It’s Ed Balls day. It’s a very special day for many lovers of social media jokes around the world. But if you don’t know what that is, today is a good day to learn.
Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of arguably one of the best political social media gaffes.
So, if you’re wondering why your Twitter feed is full of people wishing others a “Happy Ed Balls Day,” here’s why.
You see, exactly five years ago former MP Ed Balls took to Twitter and tweeted his own name.
“Ed Balls.”
As the legend goes, Balls actually asked one of his assistants to search Twitter for news articles that mentions his name.
Instead of entering Balls’ name in the search field, the assistant tweeted it instead, and a new “holiday” was born.
Much like Festivus, the fictional holiday celebrated by man Seinfeld fans every year, Ed Balls Day was marked by memes, mentions and was greeted by some as if was Christmas morning.
“It’s a shame Ed Balls Day has lost its true meaning. Too commercialised these days. #EdBallsDay,” David Wriglesworth tweeted.
“Just setting off for work, and already dreading the #EdBallsDay traffic. I just know everyone will out visiting friends and family,” Sam Ellis said.
“God, it’s crazy how it comes around so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my first. Happy #EdBallsDay!” Dylan H Morris tweeted.
Even some well-known commercial brands got into the celebrations this year.
Here’s a look at more Ed Balls Day celebrations on Twitter.
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