National Big Wig Day
The term ‘big wig’ has often been applied to someone who is an important person in a particular sphere of influence.
But on National Big Wig Day, anyone and everyone counts as a big-wig because every human qualifies as a very important person!
National Big Wig Day embraces the play on words that comes from the fact that a person can actually wear a wig that is very big. And that’s just one of the ways that folks are invited to celebrate this fun and lighthearted day.
National Big Wig Day Timeline
1600s
Rise of the Peruke: The European Wig Craze
Wigs, or perukes, become fashionable among European elites, especially in France and England, symbolizing social rank and authority.
1715
Wigs as a Status Symbol in British Society
Extraordinarily large and elaborate wigs are worn by judges and aristocrats, giving rise to the association of ‘big wigs’ with important people.
1730s
Metaphorical Use of “Big Wig” Appears
The term “bigwig” starts to appear in English usage as a metaphor for people in positions of power, stemming from the wig-wearing elite.
Late 1800s
Wig Use Declines, Retained in Ceremonial Roles
Wearing wigs fades from mainstream Western fashion, but remains in use for ceremonial, judicial, and theatrical purposes.
1960s
Costume Wigs Gain Popularity in Pop Culture
Synthetic wigs become popular for costume use and self-expression in music, performance, and festivities.
1989
Wigs for Medical and Self-Expression Purposes
Organizations and charities begin providing wigs for people experiencing medical hair loss, broadening the wig’s role in society.
How to Celebrate National Big Wig Day
Get super creative with fun and outrageous ways to celebrate National Big Wig Day, getting started with a few of these:
Pop on a Big Wig!
Laughter is such a delightful way to help bring happy hormones into the body and reduce stress. And for many people, dressing up in a big wig is a surefire way to get a laugh!
Take some time prior to National Big Wig Day to do a bit of prep-work, whether shopping for a wig, renting one from a costume shop or borrowing one from a sassy grandma.
Then wear the wig on the day and post a photo on social media to raise awareness about the event.
Host a National Big Wig Day Event
One of the main themes behind National Big Wig Day is to bring people out of the dull blues of life and help them to feel better about the way they look.
The idea is to encourage laughter and embrace the silliness of life – including getting dressed up in a big wig!
In honor of the day, host an event with a few friends at home or with a larger scope through church or a community center.
Invite people to get dressed up in the most outrageous wigs just for fun. Those who are interested in supporting others might be interested in making the event a fundraiser for the Look Good, Feel Better charity.
History of National Big Wig Day
National Big Wig Day was founded by Patty Sharkey in 2016 during a difficult time that came after the holidays.
It is not uncommon for people to have experiences of post-holiday blues in January, partially related to the let-down after a busy season and also sometimes related to the darkness that comes with the winter months.
Sharkey found that going through her collection of wigs brought her a little bit of joy, so she posted a selfie (in a wig) on social media, joking that she had “wigged-out”.
Although she was kidding when she wrote ‘Happy National Big Wig Day’, what Sharkey found was that the responses to her silliness made a big difference in helping her get over the post-holiday blues.
A few giggles and some interaction with online friends was just the solution she needed.
But the idea for National Big Wig Day didn’t stop there! National Big Wig Day parties were hosted in several states throughout the US, choosing to raise funds to help support the Look Good, Feel Better division of the American Cancer Society, particularly helping raise money for women who need wigs after an illness.
Facts About National Big Wig Day
Origins of the Term “Bigwig”
The term “bigwig” originated in 17th- and 18th-century Britain, when wearing large and elaborate wigs was a symbol of high rank and authority among judges, politicians, and aristocrats.
Those with the most impressive wigs were often in the most powerful positions, giving rise to the modern figurative use of the term for important people.
Wigs in Legal Professions
To this day, traditional wigs are still worn in courtrooms by judges and barristers in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries.
This practice represents continuity, anonymity, and formality in legal proceedings—a centuries-old tradition that persists in the modern era.
Wigs in Ancient Egypt
Wigs were used as far back as ancient Egypt, where both men and women wore them not only for fashion but also for protection from the sun and as a symbol of social status.
Ancient Egyptian wigs were made from human hair, plant fibers, or wool, and were often intricately styled.
The Role of Wigs in Theater
Wigs have been a fundamental part of theater for centuries, allowing actors to quickly adopt different characters, ages, and social statuses.
In both European and Japanese traditions, elaborate wigs have been key to enhancing visual storytelling and character transformation on stage.
Medical and Psychological Impact of Wigs
Wigs provide practical and psychological support for people experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions such as cancer or alopecia.
Wearing a wig can help restore confidence and contribute positively to emotional well-being during challenging times.
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