Tulip Day is celebrated annually on May 13 to honor tulips, which are vibrant spring-blooming flowers. The tulip originated in Central Asia and was first cultivated in Turkey around 1000 A.D. It gained popularity in the Ottoman Empire, especially among the Sultans, and was later introduced to Europe in the 16th century by biologist Carolus Clusius in the Netherlands. Initially used for medicinal purposes, tulips transitioned to garden flowers, leading to a period known as "Tulipomania" in the 17th century, where they became highly sought after and even used as a form of currency. Today, tulips are closely associated with the Netherlands, the largest producer of tulip bulbs. Celebrations on Tulip Day may include appreciating the beauty of tulips and participating in events that highlight their significance.