What is Frankenstein Friday?

Frankenstein Friday, celebrated annually on the last Friday in October, is a fun holiday dedicated to honoring Frankenstein’s Monster, one of the most iconic characters in horror literature and pop culture. The day celebrates Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which introduced readers to the tragic tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Published in 1818, Frankenstein is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels and has since inspired countless adaptations in literature, film, theater, and art.

Frankenstein Friday encourages fans of the story to explore the themes of the novel, reflect on the influence it has had on horror and science fiction genres, and, of course, enjoy some spooky, Frankenstein-themed fun in preparation for Halloween.

History and Origin

Frankenstein Friday was created in 1997 by Ron MacCloskey, a Frankenstein enthusiast, to celebrate the legacy of Mary Shelley’s creation and the impact her novel has had on popular culture. MacCloskey chose the Friday before Halloween to honor Frankenstein’s Monster, as it aligns with the spooky season and gives fans an opportunity to engage with the character and story in the lead-up to Halloween.

Since its inception, Frankenstein Friday has grown in popularity as a day for fans to celebrate both Shelley’s classic novel and the many adaptations of the Frankenstein story. It has become a time for literary reflection, creative costumes, and monster-themed festivities.

Who Celebrates Frankenstein Friday?

• Literature Enthusiasts: Fans of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein celebrate by re-reading the novel, attending literary discussions, or exploring the themes of the book, such as creation, identity, and isolation.
• Horror and Sci-Fi Fans: Enthusiasts of horror and science fiction often celebrate by watching Frankenstein-inspired films, dressing up as the monster, or exploring the impact of Frankenstein on modern horror.
• Teachers and Students: Many schools and universities use Frankenstein Friday as an opportunity to introduce students to classic literature, discussing Shelley’s novel and its influence on Gothic and science fiction genres.
• Halloween Lovers: Those who enjoy Halloween use Frankenstein Friday to get into the spooky spirit by dressing up, decorating with Frankenstein themes, or hosting monster-themed parties.
• Film Buffs and Cosplayers: Fans of Frankenstein film adaptations, from Frankenstein (1931) to more modern versions, celebrate by cosplaying the characters or sharing their favorite cinematic moments.

Slogans and Themes

Frankenstein Friday is filled with themes of creation, identity, and the consequences of ambition. Slogans like “Celebrate the Monster Within” and “A Modern Prometheus” reflect the depth of Mary Shelley’s story, emphasizing both the tragedy of Frankenstein’s Monster and the fascination with exploring humanity’s role in creation. The day also highlights Frankenstein as an enduring symbol in horror and science fiction.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors:
  • Green, often associated with Frankenstein’s Monster due to his portrayal in film and media.
  • Black, representing the Gothic atmosphere and dark themes of Shelley’s novel.
  • Gray, symbolizing the somber, tragic nature of the creature and his misunderstood existence.
• Symbols:
  • Bolt and stitches, often depicted on Frankenstein’s Monster, representing the idea of being pieced together and brought to life through unnatural means.
  • Electric spark, symbolizing the reanimation of the monster and the science fiction aspect of Shelley’s tale.
  • Open book, representing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a literary masterpiece that continues to inspire readers.
• Patterns:
  • Stitching and scar patterns, mimicking the “stitched together” look of the monster often portrayed in films.
  • Lightning bolt motifs, reflecting the theme of reanimation and the power of science in Frankenstein’s creation.
  • Cobblestone or Gothic architecture patterns, symbolizing the 19th-century Gothic settings in which the story unfolds.

Most Used Hashtags

• #FrankensteinFriday
• #MaryShelley
• #FrankensteinsMonster
• #GothicLiterature
• #HorrorClassics
• #ModernPrometheus
• #FrankensteinFandom
• #ScienceFiction
• #MonsterMash
• #HalloweenHorror

How to Celebrate Frankenstein Friday

• Read or Revisit the Novel: Take time to read or listen to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, reflecting on the novel’s themes of creation, ethics, and isolation.
• Watch Frankenstein Movies: Celebrate by watching classic or modern Frankenstein films, from the 1931 Frankenstein with Boris Karloff to Young Frankenstein or other adaptations.
• Dress Up as Frankenstein’s Monster: Get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up as Frankenstein’s Monster or Dr. Frankenstein. This can be a fun costume for parties, photos, or classroom activities.
• Attend a Literary Event: Join a book club discussion or attend a literary lecture on Frankenstein. Many libraries and universities host events exploring Mary Shelley’s life and the novel’s impact on literature.
• Create Frankenstein-Inspired Art: Draw, paint, or create digital art inspired by Frankenstein and his monster. Some people celebrate by making monster-themed crafts, such as “stitched” masks or Frankenstein puppets.
• Share Frankenstein Fun on Social Media: Use the day’s hashtags to share favorite quotes, movie scenes, or artwork inspired by Frankenstein, connecting with other fans online.

Why is Frankenstein Friday Important?

Frankenstein Friday celebrates one of literature’s most enduring stories, recognizing the cultural and literary significance of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The novel was revolutionary in exploring themes of human ambition, scientific ethics, and the quest for identity. By dedicating a day to Frankenstein, we honor Shelley’s legacy as a pioneer of both Gothic literature and science fiction, as well as the rich array of adaptations and interpretations that her work has inspired.

The day also serves as a reminder of the ethical questions surrounding science and creation, still relevant today. Frankenstein Friday provides an opportunity to enjoy the spooky season with a character who has become a beloved symbol of horror, misfortune, and humanity’s search for meaning.