of promoting thoughtful expression.

• Write a short piece about a personal experience without using any formal academic rules.
• Read a famous essay from a classic author to see how they structured their arguments.
• Start a journal to practice the habit of daily reflection and observation.
• Share a list of your favorite essay collections with friends or on social media.
• Host a small writing circle to brainstorm and discuss new ideas for future articles.

National Essay Day Dates Table