July 16th is World Snake Day #WorldSnakeDay and let me tell you David and Charlie will love this Holiday because they both love #Snakes and wouldn’t mind having one. Whereas just like my Uncle Chuck I hate #Snakes and don’t want to be around them at all. What about you. Do you like Snakes? Do you have a favorite Snake? If so which Snake and why? Do you have a pet Snake or would you want one? I sure don’t.
World Snake Day, is held every year on July 16th, aiming to increase awareness regarding the over 3,500 Snake species that exist across the world. That’s a lot of Snakes! Guess what? Not all of Snakes are as scary or venomous as we believe them to be. The fascinating reptiles are often not given the recognition they deserve just because of the bad reputation Snakes have earned over the years. For instance, a friend who is a traitor is known as a ‘Snake.’ World Snake Day aims to change the negative perception surrounding Snakes and promote the love for all living beings. Even the Snakes we fear.
The English word ‘Snake’ comes from the Old English word ‘snaca.’ The Snake is thought to have come from terrestrial Lizards that existed around 174.1 million to 163.5 million years ago. In fact, Eophis Underwoodi, the oldest fossil Snake, lived in England about 167 million years ago. However, even before researchers learned about the numerous Snake species, the reptile was mentioned in ancient mythologies and was also an integral part of various religions. For instance, in the Bible Satan took on the form of a Snake that existed in the Garden of Eden. And it is due to the Snake that Eve consumed the forbidden Apple and was banished.
According to Irish mythology, in the 5th Century, St. Patrick went to a hill top where he fasted for 40 days. During this time, St. Patrick was attacked by Snakes. To protect himself, he waved his staff and expelled all the Snakes of Ireland into the Sea. This is why, even today, Ireland is devoid of Snakes.
In another legend, the Chinese believe there once was a white female Snake demon who resided underwater. According to the ancient Chinese myth, the demon took on a mortal form when she fell in love with a human, and the two later married to give birth to a boy. The twist in the plot is that the demon’s identity was revealed by the Buddhist Monk, Fahai. The Monk then trapped the Snake demon under his Lakeside pagoda. Folklore such as these often show Snakes in a negative light and may be responsible for portraying Snakes as evil beings.
HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD SNAKE DAY
- To view a variety of Snakes closely, visit the nearest Zoo or Reptile Park and check out the different species of Snakes that exist in your region. This trip can prove to be quite educational for #Homeschooling families.
- Use World Snake Day to bring non-venomous Snake species to the forefront. All you have to do is make a simple Facebook and Twitter post, or share an article on Snakes that can’t kill.
- Hold a drawing class or contest where everyone gets to draw and paint the Snake species they love the most. The session will prove to be educational while producing great works of art at the same time. It’s a perfect way to teach a Art Class especially a #Homeschool Art Class.
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SNAKES
- Did you know Snakes don’t have eyelids and Snakes sleep with their eyes open.
- Snakes have nostrils but Snakes smell with the chemicals picked up with their tongue.
- Since Snakes can’t bite or chew, Snakes swallow their food whole.
- Snakes are found everywhere except in Antarctica I think I should move there because I don’t like Snakes. Would you like to move with me?
- Here is a fun fact for you. Snakes have up to 1,200 bones.
WHY WORLD SNAKE DAY IS IMPORTANT
- World Snake Day highlights how critical Snakes are to the ecosystem. Like every other living creature on this planet, Snakes are extremely important for the ecosystem. This means, without Snakes, a negative chain reaction for the environment may be triggered.
- Snakes are hated across the world since Snakes are seen as creatures that kill. However, not all Snakes are dangerous, neither do Snakes deserve to be hated and slaughtered. WORLD SNAKE DAY promotes the rights of Snakes and shows how we can all coexist in harmony.
- Numerous Snake species are declining due to climate change and deforestation. Some species of Snakes are killed for their skins to create fashion items. On WHY WORLD SNAKE DAY, thousands of people make an effort to promote the preservation of endangered Snakes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David cates
