On the 4th of May every year, enthusiasts globally commemorate Alice in Wonderland Day, which pays tribute to the magical world created by Lewis Carroll in his acclaimed work, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. It’s a day that encourages fans around the world to revisit the captivating universe of Wonderland, a realm crafted by Carroll’s remarkable storytelling.
The day invites us to join madcap tea parties, engage with the grinning Cheshire Cat, and so much more. Alice in Wonderland Day truly embodies an exceptional journey into the heart of an otherworldly land of marvels.
History of Alice in Wonderland Day
“Alice in Wonderland Day,” celebrated every year on the 4th of July, pays homage to an enchanting tale and its beloved characters, brought to life by Lewis Carroll, the pen name of English writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. The day was chosen to commemorate when Dodgson first narrated the story of Alice’s riveting adventures in Wonderland to young Alice Liddell and her two sisters. This occurred during a rowing expedition on the River Thames in Oxford on this date back in 1862.
During their journey, Dodgson, a professor of mathematics at Oxford University, engrossed the children with a captivating anecdote about a curious girl named Alice—whose tumble down a rabbit hole plunged her into a whimsical world teeming with peculiarities and adventures. Alice Liddell was so enthralled by the story that she insisted Dodgson transcribe it. Encouraged by her eagerness, he penned the original manuscript, “Alice’s Adventures under Ground.”
In 1865, this enthralling tale made its debut in the publishing world as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” under Dodgson’s acclaimed pseudonym, Lewis Carroll. Today, the book takes pride in being a timeless children’s classic, admired by millions worldwide and translated into more than a hundred languages.
The creation of “Alice in Wonderland Day” inspires people to plunge into their creative depths and appreciate life’s peculiarities. Frequently celebrated with whimsical activities inspired by the book—including tea parties modeled after the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, eccentric costume contests, and spirited recital of the text—this day allows people of all ages to dive back into the eccentric world Dodgson created.
Alice in Wonderland Day Timeline
Lewis Carroll Tells the Story
On a boating trip, Lewis Carroll first tells the story of Alice's adventures under the ground to Alice Liddell, Lorina Liddell, and Edith Liddell.
Manuscript of Alice's Adventures
First draft of Alice's Adventures Under Ground was created and given as an early Christmas present to Alice Liddell.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published by Macmillan Publishers under the pen name of Lewis Carroll.
First Alice Movie
Alice in Wonderland, the first film adaptation, a silent movie directed by Cecil Hepworth and Percy Stow.
Disney's Alice in Wonderland
Walt Disney Animation Studios releases a animated musical fantasy film adaptation of the book Alice in Wonderland.
Television Version
A two-part made-for-television interpretation of Alice in Wonderland was aired, directed by Harry Harris.
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland
A live-action/animated fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton is released, starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.
Ideas to Celebrate Alice in Wonderland Day
Mad Hatter Tea Party
Host an outlandish, whimsical tea party, just like the Mad Hatter. Set a sloping table with mismatched tea cups, saucers, and teapots, serve an array of eccentric treats and play Alice in Wonderland-themed games.
Alice in Wonderland Movie Marathon
Invite friends over for a cozy movie marathon of Alice in Wonderland films, from the animated classic to Tim Burton's twist on the tale.
Cooking with the Queen of Hearts
Bake and enjoy heart-shaped treats, such as cookies, pastries, and tarts. Don't forget to decorate them with red icing!
Alice in Wonderland Book Club
Read and discuss Lewis Carroll's beloved novels - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Discuss its many themes, plot devices and iconic characters.
Dress like Wonderland
Throw a costume party where all guests come dressed as their favorite character from Alice in Wonderland. Give awards for the best and most creative costumes.
Writing Wonderland Stories
Engage in an imaginative writing exercise and challenge everyone to write their own sequel or prequel to Alice in Wonderland.
8 Interesting Facts About Alice in Wonderland
Real Alice Inspiration
The character of Alice in 'Alice in Wonderland' was inspired by a real person named Alice Liddell. She was the daughter of a close friend of Lewis Carroll, the author of the book. Carroll used to tell Alice the stories that later formed the basis for 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking-Glass'.
Un-birthday Concept
The term 'un-birthday,' meaning a day that is not someone's birthday, was popularized by Lewis Carroll in 'Alice in Wonderland'. The concept is celebrated by the Mad Hatter and the March Hare in the story.
Mathematical References
Lewis Carroll was a mathematics lecturer at Christ Church, Oxford. The book is suffused with hidden mathematical jokes and references, which were possibly aimed at mocking the then controversial mathematical concepts.
Queen of Hearts and Red Queen
People often confuse the Queen of Hearts from 'Alice in Wonderland' with the Red Queen from 'Through the Looking-Glass'. They are actually separate characters, each ruling over her own domain.
Influence on Pop Culture
'Alice in Wonderland' has influenced countless works of art, music, films, and literature since its publication. It has inspired everything from psychedelic rock to political cartoons and has been translated into over 97 languages.
Delayed Complete Release
The book was originally published under the name 'Alice's Adventures Under Ground'. It offered a hand-written collection of fantastic tales Carroll told to entertain the Liddell sisters. The expanded version we are familiar with today was not published until a year later.
Disney Adaptation
Disney's animated 'Alice in Wonderland' was initially a box office failure, but later became one of the most popular adaptations of the novel. It incorporated elements of both 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking-Glass'.
Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole
The term 'down the rabbit hole,' meaning to enter into a situation or begin a process that is complex, strange, or chaotic, originated from Alice’s adventure when she fell down a rabbit hole into Wonderland.
Alice in Wonderland Day FAQs
Next Alice in Wonderland Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 4th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 4th | Thursday |
| 2025 | July 4th | Friday |
| 2026 | July 4th | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 4th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 4th | |
Alice in Wonderland Day Word Search
- Alice
- Wonderland
- Rabbit
- Cheshire
- Fantasy
- Duchess