National Serpent Day, celebrated on the 1st of February, is a holiday designed to give snake enthusiasts a day to celebrate their favorite pets. Although snakes have been perceived as dangerous or evil over the years, they have also traditionally been seen as symbols of fertility and healing. Moreover, many species of snakes make great pets. Anyone who has their own pet snake might want to take a few moments out of their busy day to give this holiday a try.

The History Of National Serpent Day

At this time, we’re unable to uncover the origin of National Serpent Day, so we have decided to use this space to talk about the history of the serpent as a symbol. Let’s begin with the name “serpent.” This name comes from the Latin “Serpens,” which means “snake” or “crawling animal.” The constellation Ophiuchus, located in the northern hemisphere, is represented by the Greek myth where the healer Asclepius holds a serpent in his hand. According to the myth, Asclepius once killed a snake, but it was resurrected when another snake placed a resurrection herb on it. Through this myth, the snake became a symbol of healing and medicine.

Of course, snakes had other meanings in different cultures. For example, the Hopi people of North America revered the snake as a fertility symbol. In Ancient Crete, snakes were often seen as guardians of the mysteries of regeneration, healing, and birth. In some cultures, particularly in the East, snakes were used as representatives of powerful temple guardians. In Angkor, Cambodia, there are stone sculptures of semi-divine guardians known as Nagas guarding temples and other sacred areas.

In the United States, the snake has also been used as a symbol. During the American Revolution, the Gadsden flag was flown by some colonists. This flag features a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike with the words “Don’t tread on me” written underneath. This symbol represented the colonists’ readiness to defend their homeland and their rights.

Cool Facts About Snakes

Let’s learn some interesting facts about snakes. Below are the facts we’ve picked up about snakes that we are now going to share with everyone so they can share this information on this holiday.

• There are over 3,000 different species of snakes.
• It’s estimated that over a million U.S. households own a pet snake.
• Snakes are cold-blooded and rely on external temperatures to warm up.
• The black mamba can slither at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour.

Observing National Serpent Day

National Serpent Day can be observed simply by snake owners spending quality time with their pets. However, you don’t need to own a pet snake to celebrate this holiday. You can learn more about snakes, watch a movie featuring snakes, or use the hashtag #NationalSerpentDay on your social media accounts.