Frankenstein Day is an unofficial holiday that falls on August 30th every year. This holiday celebrates the life and works of Mary Shelley, an English author who crafted one of the most-read monster novels in the world, entitled “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” Her book is considered the first modern horror ever written, and people have enjoyed it for over two centuries. On this day, people can pick up a copy of this book or watch one of the many Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years.

The History of Mary Shelley & Frankenstein

This holiday celebrates Mary Shelley, and as such, it falls on the anniversary of her birthday in 1797, August 30th. Her mother died less than a month after she was born, and she was raised by her father. At the age of four, her father married Mary Jane Clairmont, a neighbor, and Mary had a troubled relationship with her throughout her childhood.

At the age of 17, she began a romance with one of her father’s political followers, Percy Bysshe Shelley—a man five years her senior and already married. Mary Shelley, Percy, and Mary’s stepsister Claire Clairmont traveled throughout Europe. Upon their return to England, Mary was pregnant with Percy Shelley’s child. The next two years for the couple were not pleasant, as they faced ostracism, constant debt, and the death of their prematurely born daughter. When Percy Shelley’s wife committed suicide, the couple then married in 1816.

After marrying, Mary and Percy Shelley, along with Mary’s stepsister, spent the summer with Lord Byron and John William Polidori near Geneva, Switzerland. It was here that Mary Shelley came up with the idea for Frankenstein during a writing contest between them. The book was published on January 1, 1818.

Observing Frankenstein Day

Frankenstein Day is best observed by picking up a copy of Mary Shelley’s classic and reading it from beginning to end. Finding a copy isn’t difficult because it has been in the public domain for many years. It’s also a good day to learn more about Mary Shelley and her remarkable life. If you’re observing this holiday, be sure to use the hashtag #FrankensteinDay on your social media accounts to share the fun with the world.

Another way to observe this holiday is by watching one of the many Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years. Below is an incomplete list of all the Frankenstein movies that have been made over the years, starting with the first one made in 1910.

Frankenstein Movies:

• Frankenstein (1910)
• The Monster of Frankenstein (1920)
• Frankenstein (1931)
• Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
• The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
• Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
• House of Frankenstein (1944)
• Frankenstein 1970 (1958)
• The Monster Squad (1987)
• I, Frankenstein (2014)