Most of us have heard the term "Bloomsday" at one time or another, but how many of us have taken the time to wonder what it actually means?
Aside from being an annual run in Spokane, WA, Bloomsday is celebrated on June 16th, and it's origins are steeped in Irish literature.
Bloomsday is celebrated annually as a commemoration of the life of author James Joyce, and is named for the character, Leopold Bloom in the Joyce classic, Ulysses.
Often considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, this century old piece draws parallels to the classic Homer poem, The Odyssey and follows the experiences of three Dubliner's over the course of one day (June 16th).
While there are plenty of pieces of important pieces of modernist literature, yet very few have their own day. So why Bloomsday?
At the 50th anniversary of the events of Ulysses, a group of men decided to make the Ulysses pilgrimage through Dublin. Representing different characters in the novel, they began their journey at the Martello Tower where the novel begins with plans to end their evening in the area Joyce dubbed Nighttown.
Unfortunately, their journey was abandoned halfway through due to the groups over inebriation.
However, this was taken in stride and led to several Bloomsday celebrations across the globe. The largest of the celebrations is a weeklong festival in Dublin, where enthusiasts dress in costume, and retrace the Leopold Bloom's route to different Dublin landmarks (and pubs).
Bloomsday celebrations also take place in several countries, including: Australia, Canada, Italy and the United States.
For those of us stateside looking to participate, many museums and libraries across the country participate by hosting readings, costume contests and Irish music.
But of course, there is always the option of picking up a copy of Ulysses or another Joyce novelJoyce novel at your local library and getting lost in the modernist prose!
