National Hedgehog Day (February 2)
Check out the weird holiday National Hedgehog Day on February 2. Learn the history of National Hedgehog Day and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on February 2 is National Hedgehog Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!
History of National Hedgehog Day
Not to be confused with Groundhog Day (which first began on February 2, 1887), this weird holiday is actually a Roman holiday where hedgehogs were used to help predict the end of winter. This ancient Roman legend said that if a hedgehog was seen at the beginning of February, it meant warm weather was on its way.
There are fourteen different species of hedgehogs around the world, and they are historically sometimes called urchin and hedgepig. Hedgehogs are omnivores that rely on their sense of smell to find food. They are nocturnal and are covered in spines, and surprisingly, the spines are actually hollow hairs made stiff with keratin.
Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter from November to March, but they wake up several times throughout the months to change nests. This is probably why they are sometimes seen in February. Tragically about 67% of hedgehogs don’t survive their first winter, especially if food has been scarce.
During the summer months, hedgehogs enjoy hiding in gardens and eating the insects that are found around your plants. They also like hiding in stacked wood for bonfires, so be careful to check before lighting them.
Hedgehogs are often used as pets becuase they are low maintenance and hypoallergenic. They are solitary creatures, so they are content with only a small amount of attention each day.
Ideas for National Hedgehog Day
Other than adopting a pet hedgehog, here are some ideas on how you can celebrate.
Hedgehog Toilet Paper Roll Craft [FREE Template]
Want a fun craft for your kids on National Hedgehog Day? This hedgehog toilet paper roll craft is at the top of the list!
Easy Hedgehog Bread Roll Recipe to Bake with Toddlers and Preschoolers
For National Hedgehog Day, you can use this easy bread recipe to create some delicious hibernating hedgehog bread rolls!
Hedgehog Facts for Kids
Hedgehog is one of those animals with unique features and characteristics. Not many people know much about it, so learn about it on National Hedgehog Day.
Crochet Hedgehog Applique
This crochet hedgehog applique is very cute, easy to make on National Hedgehog Day, and could be used in many different ways.
Hedgehog Candy Pouch
For National Hedgehog Day, celebrate by making these adorable paper hedgehogs, filling them candy, and gifting them to someone!
Hedgehog Cheeseball With Almonds (GF)
Check out this adorable hedgehog cheeseball, just in time for National Hedgehog Day! Salty, creamy and nutty, this little guy is the perfect centerpiece for this weird holiday.
Hedgehog Craft for Kids
This hedgehog craft for kids is perfect for toddlers as well as kiddos as a fun activity to celebrate National Hedgehog Day.
Life Cycle of a Hedgehog (8 free worksheets)
If you are starting to see baby hedgehogs in the garden over the next several weeks, then National Hedgehog Day is time to teach the kids about the life cycle of a hedgehog.
Felt Hedgehog Sewing Craft for Kids
Hedgehogs are one of the cutest little woodland animals, and with their distinctive shape they make an ideal creature for children’s crafts. Use National Hedgehog Day to help your child learn to sew and improve their fine motor skill siwth this fun felt hedgehog sewing craft.
Hedgehog Craft for Kids with Autumn Leaves
A super cute hedgehog craft for kids to make with autumn leaves. It’s easy enough for preschool kids and a perfect activity for celebrating National Hedgehog Day.
Free Printable Hedgehog Templates
These free Printable Hedgehog Templates are ideal for coloring, crafting, classroom projects, and lesson plans that celebrate National Hedgehog Day. They include small, medium, and large hedgehog outlines in two different styles and a hedgehog writing template.
Fork Painted Hedgehog Craft
When you think of Hedgehogs, the first thing that comes to mind is probably their cute and spiny exterior. But have you ever considered the artistic potential of these animals? On National Hedgehog Day, learn how to use a fork to make a hedgehog art project!
Cute Handprint Hedgehog Craft For Kids [Free Template]
This handprint hedgehog craft is the perfect blend of fun and National Hedgehog Day!
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