National Frog Jumping Day – 13th May 2023
Do you own a frog and wish you could celebrate them in any way? This is where National Frog Jumping Day can help you.
You can have fun on this day with your frog and friends. Not only this, but you can also learn about the history of this day.
Want to know more about this day and how to celebrate it?
We have prepared this fun-filled blog where you will learn everything you need to know. So, let’s begin!
When is the National Day of Frog Jumping 2023?
The National Frog Jumping Day is observed on the 13th of May each year. Whether young or old, this day is a great opportunity to have some fun and let your inner child out.
Historical Background
The history of Frog Jumping Day dates back to 1865 when Mark Twain published a short story named ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.’
The story revolves around a man known as Jim Smiley, who trained a frog to jump.
He then bets with a man claiming that his frog can jump higher than all the frogs in the city.
Inspired by the short story, the first Jumping Frog Jubilee was hosted in Copperopolis, California, in 1893.
Later, Frog Jumping Contests started taking place in other states and across the border.
6 Interesting Facts about Frogs
Here are some fun facts about frogs to keep you interested.
- According to scientists, frogs have been around for more than 200 million years, which is as long as the dinosaurs.
- Goliath Frog is the world’s largest frog. While the tadpoles are like any other, they can weigh 7 pounds and grow as long as 12 inches.
- A frog in Indonesia has no lungs and breathes through its skin.
- Wellington, the Maud Island Frog, is 37 years old and holds the world’s oldest frog title. It also has two other friends, Xena (34) and Gollum (35).
- A gram of toxin produced by the golden poison dart frog can kill about 100,000 people.
- A frog sheds its skin weekly and usually eats the old dead skin.
Reasons to Love the National Frog Jumping Day
Here are some reasons to love and celebrate the National Day of Frog Jumping.
Brings Life to Mark Twain Story
If you are a fan of literature like me, you will not deny that celebrating National Frog Jumping Day helps us celebrate literature.
It all started with Mark Twain’s short story and the National Day of Frog Jumping helps us bring life to the frog jumping race he wrote about.
It is Fun
Whether you have read Mark Twain’s story or not, there is no denying that celebrating this day is incredibly fun.
If you and your friends own a frog, you can arrange a contest between them to see who jumps the longest.
In this way, you will not bring out your inner child but will have the time of your life.
Frogs are Nice!
If you own a frog, you will understand why I am calling them nice. They help control garden pests such as slugs and insects.
Also, many antibiotics and painkillers are created due to the research on the substances they produce from their skin.
Frogs Have Superhero Powers
Ever heard of a frog with superhero powers? Well, I have!
For example, the gray tree frog can change its color according to light and temperature.
Moreover, the Hylidae frog family possesses sticky toepads that help them climb vertically. So, I think there should be an entire day dedicated to these superheroes!
4 Creative Ways to Celebrate the Day of Frog Jumping
You can celebrate the National Day of Frog Jumping in many ways. Here are some common ideas for you.
Organize a Frog Jumping Competition
I celebrate this day by organizing a frog jumping competition with my friends, and you can do this too.
If you don’t have the resources to organize the entire event, you can also go to other competitions held across the entire US on this day.
While being competitive is good, don’t overdo it, and don’t forget to have fun participating in the contest.
Attend Frog Jumping Contests
Don’t own a frog? No worries; you can attend frog jumping contests held all over the country.
Watching frogs jumping ad competing is always fun. You can choose your favorite frog too, and cheer them all the way.
So, don’t waste this day sitting at your home and doing nothing.
Get ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County’
If you haven’t read Mark Twain’s masterpiece yet, I’d suggest you get a copy of ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County’ this Frog Jumping Day.
If you want an authentic story, get a copy in the original French. Give the story a thorough read, and you will understand why everyone loves it.
Post Your Activities Online
Whether organizing a frog jumping contest, attending one, or reading Mark Twain’s story, don’t forget to share your activities online with others.
Post your activity with the hashtag #FrogJumpingDay or #NationalFrogJumpingDay so that others can get ideas on celebrating the day.
Final Words
All in all, National Frog Jumping Day is celebrated on the 13th of May annually.
This day is an excellent opportunity to relive Mark Twain’s frog jumping story, let your inner child out, and have the time of your life.
Lastly, don’t forget to share your activities online with others so that they can be a part of your celebration too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Longest Jump by a Frog?
The longest jump recorded by a frog is 33 feet, 5.5 inches. It was achieved by a South African frog named Santjie.
Q2: What is the Average Frog Jump?
On average, frogs can jump approximately 20 times their body length. However, some small frogs can jump as long as 50 times their length.
Q3: Who Jumps Higher: A Bunny or A Frog?
A frog can jump higher than a bunny. According to the Guinness Book of Records, frogs can jump about 10 feet high, whereas rabbits can only jump around 39.2 inches.
