“There is a place. A place that knows no sadness, where even feeling blue is a happy thing. A place inhabited by little blue beings three apples high. It lies deep within an enchanted forest, hidden away beyond the medieval village. Most people believe this place is made up, only to be found in books or children’s imagination. Well, we beg to differ.” (The Smurfs, 1981)
Papa Smurf and Smurfette made an appearance at the 1983 Christmas Parade in Ardmore, Oklahoma! They were joined by a Care Bear, equal in size and stature. =)
Let’s Celebrate Global Smurf Day
If you grew up in the 80s, the “La-La-La-La-La-La” theme song is likely permanently etched into your brain. Whether you loved them or found them slightly exhausting, there is no denying the Smurfs are a cultural powerhouse. That’s why Global Smurf Day is a real thing, celebrated every year on the Saturday closest to June 25th.
Why June 25th? It’s the birthday of Peyo (Pierre Culliford), the Belgian artist who first introduced these “three apples high” creatures in a 1958 comic strip.
At their core, the Smurfs were always about community and the fact that everyone has a specific “thing” they contribute. My best friend in high school had a massive Smurf collection. She was in love with The Smurfs.
Also, it’s strange the things one remembers. In the mid 1990s, my colleague Yvonne wore a blue skirt and bright blue tights to work one day. I told she looked cute and she responded with, “Oh, please. I look like a Smurfette.” I have thought of this interaction hundreds of times over the last 30 years. Yvonne never wore that giddup again.
I do, occassionally, miss the colored pantyhose/tights phase. My freshman year of college I had a stunning green plaid drop waist dress, which I wore with green sheer pantyhose and green 9 West patton leather ballet flats. The outfit was divine, and I have quite literally digressed.
For 20 years I’ve written culturally literate, emotionally complex and historically grounded long-form articles and photo essays about Generation X (b. 1961-1981) that are rooted in memory, decay and preservation. Much of my content is museum and editorial-level storytelling. Thank you for reading and sharing.