- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAmerican
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 20
- Holiday emoji:
- ☃️
Snowman Burning Day, celebrated every March 20, marks the symbolic end of winter and the joyful arrival of spring. This quirky American tradition involves ceremonially melting or burning a snowman figure to usher in warmer weather and new beginnings. Gather friends and family to create your own snowman, then bid farewell to the cold season with a festive, fiery send-off.
Want to sponsor Snowman Burning Day? Learn how
Expected Snowman Burning Day Deals
As Snowman Burning Day ushers in spring, expect retailers to pivot from winter gear to spring essentials and outdoor living. While specific ‘snowman burning’ deals are rare, look for major home and garden stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot to begin their spring sales on patio furniture, grills, and gardening supplies. Outdoor recreation brands such as REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods will likely promote new season apparel and equipment. Even grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s might feature seasonal produce and picnic items. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for Snowman Burning Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SnowmanBurningDay. Share creative photos of your snowman before its fiery send-off or capture the joy of spring’s arrival.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #SnowmanBurningDay. Film a time-lapse of your snowman melting or a fun skit celebrating the end of winter.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SnowmanBurningDay. Share local community events or photos of your family’s unique snowman creations.
Snowman Burning Day Hero
The Spirit of Spring
History of Snowman Burning Day
Snowman Burning Day is a tradition that dates back to March of 1971 when it was celebrated for the first time as the National Snowman Burning Day at Lake Superior State University (L.S.S.U.) by one of the school’s clubs known as the Unicorn Hunters. Some members of the Unicorn Hunters were inspired by the German holiday, “Rose Sunday Festival,” during which the mayor of the town parades through town with a Snowman made out of straw.
It was reported that the well-behaved children in this German town were rewarded by the mayor with a burning straw-Snowman. It was this act, coupled with the experience of particularly old and harsh winter, that inspired the Unicorn Hunters to begin the tradition of burning snowmen as it was believed that the smoke would prevent blizzards and help usher in Spring-like weather. This event would go on to be a long-lasting tradition of Lake Superior State University for over decades as a way of welcoming the arrival of Spring.
The event was reportedly canceled briefly in 1992, due to concern about environmental pollution. It was however restored as part of Michigan tradition after the public had clamored for it. Today, the snowmen used for Snowman Burning Day are made out of wood, recyclable paper, as well as some straw, among others. The snowman typically stands at a height of 12 feet.
Snowman Burning Day timeline
The Rose Festival in Germany is the inspiration behind Snowman Burning Day, and the Rose Festival first occurs in 1912.
Lake Superior State University, the Michigan public university in which Snowman Burning Day started, is established.
W.T. Babe establishes the Unicorn Hunters club that created the Snowman Burning Day.
Snowman Burning Day is created.
Snowman Burning Day FAQs
When is Snowman Burning Day?
In 2027, Snowman Burning Day is celebrated on Saturday, March 20. It’s a perfect weekend opportunity to symbolically banish winter and welcome the new season.
What is the origin of Snowman Burning Day?
Marquette, Michigan, started this quirky tradition in 1978, inspired by European festivals that burn effigies to mark seasonal changes. It quickly became a beloved local event, symbolizing hope for warmer weather.
How many people celebrate Snowman Burning Day?
Though primarily centered in Marquette, Michigan, the spirit of Snowman Burning Day resonates with many who eagerly await spring. Its observance is growing organically as people seek fun, symbolic ways to transition seasons.
Why do people burn snowmen?
The act of burning a snowman is a playful ritual, rooted in ancient traditions of burning effigies to mark seasonal shifts. It’s a cathartic way to release winter’s grip and embrace the vibrant energy of spring.
Snowman Burning Day Activities
Attend a Snowman Burning event
If you’re in Michigan, it would be a wonderful idea to visit L.S.S.U. and attend the original Snowman Burning Day festival. It should be fun!
Build (and burn) your Snowman
This works for you if you can’t attend a Snowman Burning Day event as you can simply build your Snowman with straw and other recyclable material and watch it burn. It is important to prioritize safety while doing this though.
Use the #SnowmanBurningDay Hashtag on social media
Post pictures and fun facts about the holiday and share them on your social media pages using the #SnowmanBurningDay hashtag. Spread the fun!
5 Interesting Facts About Snowmen
Snowmen are as old as time
Snowmen have been around for a long time, and some of the earliest records of snowmen date back many centuries.
Most Snowmen are built by kids
Snowmen can be built by anybody, but it is most common to find those built by children as part of a family project.
Building Snowmen is good exercise
It has been said that putting in the physical work to build a snowman can help burn over 200 calories
The world’s largest snowman
The world’s largest snowman, nicknamed “Riesi,” meaning ‘giant,’ is found in Austria.
Switzerland’s Spring starts “Blowing up the Boogg”
Switzerland’s variation of the Snowman Burning Day, a tradition that started in Zurich in 1818 is known as “Sechselauten” and involves blowing up the “Boogg” which is the city’s “official” Snowman.
Why We Love Snowman Burning Day
It is symbolic of the end of Winter
The burning of the snowman symbolizes the end of the Winter season and the beginning of the spring season. We love spring!
It is a good way to socialize
Snowman Burning Day is a good way for people to socialize and have loads of fun. It is an opportunity for extroverts to meet one another and share in the fun of the occasion.
It is aesthetically pleasing
Snowman Burning day usually comprises a set of aesthetically pleasant activities leading up to the burning itself. It usually involves colorful displays among others.
Social Media Tips for Snowman Burning Day
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