It's Twosday! 5 special ways to celebrate 2/22/22 in Greater Columbus
Today is a special Tuesday. Or should we say, "Twosday."
Feb. 22, 2022 — or 2/22/22 — is a rare palindrome date, meaning it reads the same forwards and backwards.
This February was full of palindrome dates, actually — 10 in the month-day-year form, according to The Providence Journal, which interviewed Aziz Inan, a University of Portland (Oregon) professor who has been studying palindrome dates for the last decade.
For many, it's an auspicious day — a great time to celebrate a birthday or marriage. In Sacramento, California, there will be an event at the State Capitol for 222 couples to join in a collective wedding event. The ceremony will conclude at 2:22 p.m., of course.
Others are happy to use it as an opportunity to use their favorite palindrome words or phrases. Like: "racecar," "Go hang a salami! I'm a lasagna hog!" or the classic, "A man, a plan, a canal – Panama."
Want to get in the spirit and celebrate this 2/22/22? Try one of these ideas that you're sure to enjoy coming or going!
1. Watch the movie 'The Palindromists'
"The Palindromists" (2020) is a documentary about palindrome creators as they prepare for the World Palindrome Championship, a competition hosted by Will Shortz. Available on DVD through the Columbus Metropolitan Library, it can be watched for free on Tubi and rented through a variety of streaming platforms, including Amazon and iTunes.
Looking for something a little more mainstream? Try Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" from 2020. Not only is the title a palindrome but action in the move takes place forward and backward!
2. Listen to the song 'Bob' by 'Weird Al' Yankovic
This "Weird Al" song from the album "Poodle Hat" consists of lyrics that are entirely made of palindromes, including the title itself. Just a taste: "I, man, am Regal, a German am I / Never odd or even / If I had a Hi-Fi / Madam, I'm Adam." In the music video, Yankovic portrays Bob Dylan.
3. Read a palindrome-inspired book
There are a surprising number of books dedicated to palindromes. Among a few at the Columbus Metropolitan Library are some that target young people:
"If You Were a Palindrome" (2007) by Michael Dahl. This book offers a basic introduction to the concept.
"Mom and Dad are Palindromes" (2006) by Mark Shulman. Find the 101 words and phrases that are palindromes in this book about a kid named Bob, who also has a sister named Nan, a dog named Otto ... you get the idea.
"Madam and Nun and 1001" (2012) by Brian P. Cleary. This book is a rhyming introduction to palindromes that starts simple and works its way up to the outrageous "saippuakivikauppias" (Finnish for soapstone cutter).
"Otto: A Palindrama" (2021) by Jon Agee. This graphic novel about a boy searching for his dog is told entirely in palindromes.
"From A to Zotamorf: The Dictionary of Palindromes" (1992) by Stephen Chism.
Or, for those who want to enjoy palindromes without focusing on the grammar, consider grabbing one of these titles:
"Madam" (2021) by Debby Applegate (biography of Jazz Age icon Polly Adler)
"Pop" (2009) by Tony Scherman (biography of Andy Warhol)
"Eve" (2015) by William P. Young (novel)
4. Make your own palindrome
There are plenty of online resources to help you discover fun words and phrases that read the same way forwards and backwards. Some help you make your own while others provide a list of unexpected treats. Here are five dreamed up by the Random Palindrome Generator:
No, tie it on.
Draw pupil’s lip upward.
Stressed was I ere I saw desserts.
Rats at a bar grab at a star.
Not a banana baton.
5. Dress for success
While it might be too late to order a "Happy Twos Day 2-22-22" shirt, there are plenty of other ones to choose. TeePublic alone has more than 70 designs available on its website, including one featuring a palindrome cow who says "Moom."
The easiest solution for something to wear on 2/22/22, though, might be the simplest — even though it's not a palindrome itself. How about a tutu?
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Palindrome date 2/22/22 is an auspicious time for many
