Source: John Lund / Getty
National Magic Day each year on October 31st recognizes the thrill of seeing the performance art. It takes place during National Magic Week.
Magic is a performance art entertaining audiences through the creation of illusions. The methods of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats use natural means. The person performing such entertainment is called a magician or an illusionist.
Humans have likely created magical displays throughout history. One of the most renowned magicians was Harry Houdini. Known for his *escapology, Houdini had developed a range of stage magic tricks and made full use of the variety of conjuring techniques, including fake equipment and collusion with individuals in the audience. His show business savvy was as exceptional as his showmanship. The Houdini Museum is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
* Escapology is the practice of escaping from restraints or other traps.
Some Magic Categories:
- Stage illusions –a kind of large scale performance on a stage.
- Parlor magic – a performance before a medium scale audience such as an auditorium.
- Micromagic – performed close up using coins, cards, and other small items. It’s also known as close-up or table magic. This type of performance occurs in an intimate setting.
- Escapology – In this type of performance, the artist escapes from a dangerous situation such as being submerged underwater while handcuffed or dangling from a burning rope.
- Pickpocket magic – A distraction type of performance, the artist, makes watches, jewelry, wallets, and more disappear through misdirection. The audience witnesses the entire event.
- Mentalism – This type of performance stuns the audience with the artist’s powers of intuition, memory, memory, deduction, and other feats of the mind.
Many magicians take their talents and combine them. Whether they take to show to the streets or entertain children, they hone their skills in a variety of ways. Others travel with fairs or demonstrate their skills with corporate or trade shows. Also, audiences enjoy comedy and magic together.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMagicDay
Attend a magic show or teach yourself a magic trick or watch other magicians perform. Read a book about Harry Houdini or another magician. Visit a magic museum.
Use #NationalMagicDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MAGIC DAY HISTORY
The Society of American Magicians sponsors National Magic Day. In 1938, a Chicago member of the Society of American Magicians sought official permission for a Houdini Day. Mrs. Houdini sanctioned the observance, and October 31st was proclaimed National Magic Day in Harry Houdini’s memory.
Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926)
source: National Day Calendar
