Even though human beings are social creatures and the human mind needs social interactions on some level at least occasionally, there are times when we all need to take a break from society. Sometimes, just the hustle and bustle of civilization can be enough to fray the nerves of even the most sociable people among us. Sometimes we all need a break from people, and fortunately, there’s a solution to that problem. This solution is National Hermit Day—a holiday that’s observed on October 29th.

The History Of National Hermit Day

Even though no one really knows when National Hermit Day was invented, it’s believed that this holiday honors the date that St. Colman mac Duagh died in Ireland in the 7th century. St. Colman had a 7-year hermitage in the Burren Forest, and his Feast Day falls on October 27th.

A List Of Some Famous Hermits

Have you ever wondered if your desire to be alone was something that you shared with other people, or if you’re just a misanthrope? Well, don’t worry about it because you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who want to be alone, and that’s evidenced by the many famous hermits that have appeared throughout history. Below are some of the most famous hermits that we’ve uncovered.

Willard MacDonald

During WWII, Willard Kitchener MacDonald was conscripted into the military at the age of 28. However, he decided that the enlisted life wasn’t for him, so he jumped off a troop train as it passed through Nova Scotia. He built a one-room shack near Gully Lake and lived in it for the next 60 years. Unfortunately, at the age of 87, he died in the woods in 2003 from hypothermia.

Valerio Ricetti

In 1914, Valerio Ricetti was a 16-year-old Italian stonemason who had just moved to Australia to escape the war. His uncle had loaned him the money for the trip, and he worked in the mines for a little while. He would end up losing his money in a brothel, however, and would have to live in a cave outside of a town called Griffith. And when we say he lost his money in a brothel, we mean he actually lost it and didn’t spend it all.

Observing National Hermit Day

This holiday is for anyone who wants to take a break from civilization—if only for one day. It’s a good day to go for a walk in a secluded area, to spend time in your garden, or simply to spend some time at home with a good book. Once you have refreshed from your time alone, you can then think about joining the rest of society the following day.