There was an upsurge in ninja video viewing on YouTube today. Some are attributing this to the annual Day of the Ninja, which takes place Dec. 5. The tradition, started by the folks over at Ninja Burger in connection with Ask A Ninja is, well, silly really.

I’m not sure how many people actually dressed like ninjas or brought throwing stars to work or school today. This sort of dangerously off-kilter behavior is not exactly advisable anyhow.

Here’s a video near the top of YouTube’s daily viewing charts today.

This whole ninja fad is twice as played out as pirates and nowhere near as timeless as Chuck Norris. But still, you must admire some of the following. Some trend setters have even combined pirates and ninjas into an entirely different subculture. Only these fanboys are armed with production experience:

Amateur video production sure has come along way. Still, as far as I’m concerned the Onion takes the cake. Here’s their spooftastic coverage of the Ninja Parade.

Ninja Parade Slips Through Town Unnoticed Once Again