Funny people with healing skills
International Clown Week is August 1-7
If you have heard the laughter of a child, or seen sudden delight on the face of a lonely person, you may have seen the effect of a clown's antics.
We are indebted to those who bring such moments. They replace feelings of sickness or loneliness with laughter and joy.
All across America, good people in putty noses and baggy trousers follow the tradition and touch the lives of others. They perform at children's hospitals, homes for the elderly, and wherever a touch of fun is needed. Clowns give pieces of themselves. The spirit they represent is important to our humanity.
According to some folklore, the heart of a clown is sad and their gladness hides grief they don't want to reveal. The myth carries a kernel of reason: The clowns leave joy and take the grief of other people away with them.
Today's clowns in service to others are often members of joyful larger groups. Sometimes everyone in a family has a clown suit and a special routine. They like to make people laugh, especially people who might otherwise have little to laugh about.
To call public attention to the charitable activities of clowns and the wholesome entertainment they provide, Congress passed a joint resolution on October 8, 1970 (Public Law 91-433) to designate the first week in August as National Clown Week. The name was later changed to International Clown Week.
We salute them, baggy pants and all.
