How much do you know about Grandparents Day? A little bit? You may know what month and/or week it falls in, but do you know any fun facts about it? No? Well, you are in luck because this article will share with you fun facts that will have you scratching your head and belly-laughing at the same time! So, have you ever had wild thoughts like how many grandparents have multi-colored hair and how many like to boogie down at the local night clubs? What about how many grandparents have tattoos and how many of those are new? Better yet, who has the most grandchildren in the US or even the world? Well, we don’t have answers for all of those questions, but you’ll be shocked at how many surprising facts about grandparents, you will learn from this article. So, jump a board and learn some fun facts that you can share with your own grandparents on their very special day!
How big is your family?
Another surprising fact about grandparents signed, sealed, and delivered to you for Grandparents Day is that there have been some pretty gigantic families (size-wise) throughout history. In fact, according to the Daily Mail, Indian-based Ziona Chana currently holds the record for the biggest family. To date, Ziona Chana has 39 wives, 14-daughters-in-law, 94 children, and 33 grandchildren. In addition, before he died, Samuel S. Mast had 11 kids, 97 grandkids, 634 great-grandkids and a whopping 82 great-great-grandkids, according to Kristen Sturt from the American Grandparents Association. The total of family members – 824! How amazing is that?!
Abraham is that you?
Another fun fact about grandparents is lurking around the corner. Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln was named after his grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, who was also killed! No, John Wilkes Booth did not shoot and kill grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, but American Indians did shoot him (and kill him), while he was farming in Kentucky. Wow, now that’s one heck of a coincidence!
How wild are you?
According to a recent survey published in Redbook, approximately 35% of grandparents still have sex at least twice a week. Not only that, but approximately 10% of seniors have been inked (tattoos), and about 7% admit having tried illegal drugs at least once in their lives. Mind-blowing, I know!
How well can you drive?
Ready for some more surprising facts about grandparents for Grandparents Day? Well, one study found that children are safer in vehicles driven by their grandparents than their own parents! No way! Grandma’s and Grandpa’s slow driving could be saving more lives than you think!
Who raised you?
Here’s a fun fact for Grandparents Day that will blow you away. Guess who raised these influential, world-renown leaders: Maya Angelou, Carol Burnett, Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Jack Nicholson, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey? Yep, you got it – their grandparents. Look how well these grandchildren did in life! So, who are the most influential people in the world? Grandparents.
It has an official flower?
One of many surprising facts about Grandparents Day is that it has an official flower associated with it! The official US flower for Grandparents Day is the “forget-me-not.” This majestic plant bears small sky-blue flowers that bring to mind the old phrase “tiny but mighty.” You may not know this but “forget-me-nots” have been used for centuries, as a symbol of respect and remembrance. In fact, during the 15th century, German women wore these delicate flowers in their hair, as a sign of everlasting love.
Wait…there’s a song too?
Yes, here’s another fun fact that you can share on Grandparents Day. This special day has its own official song! “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma,” is the official Grandparents Day tune. It was written and performed by Johnny Prill, an award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter. “A Song for Grandpa and Grandma” became the official song on April 20, 1999. The thing that makes this heartfelt song standout is that it’s told from a grandchild’s perspective. Throughout the song, this sweet young child sings about how much he adores his grandparents. It’s now common for children to sing this song to nursing home residents, who can’t be with their families on Grandparents Day.