Weights and Measures Day

Weights and Measures Day is observed annually on May 20th, the anniversary of an international treaty, signed on 20th May 1875, providing for the establishment of an International Bureau of Weights and Measures.

When you start thinking about how to weigh something, do you know how to measure it? Do you use the same gauge to measure water? What if you are measuring flour? Does a pound in Germany equal that in Austria?

If you've ever wondered about things like this and how it all works, you'll want to know about Weight and Measure Day. This holiday celebrates the day the world agreed on the use of weights and measures under the International Treaty.

History of Weights and Measures Day

May 20, 1875 was one of the most important days in history concerning international trade and the exchange of ideas around the globe. On this day, the world came together and the signing of the International Treaty meant that all 59 signatories agreed to use a standard system of weights and measures.

At the same time, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures was created to help organize activities to standardize the measurements the world will use in the future.

This is necessary because throughout human history, different fields have used a variety of measurement systems and standards. This makes it difficult to exchange and communicate on commercial topics, and methods must be devised to move between these different systems.

As industrialization is happening, especially with the advent of interchangeable parts, standards of measurement are needed to bring the world together.

Some examples of older measurements involve the original foot, which is said to be the length of the King's foot. There are also acres, which is the amount of land a farmer can plow in a day.

Strings are also used to measure distances; with a string that is both an actual string and a measure of length. With all these confusing measurements, something has to be done. Weights and Measures Day celebrates the day when something was finally there.

How to Celebrate Weights and Measures Day

Celebrate the day by taking helpful measures that you still haven't fully mastered. Another way to celebrate this day is to pay homage to old-fashioned remedies like Chaldron, areca, clove, and tree roots. Then, post photos and share your thoughts on social media about the day using the hashtag #WeightsandMeasuresDay.