National Frog Jumping Day (May 13)

One weird holiday on May 13 is National Frog Jumping Day. Check out the other weird May holidays!

National Frog Jumping Day, observed every year on May 13th, is an unusual but delightful celebration of a timeless American pastime. It pays homage to Mark Twain’s first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” published in 1865. This humorous tale set the stage for frog jumping competitions that have since become a beloved tradition.

In this article, we will explore the history of National Frog Jumping Day, the origins of frog jumping, and the legacy of Mark Twain’s whimsical creation.

When Is National Frog Jumping Day?

National Frog Jumping Day takes place every year on May 13th.

Who Invented National Frog Jumping Day?

National Frog Jumping Day was not officially “invented” by a specific individual or organization. Instead, it evolved naturally as a day to celebrate frog jumping contests and to pay tribute to Mark Twain’s first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Over the years, people and communities across the United States embraced the tradition of frog jumping, organizing their events and competitions.

As a result, May 13th became widely recognized as National Frog Jumping Day, a day to celebrate the whimsical and amusing practice of encouraging frogs to leap great distances in good-natured competitions. The day serves as a testament to the enduring charm and influence of Mark Twain’s storytelling.

The Origins of Frog Jumping

Frog jumping, as a pastime, has deeper roots than one might initially suspect. The tradition of frog jumping competitions can be traced back to the 19th century when Mark Twain penned his famous short story. “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” also known as “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” was Twain’s first published work, and it introduced the world to the charming and eccentric character of Smiley, a man who trained a frog to jump to impressive lengths.

In this story, Twain’s wit and humor are on full display as he narrates a tale about a frog jumping contest in the small mining town of Angel’s Camp, California. The story was an instant success and helped launch Twain’s career as one of America’s most celebrated authors. It’s also responsible for popularizing the concept of frog jumping as a form of entertainment.

National Frog Jumping Day: A Tribute to Twain’s Legacy

National Frog Jumping Day was established as a tribute to Mark Twain’s contribution to American literature and culture. The day encourages people to organize frog jumping competitions and engage in festivities that celebrate this quirky tradition.

Frog jumping competitions involve participants selecting a frog and encouraging it to leap as far as possible. The frog that jumps the farthest is declared the winner. These contests have taken place in various forms over the years, from local events in small towns to larger, organized competitions.

One of the most famous frog jumping competitions is the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee, which is held in Angels Camp, California, the same location where Twain’s fictional story was set. This annual event draws visitors from all over the country who come to witness the charming and sometimes comical frog jumping contests.

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is the granddaddy of all frog jumping events. It has been a beloved tradition in California since 1928. The event combines frog jumping contests with a county fair, offering a delightful mix of food, music, games, and family-friendly entertainment.

The main attraction, of course, is the frog jumping competition, where participants bring their frogs and compete for the title of “Top Frog.” The rules are simple: each frog is placed in a small red-and-white ring, and the goal is to encourage the frog to jump out of the ring as quickly as possible. The frog that jumps the farthest wins the competition.

Mark Twain: The Father of Frog Jumping

Mark Twain’s contribution to the world of frog jumping cannot be overstated. His humorous short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” about a frog jumping contest not only entertained readers but also inspired real-life frog jumping events. In many ways, Twain’s story brought the concept of frog jumping into the mainstream.

Twain’s wit and storytelling prowess made the art of frog jumping captivating to a wide audience. He used humor and absurdity to create a memorable narrative that showcased the eccentricity of human nature. The story was an instant success and helped launch Twain’s career as a celebrated American author.

Celebrating National Frog Jumping Day

National Frog Jumping Day is an opportunity to relive the charm of Mark Twain’s writing and partake in a tradition that has delighted people for over a century. Here are some ways to celebrate this unique and lighthearted holiday:

1. Organize a Frog Jumping Contest: Gather your friends and family and host a frog jumping competition in your backyard or at a local park. Choose your frogs, set up a jumping ring, and see whose frog can leap the farthest.
2. Read Mark Twain’s Story: Rediscover the humor and whimsy of Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by reading the short story aloud or sharing it with others. You might also enjoy reading these Mark Twain Travel Quotes.
3. Visit Frog Jumping Events: If you’re near Calaveras County, California, consider attending the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee to witness the frog jumping contests in action.
4. Learn About Frogs: Take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about frogs and their unique characteristics. Frogs are fascinating creatures, and understanding their biology and role in ecosystems can be both fun and educational. You can help your child learn about frogs with these Fun Frog Facts and Free Frog Coloring Pages.
5. Enjoy Frog-Themed Treats: Get creative with your snacks and make frog-shaped cookies or treats to enjoy during your frog-themed celebrations. Scroll to the bottom of the post for some delicious frog recipes (either made with frogs, or treats shaped like fun frogs).

National Frog Jumping Day is a day of fun and laughter, celebrating a quirky tradition that has stood the test of time. It’s a wonderful reminder of the enduring impact of Mark Twain’s storytelling and the lighthearted joy of frog jumping competitions.

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