Guinness World Records (GWR) Day is an annual celebration of record-breaking where all are encouraged to show off their super skills. 17 November 2023 marks the 20th annual Guinness World Records Day. The “Guinness World Records” or G.W.R. is a book that contains records set from all over the world. It is a resource for checking facts and finding the world’s best records. The book is published in over 100 countries and 23 languages. The day was first celebrated on November 19, 2004, and the “Guinness Book of World Records” became the best-selling book of all time. The “Guinness Book of World Records” is the third best-selling book worldwide after the Bible and the Koran. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually in November to honor all the world records set so far and encourage people to continue breaking records.
History of Guinness World Records Day
On November 10, 1951, the managing director of the Guinness Breweries, Sir Hugh Beaver, became curious about the fastest game bird in Europe at a shooting party in Ireland. He was unsure if it was the golden plover or the red grouse. After a few rounds of arguments, he discovered that there was no single book he could reference to confirm this fact. He also realized that there needed to be a book that could be used as a fact check for records achieved throughout the world during arguments like his (usually started in bars).
This curiosity captured the interest of another employee at Guinness Breweries called Christopher Chataway, who then recommended two of his friends, Norris and Ross McWhirter, who had started a fact-finding agency in London. In August 1954, Norris and Ross McWhirter were commissioned to compile The Guinness Book of Records. The Guinness Book of Records office was established in London, and on August 27, 1955, the first edition of 198 pages was bound and became one of the best-sellers in Britain by Christmas. In 1956, the book was launched in the United States and sold over 70,000 copies.
The G.W.R. quickly became the international authority on record-keeping all the world’s monumental achievements and unknown facts. The G.W.R. became so popular that in 1976, a Guinness Book of World Records Museum was opened in the Empire State Building in the United States to showcase the many brilliant records.
Significance of Guinness World Records Day
Guinness World Records Day is an annual event that celebrates record-breaking achievements and encourages people around the world to attempt new records. This day typically takes place in November, and its significance lies in several aspects:
- Showcasing Human Achievement: Guinness World Records Day provides a platform for individuals and groups to showcase their unique talents, skills, and accomplishments. It highlights the extraordinary abilities and efforts of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Global Participation: The event encourages people from different countries and communities to come together and participate in record-breaking attempts. This global participation fosters a sense of community and shared achievement.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Guinness World Records Day serves as a source of inspiration for individuals to push their limits and strive for excellence. By witnessing others achieve remarkable feats, people may be motivated to pursue their own goals and dreams.
- Promoting Healthy Competition: The event fosters a spirit of healthy competition, where individuals or groups aim to surpass existing records or create new ones. This friendly rivalry can drive innovation and creativity.
- Raising Awareness: Guinness World Records Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about various issues, causes, or charitable endeavors. Many record attempts are linked to fundraising efforts or awareness campaigns for social, environmental, or health-related causes.
- Celebrating Diversity: The records set on this day often span a wide range of categories, reflecting the diversity of human skills and accomplishments. This diversity is celebrated and showcased on a global scale.
- Historical Significance: Guinness World Records, as an organization, has been documenting exceptional achievements for decades. Guinness World Records Day adds to this rich history by capturing new and remarkable moments, contributing to the ongoing record-keeping legacy.
In summary, Guinness World Records Day is significant for celebrating human achievement, fostering a sense of global community, inspiring individuals to reach their full potential, and promoting friendly competition and awareness for various causes. It’s a day that brings people together to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of the human spirit.