- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAppreciationObscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 13
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐸
National Frog Jumping Day leaps into action every May 13, honoring Mark Twain’s classic tale and the fascinating world of frogs. This day encourages you to explore the literary origins, appreciate amphibian biodiversity, and perhaps even host your own friendly frog-jumping contest. Dive into the history and ecological importance of these amazing creatures!
Want to sponsor National Frog Jumping Day? Learn how
History of National Frog Jumping Day
The history behind National Frog Jumping Day has turned into a tradition that came to life from the idea of a short story. Mark Twain, one of the most famous and celebrated authors in literature, published his first short story named “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in 1865. This story also goes by “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The premise of the story is about a man named Jim Smiley, a compulsive better. He trains a pet frog he names Dan’l Webster and bets his frog can jump higher than all the other frogs in town. The man who he bets with ends up tricking Smiley and wins the bet.
Inspired by this story, Calaveras County in Northern California started hosting a Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee during the third week of May. The first event was held in Copperopolis, California in 1893 but has since made its permanent residence in Angels Camp. The fair spans four days and offers classic fair food, award-winning wines, carnival rides, rodeo, and live music, amongst other things, but their main event is the frog jumping competition. One frog named Rosie the Ribeter has held the jumping record at 21 feet, 5 ¾ inches since 1986. Even though there are other frog jumping competitions throughout different cities in North America, the one at Calaveras is the most popular and well-known because of its relation to Mark Twain’s short story. This day allows people to celebrate the agility of frogs and to embrace literature in a new and exciting way.
National Frog Jumping Day timeline
Mark Twain is born on November 30.
Mark Twain publishes his first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”
The first Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee are hosted in Copperopolis, California.
Rosie the Ribeter, a frog, breaks the jumping record at the Jumping Frog Jubilee for jumping 21 feet, 5 ¾ inches.
National Frog Jumping Day FAQs
When is National Frog Jumping Day?
In 2027, National Frog Jumping Day is observed on Thursday, May 13. This date offers another chance to celebrate the literary inspiration and ecological importance of frogs.
How many species of frogs are there?
The vast number of frog species, roughly 7,300 globally, underscores their significant role in various ecosystems. Many new species are still being discovered each year.
What inspired National Frog Jumping Day?
National Frog Jumping Day draws its origins directly from Mark Twain’s literary debut, ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calavera’s County.’ The story immortalized the tradition of frog jumping contests, particularly in California.
Are colorful frogs always poisonous?
A common misconception is that all colorful frogs are poisonous. While it’s true that many toxic species display bright colors, this isn’t a universal rule. Coloration can also be for camouflage or mating displays.
How to Celebrate National Frog Jumping Day
Host a frog jumping competition
Do you have or know anyone with pet frogs? Get all of them together for a friendly frog competition. If not, you and your friends can have a competition to see who can jump the farthest.
Read Mark Twain’s short story
If you want to learn more about how this day came about, why not read the short story that started it all! It must be good if it sparked an annual jubilee.
Visit a nearby pond or aquarium
Study frogs in their natural habitat at a nearby pond or go to a local aquarium and read up on a few more facts about frogs. You may learn something new.
5 Facts About Frogs You Can’t Hop Past
Self-watered
Frogs don’t need to drink water since they absorb it through their skin.
Lords of leaping
With one leap, some frogs can jump 20 times the length of their body.
Goliath frogs
West Africa has the largest frog, aptly named the goliath frog, measuring one foot long.
Golden but deadly
The skin of one golden dart frog can kill at least 1,000 people.
Vintage views
Even though amphibians have differently shaped pupils, they can only see in black or white.
Why We Love National Frog Jumping Day
It lets you embrace your inner child
When was the last time you brought out your inner child? Revisit your childhood and think like a frog.
It brings awareness to frogs
Frogs are vital to the food chain and the environment. They eat insects and are a primary source of nutrition for snakes, birds, and other animals.
It is embedded in literature
The beginnings of National Frog Jumping Day started because of a short story. This day brings to life the frog jumping contest that Mark Twain wrote about.
National Frog Jumping Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 13 | Sunday |
| 2030 | May 13 | Monday |
| 2031 | May 13 | Tuesday |
