Tulip Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

May 13 is observed annually as Tulip Day. It is a day to commemorate tulips, which are spring-blooming, multicoloured flowers. Wild tulips originated in Central Asia, but cultivation of the flower began in Turkey around the year 1000 A.D. They became so highly valued in the Ottoman Empire that they were specifically cultivated for the Sultan’s delight. The flower’s journey to Europe began in the 16th century, when medicinal plants were planted in the Netherlands. Today, tulips continue to be strongly associated with the European nation.

The background of Tulip Day

Tulip Day’s origins are mainly unknown. However, the history of the tulip flower itself is complex and colourful. It all started in Central Asia, where tulips grew untamed. However, it was not intentionally cultivated until approximately 1000 AD in Turkey for medicinal purposes. During the 16th century, its popularity grew so much in the Ottoman Empire that the Sultan demanded its cultivation for his own enjoyment. The ‘Tulip Era’ or ‘Age of the Tulips’ began in the 18th century, when the flower’s popularity reached stratospheric heights. It became a crime punishable by exile to purchase or sell tulips outside the capital of the empire.

In the 16th century, a biologist named Carolus Clusius introduced the tulip to Europe when he began cultivating the flower in Holland, Netherlands. Clusius was recruited by the University of Leiden to conduct research on medicinal plants. The ambassador of Constantinople (Istanbul) and Clusius’ Turkish friend sent him tulips for the undertaking. This was the beginning of the tulip bulb plantations that still exist in the Netherlands today.

In the 17th century, the tulip transitioned from a medicinal to a decorative garden flower, causing prices to rise. This eventually resulted in ‘Tulipomania’ or ‘Tulip Mania,’ a period in which tulips were so in demand that they became a form of currency. People became so enamoured with tulips that they were willing to exchange their property for a single tulip. Even the Dutch government had to impose restrictions on tulip trade. Eventually, in 1637, the tulip market collapsed, leaving those with substantial investments in the flower in the red. Today, tulips continue to be associated with the Netherlands, the largest producer of tulip bulbs in the globe.

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TULIP DAY ACTIVITIES

Send some carnations

Take this opportunity to express your appreciation for your loved ones. Send a bouquet of tulips to someone to astonish them.

Plant carnations

Are you an avid gardener? Plant tulips in your garden or utilise flower pots. These beautiful flowers will unquestionably contribute more light and colour to your home.

Take a photograph

Take a photo of a gorgeous tulip and upload it to the Internet. Include the hashtag #tulipday to let people know what you’re commemorating.

5 Interesting Tulips Facts

The blossom buds of tulips are nearly symmetrical with one another.

Springtime tulips typically blossom for three to two weeks.

There are over 3,000 tulip varieties!

Tulips are members of the Liliaceae family.

In some recipes, onion may be replaced with tulip blossoms.

TULIP DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 13	Saturday
2024	May 13	Monday
2025	May 13	Tuesday
2026	May 13	Wednesday
2027	May 13	Thursday