National Frog Jumping Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Frogs

National Frog Jumping Day is on May 13, and its origins are documented in history. The name’s origins can be traced back to Mark Twain’s first published short story, which is about a gambler and his pet frog. Did you know there are approximately 7,300 species of frogs in the world, with the most colourful species being the most poisonous? National Frog Jumping Day is significant because it brings literature to life and raises awareness of various frog species and their impact on the ecosystem.

The background of National Frog Jumping Day

The origins of National Frog Jumping Day can be traced back to a brief story that evolved into a tradition. Mark Twain, one of the most famous and celebrated authors in history, published his first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in 1865. This tale is also known by the titles “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The premise of the narrative is that Jim Smiley is an obsessive gambler. He names his beloved frog Dan’l Webster and wagers that it can leap higher than all the other frogs in town. Smiley’s opponent ends up deceiving him and winning the wager.

Calaveras County in Northern California began hosting a Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee during the third week of May after being inspired by this narrative. In 1893, the first event was conducted in Copperopolis, California, but it has since relocated to Angels Camp. The four-day fair features traditional fair food, award-winning wines, funfair rides, rodeo and live music, among other things, but the frog jumping competition is the primary attraction. Since 1986, one frog named Rosie the Ribeter has held the record for leaping at 21 feet, 5 34 inches. Even though there are other frog jumping competitions in various North American cities, the Calaveras competition is the most prominent and well-known because of its connection to Mark Twain’s short story. This day enables individuals to celebrate the nimbleness of frogs and embrace literature in a novel and exciting manner.

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5 FROGS FACTS YOU CAN’T JUMP PAST

Frogs do not need to consume water because their skin absorbs it.

Some frogs can vault 20 times their body length in a single bound.

The longest frog, the one-inch-long goliath frog, can be found in West Africa.

One golden dart frog can kill at least 1,000 humans with its skin.

Despite having pupils of various shapes, amphibians can only see in black and white.

NATIONAL FROG JUMPING DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 13	Saturday
2024	May 13	Monday
2025	May 13	Tuesday
2026	May 13	Wednesday
2027	May 13	Thursday