Hey there, Potterheads! Guess what day it is? That’s right, it’s July 31st, the day we celebrate the birthday of our favorite wizard, Harry Potter! So grab your wands, don your house colors, and let’s dive into the magical world of Harry Potter.
The Boy Who Lived
Harry James Potter, the protagonist of J.K. Rowling’s phenomenal fictional book series, was born on this day. The story’s plot spans seven years of his life, starting on his 11th birthday when he learns that he is a wizard. He attends the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, run by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, to learn magic under the guidance of his revered school professors. He becomes best friends with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, and soon discovers that his fate and destiny are tied to the dark wizard and murderer, Lord Voldemort. The record-breaking fictional series follows Harry as he juggles his school life and his predestined battle with Voldemort.
Harry Potter is an icon in pop culture and has been ranked by numerous readers, critics, and audiences as among the greatest fictional characters of all time. Actor Daniel Radcliffe played Harry in the live-action movie adaptations, from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001) to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” (2011).
The Birth of a Phenomenon
According to author J.K. Rowling, she conjured up the idea for the Harry Potter series while waiting for a train from Manchester to London, England, in 1990. During the train ride, she came up with the story and the main characters. Over the next five years, Rowling worked on the manuscript for her story, writing many of the first drafts in cafes in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, her story was met with multiple rejections, until it was finally picked up by Bloomsbury. And so, 500 copies of the hardback print of the first title in the series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” were introduced to the world on June 26, 1997.
That’s when the real magic started. The first book caused a sensation in the literary world and sold more than 450 million copies worldwide. Harry Potter became an addiction for both children and adults, and we have Rowling to thank for piquing children’s interest in reading again.
Why is Harry Potter’s Birthday July 31?
Well, the answer to this one is pretty cool. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, chose July 31 as Harry’s birthday because it’s her birthday too! That’s right, our favorite wizard shares a birthday with his creator. Talk about a magical coincidence!
Why is May 2nd Harry Potter Day?
May 2nd is known as Harry Potter Day because it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, which took place on May 2, 1998, according to the books. This was the final battle in the Second Wizarding War and was a decisive victory for the Order of the Phoenix and their allies. It was also the day when Lord Voldemort was finally defeated by Harry Potter. So, May 2nd is a day of celebration for Potterheads, remembering the bravery of those who fought and those who were lost.
What is the Age of Harry Potter?
As of 2023, Harry Potter would be 43 years old. Born in 1980, Harry was first introduced to us as an 11-year-old boy in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The series spanned seven years of his life, culminating with the Battle of Hogwarts when he was 18. Since then, J.K. Rowling has given fans updates about Harry and his friends through various mediums, including the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which shows Harry as a father and an employee at the Ministry of Magic.
So there you have it! A little more insight into the magical world of Harry Potter. Whether you’re celebrating his birthday or remembering the Battle of Hogwarts, one thing’s for sure: the magic of Harry Potter continues to enchant us all. Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! 🎉🎂🧙♂️
How to Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday
Harry Potter’s Birthday is not only a huge day of celebration in the wizarding world but also in the muggle world, where Potterheads zealously participate in events and parties. Fanfiction is published on different websites, watch parties of the eight “Harry Potter” movies are hosted, sweet and savory “Harry Potter”-themed food items are made, and the next generation is introduced to the series by receiving their first copies of “Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.”
The wizarding sport Quidditch is actually quite popular, and sporting events are hosted in some parts of the world. Food blogs post their renditions of various foods from the wizarding world, like Butterbeer and Pumpkin Pasties. The gaming community also shows their love by filming walk-throughs or speedruns of the “Harry Potter” video games. Potterheads also dress up as wizards and witches and some cosplay as their favorite characters from the series.
Shopping List for Harry Potter Fans
Why We Love Harry Potter
We have grown up with Harry. Many of us were also growing up sometime between Harry’s admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and his final battle against Voldemort. Harry Potter is not just a character, he is our friend, and during the same time he navigated through his trials and teenage angst, so did a lot of us.
We all have gotten lost in the wonderful, magical world of “Harry Potter.” The entire universe is incredible and, to this day, we are in awe of just how well J.K Rowling executed the story, tying up all the loose ends.
The Harry Potter series has taught us a lot. From the true meaning of friendship and believing in ourselves to words of wisdom given by Dumbledore and Sirius Black, Harry Potter has had a powerful and lasting impact on us.
So, let’s raise our Butterbeers to Harry Potter, the boy who lived, and wish him a very happy birthday! Here’s to another year of magic and adventure. Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! 🎉🎂🧙♂️