National Frog Jumping Day 2023: National Frog Jumping Day is on May 13, and its origins are documented in history. The name’s origins can be traced back to Mark Twain’s first published short story, which is about a gambler and his pet frog. Did you know there are approximately 7,300 species of frogs in the world, with the most colourful species being the most poisonous? National Frog Jumping Day is significant because it brings literature to life and raises awareness of various frog species and their impact on the ecosystem.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FROG JUMPING DAY
The origins of National Frog Jumping Day can be traced back to a brief story that evolved into a tradition. Mark Twain, one of the most famous and celebrated authors in history, published his first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in 1865. This tale is also known by the titles “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The premise of the narrative is that Jim Smiley is an obsessive gambler. He names his beloved frog Dan’l Webster and wagers that it can leap higher than all the other frogs in town. Smiley’s opponent ends up deceiving him and winning the wager.
Calaveras County in Northern California began hosting a Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee during the third week of May after being inspired by this narrative. In 1893, the first event was conducted in Copperopolis, California, but it has since relocated to Angels Camp. The four-day fair features traditional fair food, award-winning wines, funfair rides, rodeo and live music, among other things, but the frog jumping competition is the primary attraction. Since 1986, one frog named Rosie the Ribeter has held the record for leaping at 21 feet, 5 34 inches. Even though there are other frog jumping competitions in various North American cities, the Calaveras competition is the most prominent and well-known because of its connection to Mark Twain’s short story. This day enables individuals to celebrate the nimbleness of frogs and embrace literature in a novel and exciting manner.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FROGSKIPPING DAY
Conduct a frog leaping contest
Do you own or know anyone who keeps amphibians as pets? Bring them all together for a friendly amphibian contest. If not, you and your companions can compete to see who can leap the greatest distance.
Mark Twain’s brief story should be read.
If you wish to learn more about the origins of this day, why not read the brief story that began everything? It must be excellent if it prompted an annual celebration.
Visit a local aquarium or pond
Observe frogs in their natural habitat at a nearby pond or visit a local aquarium to learn more about them. You may acquire new knowledge.
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5 FROGS FACTS YOU CAN’T JUMP PAST
Self-watering
Frogs do not need to consume water because their skin absorbs it.
Lords of the flight
Some frogs can vault 20 times their body length in a single bound.
Goliath leaps.
The longest frog, the one-inch-long goliath frog, can be found in West Africa.
Golden but lethal
One golden dart frog can kill at least 1,000 humans with its skin.
Vintage vistas
Despite having pupils of various shapes, amphibians can only see in black and white.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FROG JUMPING DAY
It allows you embrace your inner child
When was the last time you let your inner child out to play? Consider your youth from the perspective of a frog.
It raises the profile of amphibians
Frogs are essential to the ecosystem and the food chain. They are the primary source of nutrition for reptiles, birds, and other animals, as they consume insects.
It is deeply rooted in literature
National Frog Jumping Day originated as a result of a short narrative. This day brings to life the frog-jumping competition described by Mark Twain.
NATIONAL FROG JUMPING DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 13 | Monday |
| 2025 | May 13 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |
