National Limerick Day: May 12th

National Limerick Day is celebrated annually on May 12th in honour of the witty and whimsical five-line poems known as limericks — and to mark the birthday of the poet who popularised them, Edward Lear. It’s a light-hearted literary celebration that invites everyone to get a little silly, creative, and rhythmic with words.

Key Facts About National Limerick Day

What Is a Limerick?

A limerick is a short, humorous poem with a specific rhythm and rhyming pattern:

• Five lines long
• Rhyme scheme: AABBA
• Often silly, whimsical, or even a bit cheeky
• Follows a rhythm called an “anapestic metre”

Limericks are loved for their nonsense style and comic tone, making them perfect for playful writing — whether you’re a child, a teacher, or a poet-at-heart.

How to Celebrate National Limerick Day

Whether you’re new to poetry or a seasoned wordsmith, there are plenty of fun ways to join the celebration:

• Write your own limericks and share them with friends or online
• Read Edward Lear’s “A Book of Nonsense” aloud
• Host a limerick-writing contest at school or work
• Watch performances or videos of professional poets reading limericks
• Use limericks to introduce children to rhythm, rhyme, and creativity
• Explore poetry workshops or online resources to fine-tune your verse

Sample Limericks to Inspire You

Here are a couple of Edward Lear’s famous (and funny) limericks:

“There was an Old Man with a beard,
Who said, ‘It is just as I feared!’
Two owls and a hen,
Four larks and a wren,
Have all made their nests in my beard!”

“There was a young lady whose chin,
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp,
And purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is National Limerick Day?

It’s a fun, literary observance on May 12th that celebrates the quirky and clever poem known as the limerick — and honours Edward Lear’s birthday, the writer who helped make them famous.

Why are limericks important?

• They encourage creative writing
• They introduce young readers to rhythm and rhyme
• They’re a gateway into enjoying poetry through humour

Can limericks be used in education?

Yes! Many schools use limericks to help children understand poetic structure, rhythm, and rhyming patterns. They’re often used in classroom workshops and poetry days.

How do I write a limerick?

Follow this simple guide:

• 5 lines total
• Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme and have 8–9 syllables
• Lines 3 and 4 rhyme and have 5–6 syllables
• Use humour, imagination, or a twist in the last line

Future Dates for National Limerick Day

Hashtags for National Limerick Day

• #NationalLimerickDay
• #LimerickDay
• #EdwardLear
• #BookOfNonsense
• #LimerickPoetry
• #PoetryIsFun
• #WriteALimerick