Town Crier Day

Oyez Oyez Oyez

Before Gutenberg came around, basically changing the course of human literacy with his Printing Press, most people were ignorant. Not by choice, rather due to situation and circumstance. It’s hard to learn new ideas without access to books or the ability to read, and literacy rates back in the day were low. Really low, so when members of the ruling class (aka “the man” aka Royalty, nobility, fuedal lords, etc.) needed to inform the common folk of news rather than send out a flyer they sent out the town crier!

Much like Catholic Dogma belief that the Pope is God’s physical spokesperson, Town Criers spoke on behalf of Rulers. The protection was extreme, too (i.e. don’t shoot the messenger). Killing a Town Crier was deemed treason, and subsequently punishable by death. Unfortunately, time is a little too abstract to behead for treason, and time ultimately led to the decline in Town Criers. However, Town Criers are a hearty bunch, and despite some setbacks (an 82% global literacy rate, and 97%+ in most developed nations) they’ve not gone down quietly. Town Criers can still be seen (distinguished by their fetching tricorne hats and other generally anachronistic fashions) and heard (OYEZ, is the usual greeting. There’s also the bell). Perhaps the best time to find a Town Crier would be on their own special day, their own zany holiday, Town Crier Day.

Being loud is a key, so to celebrate this outrageous holiday make sure you’re loud. Spend your day making announcements. Dinner time? “OYEZ OYEZ OYEZ. By official decree of [name here] it’s Dinner time.” Make sure to keep a megaphone on hand, this whacky holiday might leave you a little hoarse.