QUESTION: When you ‘tie on’ your apron, what magical kitchen alter ego comes out, The Cookie Queen, The Dinner Diva, or The ‘Let’s Hope This Turns Out’ Chef?
National Tie One on Day might confuse people with its name. However, it is not at all about going out, getting crazy, and drinking too much while others are at home, working hard preparing for tomorrow’s big Thanksgiving Day meal.
#TieOneOnDay
The day celebrates the apron as well as the past generations of women who wore them and it was also created as a day to bring joy to the life of someone in need and celebrate the spirit of giving.
Through the years, aprons have served many purposes. They've protected hands from hot items coming out of the oven. In a moment of sadness, they've wiped tears away. Generation after generation, they protect our clothes while we cook. Though, they also protect shy, young children as they hide from strangers. During moments of haste or even humor, they handily swat away unwelcome kitchen visitors (cats, flies or cookie snatchers). They've carried eggs, vegetables, toys, and even the catch of the day. Aprons fan us as we wait for cakes to finish cooking and on cool mornings, they've warmed hands waiting for children at the bus stop or for the postman. Occasionally, they even make us feel a little more adept in the kitchen, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #TieOneOnDay
As part of National Tie One on Day, buy an apron, bake something, tuck a note of encouragement in the pocket of the apron (or pin it on it). Wrap the baked good in the apron and give it to someone in need on Thanksgiving Eve.
Use #TieOneOnDay to post on social media.
Best-selling author, Ellyn Anne Geisel, created National Tie One on Day. She's also the author of the book titled, The Apron Book.
Apron FAQ
Q. Is it ok to wipe my hands on my apron if I get something on them or after I wash my hands?
A. Cooking can be messy. But the apron is there to protect your clothes, not as an easy place to wipe our butter or flour-covered hands. And though it may be tempting to wash our hands and then dry them on our apron, that too is frowned upon. Our clean hands should be dried on a clean towel before returning to our cooking. Imagine if raw chicken juices splattered up on the apron and then you dried your hands. The potential for contamination is real.
Q. Where does the word "apron" come from?
A. The word apron originally began as the French word "naperon." However, when it was translated to English, the phrase "a napron" gradually separated into "an apron" giving us an accidental word.
Q. Are aprons only worn in the kitchen?
A. No. Many professions use aprons for protecting clothing and person. People who work with wood, leather, and other crafts, use a variety of aprons. Some are made of leather, like those worn by welders. Hospital and hotel workers wear aprons to provide protection while they clean.
