On a late winter evening in 1977, a small group of college students received an anonymous invitation to celebrate a most unique holiday. In a one-page note pinned to four dorm room doors, the fourth day of March was declared to be Exalano Day. Borrowed from a tradition at Boston Latin High School and patterned after a student celebration the year before, Exalano Day was declared to be a freeform, unconventional holiday dedicated to the concept of taking one day a year to step out of the ordinary routine of daily life, look at things differently and to just have some fun. To illustrate the value of looking at things differently, the announcement included a copy of a MC Escher print offering a variety of perspectives on a single scene. The note was signed by the Exalano Day Committee, under the abbreviation 'The EDC'.
The announcement noted that 'Exalano' is a Greek word meaning 'to march forth', and therefore the fourth day of March is Exalano Day. The notice declared that on this most unique holiday we should march forth from the daily routine and do something new, different, and fun. By advocating looking at things anew, the EDC called on the recipients to add some enjoyment to their late winter doldrums.
That first Exalano Day was celebrated by a small group of friends in variety of ways some quiet, some boisterous, all unique. Smiles were exchanged, good times were shared, and a new outlook was commonplace. Living in the limitless vista of youth, this small group of friends had no thoughts that they were starting a tradition that would still be around in 2001.
Yet the following year, and again in 1979, more humorous notices were issued to declare the fourth day of March to be Exalano Day. Each year, a growing group of celebrants shared in this most unique holiday. By 1980, as the original recipients were moving beyond college, the announcement of Exalano Day was being sent to a variety of people across the United States; the arrival of the Exalano Day announcement had been established as an annual event in the lives of a growing number of people. During the 1990's, the EDC announcement was being sent to several hundred people across the country.
The year 2001 marks the twenty-fifth time that the Exalano Day Committee has issued its call for celebration. Sunday, March 4Th, is once again the best day on the calendar to spend some quality time looking at things differently and to add a new perspective to your life. Do take some time this Exalano Day to march forth from your everyday existence and do something new, different, and enjoyable. And whether this is your first Exalano Day announcement or your 25th (and there are people getting their 25th!) go ahead and do something special for yourself. Happy Exalano Day 2001!
For 2001, The EDC is declaring that the past is prologue and the future is now. Exalano Day announcements have always been sent via US Mail but it is time for a change. The year 2001 is the first time that a mini-announcement has been sent via e-mail as well as snail mail. It also marks the launch of the website of the EDC: www.Exalano.com! Beginning this year and into the future, the website will be used to post the total annual announcement for the world to view. The website will allow more people to share in the annual excitement of Exalano Day.
For the 25th Exalano Day announcement, Exalano.com includes a special treat. The year-by-year history of the annual announcement will be on display, including complete copies of most of the past announcements. Starting on March 4, 2001, the history and humor of the Exalano Day announcements will be available for all to see. Feel free to view the site and share the experience with friends. In coming years, the web site will grow and change as Exalano Day marches forth into the new century. Please do plan to join us on the adventure!
Your friends at the EDC.
