To what extent do significant events determine the timing of our deaths? Anecdotal reports among the terminally ill and anthropological and epidemiological studies suggest that the timing of a patient's death may be related to symbolically meaningful occasions such as anniversaries and festivals. Those looking forward to such events may delay the timing of their deaths although the literature is often contradictory. In contrast, those subject to negative influences such as curses may develop the expectation that they will die and, in fact, go on to die soon afterwards. The mechanisms for these phenomena are poorly understood although several explanations have been postulated. The clinical implications are discussed. There is a need for future research to establish the relation between date of death and dates that have specific meaning for patients rather than examining generic events such as birthdays and festivals.