A potion is a mythological liquid that contains some sort of medicine, a magical elixir, or, in some of the darker stories, poison. The word comes from the Latin word “potare,” which means “to drink.”

All throughout history, potions have captured the public’s imagination, and they have appeared in countless stories, television shows, and movies over the years. Now, they have earned their own holiday—a holiday that captures the “magic” of these fictional liquids.

This holiday is called Brew a Potion Day, and it’s observed annually on the 19th of January. It’s a day to celebrate the potions of fairy tales and popular media, and maybe even throw a Potion Party for friends and loved ones.

The History of Brew a Potion Day

As we stated earlier, potions come from the Latin word “potare,” a word that means “to drink.” Potions have been used for hundreds of years and became extremely popular during the Early Middle Ages in Europe. Women would often brew medications for the village that included herbs, oils, and other natural ingredients that had supposed healing properties.

During the 13th century, apothecaries became especially popular, and they made a variety of “healing potions,” restorative teas, and other “medicines.” And for hundreds of years, potions would be sold by less than scrupulous snake-oil salesmen who sold fake cures, panaceas, and tinctures.

Potions were so widely known throughout history that they ended up in all kinds of different stories and fairy tales. They are almost always created by a fairy, witch, or magician and have been commonly associated with witchcraft.

Unfortunately, while the history of potions is quite clear, the history of Brew a Potion Day is not. We’re unsure who invented this holiday, why they invented it, or even when they invented it. All that we know is that this holiday was brewed up a few years ago and has been a source of fun for people ever since.

Observing Brew a Potion Day

This is a holiday that can easily be observed simply by brewing a few “potions” for friends and family members. Now, when we say potion, we mean people should create their own drinks and not medicines. Let’s get that straight right now. Perhaps a nice cocktail or fruit-based drink. Those are the kinds of potions that people should make on this day.

People can also enjoy stories, television shows, and movies that use potions as plot devices. And, of course, people can host potion parties where they serve their friends and family drinks and maybe practice a little bit of stage magic. They should just be sure to use the hashtag #BrewAPotionDay on social media to spread the word about this holiday while they’re celebrating it.