NATIONAL UKULELE DAY

NATIONAL UKULELE DAY

February 2 is National Ukulele Day and we're giving you permission to strum away the winter blues. Join us as we explain why this affordable, portable, and notorious instrument not only has a rich history, but is guaranteed to make you smile if you play.

#NationalUkuleleDay

The word "ukulele" translates to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian. It's considered the world's most accessible instruments and is is often called the "happiest instrument on Earth." Not only do people get tropical vibes when they hear the ukulele, but it seems to be  designed to make the human brain feel happy. Even the saddest songs played on the instrument make the listener feel hopeful.

The ukulele arrived in Hawaii via Portuguese immigrants in 1879, when a ship arrived in Honolulu carrying Portuguese sugar cane workers from Madeira. Among the workers were three cabinet makers who brought a small, four-stringed instrument called the machete de braga. It didn't take long for Hawaiians to become fascinated with this strange instrument, learning to tune and play quickly.

King David Kalākaua loved the instrument so much he integrated it into royal gatherings, blending it with traditional Hawaiian hula and chant. The ukulele became a way of life after the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown in 1893 cementing it as a symbol of Hawaiian culture. After that, playing the ukulele served as a way to keep Hawaiian language and music alive.

Today, the ukulele is a tool of storytelling, providing the rhythmic and melodic backdrop for lyrics that discuss the land (ʻāina), ancestry, and political issues. It's a deeply respected symbol of national identity and cultural resilience for islanders and is often considered the heart of family and social gatherings.

5 WAYST TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL UKULELE DAY

The ukulele is the ultimate instrument to learn because it's quiet and non-intimidating. Even if you've never touched the instrument, learning can be done within a short amount of time. Here are a few simple ideas to help you take this musical celebration a step further:

  1. Host an informal jam session and invite family and friends to play.

  2. Visit your local music store and purchase a ukulele. The average cost is around $50, making it affordable to own one.

  3. Watch a documentary about the evolution of the ukulele. We recommend The Mighty Uke, which traces the instrument's journey from a 1950s toy to a global phenomenon.

  4. Find a virtual ukulele jam session online. Many clubs host "Zoom Jams" where people can join in from their living rooms.

  5. Share your knowledge, musical skills, and love for the ukulele on social media using the hashtag #NationalUkuleleDay.

HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL UKULELE DAY

"Ukulele" Mike Lynch is crated with creating this National Ukulele Day in 2011. As a favorite YouTube ukulele educator, Mike wanted to make people smile by encouraging them play in public, at work, at school, or on a street corner. Mike has spent his life "Bringing the world together, four strings at a time."