Feb 8 – Laugh and Get Rich Day.
In 1748, at the Court of Versailles, King Louis XV of France declared February 8 to be “Laugh and Get Rich Day.” The King’s thinking was that if people laughed more, they would be happier and, as a result, wealthier. While the King’s decree may not have had the desired effect on the French economy, it is a fun day to celebrate.
Though there is no official record of how the King came up with the idea for Laugh and Get Rich Day, it is speculated that it may have been inspired by a scene in the play The Miser by Molière. In the play, the character Harpagon says, “They say that laughter makes you fat. I wish it would make me rich.”
Whether or not this is the case, it is certain that laughter has many benefits. It is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and even boost your immune system. So, take a break from your workday worries and enjoy a good laugh on February 8th!
