World Snake Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Snakes

The English word'snake' is derived from the Old English word'snaca.' It is believed that the reptile originated from terrestrial lizards that existed between 174.1 million and 163.5 million years ago.

Globe Snake Day is celebrated annually on 16 July to raise awareness of the more than 3,500 snake species that exist in the globe. Yes, that is a substantial number of snakes! And then what? Not all of them are as dangerous or poisonous as we believe. Through the years, reptiles have garnered a negative reputation that prevents them from receiving the recognition they merit. For example, a traitorous friend is referred to as a’snake.’ The purpose of this day is to change the negative perception of snakes and promote love for all living things, including those we dread.

The background of World Snake Day

The English word’snake’ is derived from the Old English word’snaca.’ It is believed that the reptile originated from terrestrial lizards that existed between 174.1 million and 163.5 million years ago. Approximately 167 million years ago, Eophis underwoodi, the oldest fossil serpent, lived in England. Before scientists discovered the numerous snake species, however, the reptile was mentioned in ancient mythologies and was an intrinsic part of numerous religions. In the Bible, Satan assumed the guise of a serpent that lived in the Garden of Eden. And because of the serpent, Eve ate the forbidden apple and was exiled.

According to Irish mythology, Saint Patrick fasted for forty days on a hilltop in the fifth century. During this period, snakes attacked him. To defend himself, he waved his staff and drove all of Ireland’s snakes into the ocean. This is why there are no snakes in Ireland even today. In a separate legend, the Chinese believe a white female serpent deity once resided underwater. According to an ancient Chinese myth, the demon assumed a mortal form after falling in love with a human, and the two subsequently married and had a son. The narrative twist is that the identity of the demon was revealed by the Buddhist monk Fahai. The abbot then imprisoned the serpent demon beneath his pagoda by the lake. This type of folklore frequently casts snakes in a negative light and may be responsible for portraying them as malevolent creatures.

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