World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is an annual international event generally celebrated on the first Saturday of May by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.  This year it falls on May 4, 2024.  For Science Fiction fans this is also May the 4th be with you day!

WNGD

World Naked Gardening Day is an annual event celebrated by people around the globe who share a love for both gardening and embracing the freedom of naturism. This unique occasion encourages participants to shed their inhibitions along with their clothing as they immerse themselves in the therapeutic and grounding experience of gardening in the nude. As the warmth of the sun kisses their skin and the earth beneath their feet connects them to the natural world, individuals come together to celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of nurturing living things. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just discovering the wonders of cultivation, World Naked Gardening Day offers a chance to connect with nature in a truly liberating way. So grab your gardening tools, shed your clothes, and join the global community in celebrating this one-of-a-kind event!

History

The inaugural World Naked Gardening Day occurred on September 10, 2005. Subsequently, in 2007, the event was rescheduled to the first Saturday in May, a date it has maintained since 2018. However, in 2018, the New Zealand Naturist Federation opted to observe World Naked Gardening Day on the last weekend in October, considering it more suitable for the Southern Hemisphere’s climate. In Canada, where the first Saturday in May might be too chilly for naked gardening, an alternative date of the first Saturday in June has been proposed as Naked Canadian Gardening Day.

A Spiritual Experience

Experiencing nudity in nature holds a profound spiritual significance for me. It feels like a deep-seated yearning, almost primal in nature, as if it resonates with a fundamental aspect of our being. I attribute this longing to a desire to return to a state of innocence, much like that of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they lived unashamedly among the natural world. The allure of naturism, for me, lies in this longing to return home—to reconnect with a sense of purity and harmony that seems to elude us in our modern lives. If we consider the divine design of human beings as intended inhabitants of the Garden of Eden, then it follows logically that we might inherently desire to return to that original state. This desire feels intrinsic to our nature, embedded within our DNA, and reflective of our purpose before the fall from grace. While there is much more to explore on this subject, these thoughts offer a glimpse into the spiritual depth of the connection between nudity, nature, and our innermost selves. More here.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

I often find myself yearning for a garden of my own, especially as World Naked Gardening Day approaches. However, the close proximity of my neighbors’ homes means that privacy is a luxury I cannot afford. The thought of them peering into my yard fills me with discomfort, as I doubt they would understand the concept of nudism. I wish there were events or communities nearby, but I also don’t fancy the idea of tending to someone else’s garden. Unfortunately, options for practicing nudism near Springfield are scarce, leaving me with few avenues to explore this liberating lifestyle. Although I won’t be able to participate this year, I wish everyone who does a wonderful time.

Christianity and Naturism

In many Christian circles, there seems to be a misunderstanding or reluctance towards embracing naturism. However, upon closer examination, this skepticism may stem from regulations that appear wise but lack deeper spiritual insight. The book of Colossians addresses such regulations, suggesting that they may not necessarily align with true wisdom. An enlightening resource on this topic is “Surprised Into Freedom” by Philip Oak. While the book primarily explores how society perceives bodies as sexual objects and addresses issues related to body image, it also provides valuable insights into the Christian perspective on nudism. Oak’s work encourages readers to challenge conventional views and consider the spiritual aspects of embracing naturism. By delving into such resources, Christians can gain a more nuanced understanding of nudism and its compatibility with their faith. I understand that it’s not everyone’s preference, but it’s unfortunate that they’re missing out on a transformative and liberating experience. It’s truly life-changing.

Resources

• Surprised Into Freedom by Philip Oak
• World Naked Gardening Day
• Colossians 2:16-3:17