Mad Hatter Day Celebrates the Fact That ‘We’re All Mad Here’

The Mad Hatter was first introduced to the public in 1865 and soon became one of the most famous characters from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” He is so beloved among fans today that Oct. 6 is considered Mad Hatter Day to celebrate the literary mad man.

And since we love him here as well, ENTITY compiled facts about Mad Hatter Day to display the character’s quirky logic and silly riddles.

The history behind Matter Hatter Day

Mad Hatter Day is celebrated on Oct. 6., but this date wasn’t chosen randomly. As seen in Sir John Tenniel’s illustrations for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the Mad Hatter’s hat has a band that reads, “In this style 10/6.” Thus, Oct. 6 presented itself as the perfect day for the national holiday.

Also utilizing the number six, Mad Hatter Day falls six months after April Fools Day.

This is quite fitting, considering the first Mad Hatter Day celebrated silliness in 1986 by a group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado. By 1988, the holiday was recognized nationally.

Best Mad Hatter quotes

The book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” offers many great quotes from Lewis Carroll’s original Mad Hatter. However, the 2010 movie “Alice in Wonderland” also offers some fresh and funny quotes to the lovable character, played by Johnny Depp.

Listed below are our favorites from both.

1 “I can’t go no lower. I’m on the floor as it is.”

The Mad Hatter utters this hilarious ditty when The King instructs him to “stand down.” Of course he can’t stand down because, as he sarcastically points out, he is already standing on the floor and cannot possibly go any lower.

2 “You mean you can’t take less. It’s very easy to take more than nothing.”

The Mad Hatter’s exchange with Alice at the tea party is classic. He asks her if she would like more tea, only to realize she hasn’t yet had any. When Alice responds by saying she can’t take any more, he responds with this quote.

3 “There is a place, like no place on Earth, a land full of wonder, mystery and danger! Some say to survive it: you need to be as mad as a hatter, which luckily I am.”

This iconic movie quote incorporates everything we love about the Mad Hatter and how we resonate with him in our own lives. Like the Cheshire Cat says, “We’re all mad here.”

And of course, when the Mad Hatter asks if he has gone mad, Alice has a perfect response. She tells him, “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

We couldn’t agree more, Alice!

Riddles to make you feel as “mad as a hatter”

The phrase “mad as a hatter” was used in Europe in the 18th and 19th century to describe people society deemed insane. But there was a scientific explanation to this. Many of the hats in this time period contained felt, which used Mercury in its production process. The exposure to the metal caused many of the workers to develop dementia.

While we don’t advise exposing yourself to Mercury, we did compile some silly riddles to enjoy with your friends on Mad Hatter Day.

Riddle 1: Whoever makes me, tells me not. Whoever takes me, knows me not. Whoever knows me, wants me not. What am I?

Riddle 2: I have many keys, but I cannot open a single lock. What am I?

Riddle 3: On which day of the year do fewest people die?

Riddle 4: I am first on Earth, second in Heaven. I appear twice in a week, never in a month, but once in a year. What am I?

Riddle 5: There is a word and six letters it contains. Take one away and twelve is what remains. What word is it?

Mad Hatter Day is the perfect day to celebrate the madness and creativity that lives in all of us. Embrace your silliness and share these fun riddles with your friends.

And if you’re dying to know the answers, here they are.
Riddle answers: (R1: counterfeit money, R2: a piano, R3: Feb. 29, R4: the letter “E”, R5: dozens)