Yellow Shirt Tuesday is a popular tradition that is celebrated by those who are in biology and zoology teacher Mike Hudson’s class. Every Tuesday, Hudson can be seen sporting his yellow polo shirt in the science hall. To him, it is more than just a yellow shirt, but an ancient tradition of good luck. Hudson explains the history behind Yellow Shirt Tuesday and why he chooses to celebrate it in his classes.
“It is a timeless tradition, some say it goes back to the Mayans, others say the Sumerians, but every Tuesday has always been yellow shirt Tuesday,” Hudson said.
Hudson states that when celebrating Yellow Shirt Tuesday, he feels “joy, relief and excitement.” Not only is he excited, but students are also looking forward to class on Tuesdays instead of dreading having to go to class and study biology.
“When Yellow Shirt Tuesday comes around, I feel joyful and excited to go to class and partake in Yellow Shirt Tuesday,” sophomore Wilson Lucas said. “It gives me a reason to be excited for this class and the ending of Monday, the worst part of the week, and the beginning of a new Tuesday where I can get my juices flowing and be excited for what is to come.”
Hudson explains why he continues to celebrate Yellow Shirt Tuesday.
“While the origins are somewhat mysterious, for me personally, it is a celebration that it is no longer Monday,” Hudson said. “If you do not celebrate the yellow shirt wearing on Tuesday, you will not have a good Tuesday.”
The weekly celebration brightens the mood in class, potentially leading to a more focused class.
“I think it is good that Mr. Hudson is a very funny teacher because he can build a stronger bond with students. I think because biology is a very serious subject, a little joke or tradition lightens the room and can make it a little more fun,” Junior Callie Dempsey said.
Lucas states that he celebrates Yellow Shirt Tuesday because it is as Hudson states ‘an ancient tradition.’
“No one is really sure where or when it began, maybe the Mongols or the Mayans, but it has been passed on from generation to generation and I am glad I am able to celebrate it with Mr. Hudson.” Lucas said.