National Bagel and Lox Day is a holiday observed annually on February 9th, celebrating one of the greatest food combinations ever created. Lox is a brined salmon fillet that’s sometimes smoked (but doesn’t have to be) and is served on a bagel with cream cheese, often garnished with sliced onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, and capers.

Bagels are a bread product that originated in Jewish communities in Poland during the 17th century, and the process of making lox was perfected by Scandinavians. However, the combination of bagel and lox wouldn’t come together until Jewish communities in New York created it during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The History Of Bagel & Lox

Although the combination of Bagels and Lox is just over 125 years old, bagels and lox have been around for a long time. Bagels are believed to have been created in China before the 12th century. Bagels were heavily used among the Jewish community in Poland during the 12th century, thanks to a church ban that only allowed boiled bread to be consumed. Eastern European Jews would eventually bring their bagels with them to America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Lox is a fish that originated in Scandinavia. They perfected the art of using saltwater brine to preserve salmon sometime during the 19th century. It was also during this time that Scandinavians brought the art of making lox to America. It was there that bagels and lox would eventually come together.

Early American Jews began to use lox on bagels because it was easier to buy Kosher fish—even from non-Jewish stores. And because lox didn’t require refrigeration to stay fresh, it was easy to keep on hand. That’s how bagels and lox became such a great combination that’s still enjoyed today, a combination that has earned its own holiday.

Observing National Bagel And Lox Day

The best way to observe this holiday is by enjoying some bagel and lox. It’s almost a no-brainer. Just purchase some fresh bagels, some lox, and whatever else you want to put on it, and you’re ready to have a whole lot of fun with this special holiday.