Born on February 24
Wilhelm Grimm's Birthday
Once upon a time, a storyteller.
Next: February 24, 2027
Where it comes from
Wilhelm Grimm was born in Hanau, Germany, on 24 February 1786, and this Story marks his birthday. With his elder brother Jacob he collected folk tales, mostly from people who told them aloud, and published them as Kinder- und Hausmärchen, 'Children's and Household Tales', between 1812 and 1822.
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but his birthday is a fine excuse for a bedtime story. Read a favourite tale aloud, or try one of the lesser-known ones in the collection. Families can ask grandparents for the stories they heard as children and write them down, which is exactly how the Grimms began.
Did you know
Wilhelm is credited with giving the tales a readable form without losing their folk character.
Read the full story of Wilhelm Grimm's Birthday
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