All About National Fortune Cookie Day

Bet you didn’t know that there’s a day dedicated to fortune cookies? That’s right, National Fortune Cookie Day is July 20^th. On this day, America celebrates the golden goodness of the fortune cookie. If you haven’t yet jumped on the cookie-day bandwagon, you still have time to honor this unique little edible fortune teller by creating a National Fortune Cookie Day festivity of your own.

Most people think of these fortune cookies as a Chinese invention. In fact, it is an American one. The fortune cookie did not exist in China at all. It is thought that Chinese-Americans in San Francisco invented the tasty treat as a dessert for American customers who were used to a sweet at the end of their restaurant meals. Since the Chinese don’t usually eat sweets at the end of a meal, the cookie was invented as a way to please diners.

Another story tells of Japanese ingenuity that brought the fortune cookie to life. Again, San Francisco is the location where the cookie is said to have been designed. But this time it was said to be by a Japanese designer of the Tea Gardens at Golden Gate Park. When he was fired due to anti-Japanese politics, the cookie was eaten by his fellow San Franciscans in great quantities to show support.

It doesn’t really matter how the fortune cookie came to be. All that matters is that people love the excitement of having their fortune told at the end of a Chinese meal. The fortunes can be funny, witty or confusing, but everyone enjoys reading them. Lottery numbers or Chinese vocabulary can summon up hilarity and are the topics of many an after-dinner conversation.

What can you do on National Fortune Cookie Day? Create a party of your own. Invite friends over for a fortune cookie making party. If you’re not that good in the kitchen, make them out of paper circles. A few simple folds and you’ve got yourself a cute take-home reminder of a fun day. Create fortunes for each other and then insert them into your cookies. Dress up your table with silk or a Chinese-based printed fabric. Wear a mandarin collared jacket or shirt. Set up tea lights and brew some tea. Hang paper lanterns. Order Chinese food to be delivered and then sit on the floor and enjoy your little party in honor of the humble fortune cookie.

Many variations of the classic fortune cookie have hit the market. There are now chocolate, orange, and even spicy flavors. Upscale restaurants are making their own versions of the crispy cookie. You can find chocolate dipped fortune cookie and sprinkles, coconut, and peanuts. Many a couple has gotten engaged when a cookie bearing a marriage proposal was presented after dinner. It’s amazing the kinds of messages you can place inside a simple little cookie.

A holiday as lighthearted as National Fortune Cookie day should make everyone smile. Any day dedicated to a cookie can’t be bad. Why not design a July 20^th celebration in honor of the fortune cookie and make it a regular summer fete?

You’ll have the most unique reason to celebrate on the block. Don’t be surprised if your house becomes the most popular one come fortune cookie day.