Flake Appreciation Day Date in the current year: December 18, 2024

Snowflakes are ice crystals - usually tiny, although there have been notable exceptions - that fall through the atmosphere of the Earth as snow. They form around organic or mineral particles called ice nuclei high in the atmosphere, where the air is saturated with water at temperatures below freezing. Snowflakes take their shape as they move down through atmospheric zones with different humidity and temperature levels.

The temperature and humidity at which a snowflake is formed are the primary factors determining its shape. Some snowflakes have a pretty simple shape, while others are incredibly complex. Although snowflakes often appear symmetrical, they are all shaped with some degree or irregularity and are never perfectly symmetrical.

No two snowflakes are alike, at least in nature, although it is possible to grow two identical snowflakes in a lab environment. The first attempts to find two identical snowflakes were made in the late 19th century with the help of microscopic photography. These first photographs laid the foundation for the modern classification of snowflake shapes.

As we’ve already said, no two snowflakes are perfectly identical, but they are often very similar. There are 80 distinct snowflake shapes that can be divided into the following main groups: needle crystals, columnar crystals, plate crystals, combinations of columnar and plate crystals, columnar crystals with extended side planes, rimed crystals, irregular snow crystals, and germ of snow crystals. Each of the groups is further subdivided into two or more subgroups.

Over the years, snowflakes have become a popular symbol in many cultures, especially in Europe and North America. Of course, they are primarily associated with winter, cold weather, and the Christmas holiday season. Stylized snowflakes can be found on various emblems; for example, the Order of Canada uses a snowflake to represent the northern heritage and diversity of Canadians.

The origins of Flake Appreciation Day are murky, but we suppose it has been created by someone who loves winter and snow. The best way to celebrate this amazing holiday is to go outside and have fun in the snow. Catch some snowflakes on your tongue, build a snowman or a snow fort, make snow angels, have a snowball fight with your friends, go skiing or sledding… Any activity that involves snow will do!

But what do you do if there is no snow on December 18? How do you observe Flake Appreciation Day then? Well, you can celebrate snowflakes even without going outside. Listen to your favorite songs about snow (Let It Snow is a classic), watch a Christmas movie, make paper snowflakes with your kids… anything that will get you into the festive mood! And don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #FlakeAppreciationDay.