While February 2 is National Hedgehog Day, it is often overlooked because of its close proximity to Groundhog Day.
And, of course, there is a distinction. You know, those tiny bundles of happiness that have swept the internet by storm.
Now we’re talking about hedgehogs! A whole day has been set aside to honour these infants because of their meteoric rise to fame, courtesy of Instagram.
In search of a pet. A lot of people have strong feelings about that.
What it’s like to welcome one of these adorable critters into your home is described in detail below.
Interesting Information About A Common Garden Animal, The Hedgehog
There are 14 different species of hedgehog, and most of them can be found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and solitary mammals that prefer to spend their time in green areas like gardens, woods, and parks.
Their name comes from the pig-like snuffling noises they make and the small size of their snouts.
The spines on a hedgehog’s back are nothing new, but you might not know that they are actually hollow hairs that have been stiffened by keratin.
When threatened, a hedgehog will roll into a tight ball, pointing its many spines (up to 5,000 when fully grown!) outward.
Although no photographs have been taken of this practice, it is less well known that they are also used for cheese and pineapple at cocktail parties.
Also Read National Hot Chocolate Day, Updated Information 2023
The Origins of the National Hedgehog Day
Ancient Romans celebrated a holiday similar to our modern-day “Groundhog Day” called National Hedgehog Day.
Hedgehogs, like their North American counterparts the groundhogs, have long been used in Europe to anticipate the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
The ancient Roman custom has been carried on in folklore all over Europe, but especially in Ireland.
Some people believed that the presence of hedgehogs at the beginning of February was indicative of good weather and the promise of warmer days, while the absence of hedgehogs indicated that winter would continue for several more weeks.
Exactly Why Is It That Americans Have To be So Divisive By Celebrating Groundhogs?
In North America, instead of hedge hogs, people look to the groundhog (most notably Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie). Why? Reason being, there are no hedgehogs indigenous to the Americas.
Is there, then, any justification for the United States to observe Hedgehog Day in place of (or in addition to) Groundhog Day?
Absolutely!
Cute and clever, hedgehogs are a joy to behold. Their bodies are covered in stiff, hollow hairs that they can use for defence. They will roll into a ball with their hairs sticking out like spines if they feel threatened, making them extremely painful to touch.
They can sniff out food that has been buried as little as an inch in the ground. They like to move around and forage for food when it is dark. It’s possible that this is why the Romans would rather use the moon than the sun to look for the hedgehog’s shadow.
If you still need an excuse to celebrate Hedgehog Day on February 2, remember that the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 1994 gives you even more of a reason to do so. (Coincidence? Or no?).
Also Read Cindy Williams Death; Laverne and Shirley Actor Dies At 75!
Keep reading for some suggestions on how to observe this lovable and entertaining unrecognised holiday.
The Best Ways To Celebrate The Hedgehog
In the United States, we’ll still be watching the groundhog, a local substitute for the hedgehog, attempt to foretell the weather.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t also rejoice in the earliest indicator of spring’s arrival.
Take some time to study the hedgehog. You can begin with this concise introduction from National Geographic. You can learn a lot and have some laughs by checking out the Hedgehog page at the San Diego Zoo.
I didn’t know that some people kept hedgehogs as pets. Discover more about hedgehogs as pets if you’re considering getting one.
Also Read The National Freedom Of Day, Complete Information In 2023
Quotes, Greetings, and Messages Honoring the Hedgehog on Its National Day
On February 2nd of every year, people in the United States of America celebrate National Hedgehog Day. On this day, we celebrate the endearing hedgehog and send National Hedgehog Day greetings to our loved ones.
Now is the time to show off your knowledge of inspirational National Hedgehog Day quotes and sayings to your friends and family.
Post one of the best collections of Happy National Hedgehog Day messages and greetings ever assembled on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
The 2nd of February Has Become National Hedgehog Day.
There are 17 different species of hedgehogs, as reported by MentalFloss.com. However, not one of them has an American ancestor. Which could explain why, in the United States, we celebrate groundhogs on February 2 instead of hedgehogs.
When German settlers to the New World realised they wouldn’t be able to find any hedgehogs, they instead adopted a close relative, the groundhog.
