Escapology is an ancient art that’s seeing rising popularity in recent days. The recent craze started with a slew of internet games that were easy to code, and a lot of fun to play.
In these games you were put in a situation where you were trapped in some location, be it a room, a house, even a car. Throughout the game, you’d try to find all the tools and clues you needed to escape that location in as little time as possible.
Escapology, however, has a much longer history, and Escapology Day celebrates its past, present, and future.
History of Escapology Day
Practitioners of Escapology are known as escapologists, and among their number you’ll find such notable names as Harry Houdini, the Davenport Brothers, and John Nevil Maskelyne, just to name a few.
These artists performed incredible stunts involving their escape from seemingly impossible situations, some of them putting them at such risk that it cost some of them their lives. The term itself came to be thanks to Norman Murray Walters, a contemporary of Harry Houdini and highly respected escapologist.
Escapology even has its own Patron Saint, at least if you ask the escapologists themselves. St. Nicholas Own was said to have help jailbreak two Jesuit inmates from the Tower of London after having escaped himself. Due to the seeming impossibility of escaping from this prison Catholic escapologists have taken him as their own, along with St. John Don Bosco.
While not nearly as perilous as the feats attempted by these pioneers of the practice, modern escapology has been brought to amateurs in the form of ‘Escape Room’ businesses that create puzzles for people to solve in a set amount of time.
How To Celebrate Escapology Day
Celebrating Escapology Day can be done in many ways, but its best to start by researching escapologists and seeing if any are performing near you. You can also practice escapology yourself by trying to learn the tricks of the trade, but do start slow and safe, lest you end up like the late great Harry Houdini.
Looking for something a little safer or escapology you can practice with your friends? Escape Room Businesses are popping up all over the place, and provide a rare and interesting opportunity to experience the wonders of escapology in a safe environment.
You don’t have to wait for Escapology Day to do it either! These businesses are open all year round and can be a great way to bond with your friends.
