Do you have an important date coming up on your professional calendar? You could say it's a 'red letter day' for your career. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The 'red letter day' refers to a day of significance or importance to a community. For instance, Christmas day or Superbowl Sunday are red letter days for Americans. Some scholars may refer to a ‘red letter day’ as a 'scarlet letter day,' but both terms are interchangeable.
Red letter day is the more popular option to use in modern language. A red letter day is a day of opportunity or significance. Typically red letter days refer to events or calendar dates of importance to a large community.
Example Usage
"Today's a red letter day, for sure. The president is coming to address the university as an alumnus. I can't wait to hear her speak."
"The Romans would mark 'red letter days' on their calendar to show their importance to society. No one ever missed the events of a red letter day."
"The opening of the new Star Wars movie is a red letter day I don't intend to miss. I already booked front row tickets at the theatre."
"Going back to school is a red letter day for students. They all have so much preparation to do beforehand."
"That's a red letter day, for sure. You can't have an event like that happen without thousands of people participating."
"The Superbowl is a red letter day for the Patriots this season. If they win this one, they're going down in the history books."
"That was a real red letter day for me. Receiving that prize was a special moment I'll treasure forever."
"Let's head to the stadium. It's a red letter day for our boys. They won't make the playoffs this season if they don't win this one."
Origin
The expression 'red letter days' originates from the roman Empire, circa 527 BC. The Romans would indicate important days of celebration and worship by marketing them in red on the calendar. In some medieval manuscripts, highlighted words, known as 'Rubrics,' or initial capitals, were written in red.
Today, many calendars follow this tradition, as does Catholic literature. The calendar indicates dates, like Christmas day, in red, instead of black.
The first use of the expression in modern language comes from America. 'The journals of Madam Knight and Rev. Mr. Buckingham' was published in American Speech in 1940. However, the oldest iteration of the phrase appears in archaic English in 'The Boke of Eneydos' written by William Caxton and published in 1490, where it appears as follows.
"We wryte yet in oure kalenders the hyghe festes wyth rede lettres of coloure of purpre."
Phrases Similar to Red Letter Days
- Special day.
- Day to remember.
- Gala day.
Phrases Opposite to Red Letter Days
- Insignificant date.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Red letter day.
Ways People May Say Red Letter Days Incorrectly
A red letter day is a day of significance to many people. It would be incorrect to describe a solo event, such as your birthday. However, you could say New Year's is a red letter day for people who want to make resolutions and change their lifestyle or habits into the new year.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Red Letter Days
You can use ‘red letter days’ to describe any scheduled calendar date or event of importance. The phrase applies to social and professional events. A red letter day can apply to any date of significance on the calendar. Typically, it refers to an event that includes more than one person.
For instance, financial year end is a red letter day for a company accountant because they must calculate the year's financial statements. Going back to school is a red letter day for students, and the Superbowl is a red letter day for the football teams participating in the event.