EADS

Long before the advent of Groundhog Day on February 2nd, the Romans observed a similar event thousands of years ago on the exact same day. Rather than use the North American groundhog, the Romans used the hedgehog.  “If during hibernation, he (the hedgehog) looks out of his den on 2nd February and sees his shadow it means there is a clear moon and six more weeks of winter so he returns to his burrow.”  The only difference between this ancient event and the present day version (aside from the hedgehog, of course) is the fact that the Romans would look to see if the hedgehog saw its shadow under a clear moon at night.  Here in North America, where we have no indigenous species of hedgehog, we replaced the hedgehog with the native groundhog. 

In 1898 a young man named E.J. "Stroller" White was struggling to make it as a journalist in Dawson, Alaska. He got a job with the Klondike Nugget on the condition that he increase sales. Luck was with him, because a huge storm soon hit the area, and in the wake of the storm White excitedly announced that a new creature had been discovered: ice worms.  The worms soon became the talk of the town and sales of the Klondike Nugget soared as White continued to write about them. People went out on expeditions to find them, carefully listening for their characteristic chirping. As the years passed and the ice worms retreated back into their home inside the glacier, the tiny creatures became something of a legend, often depicted on local postcards. Every year the town of Cordova, Alaska celebrates the ice worm with a winter carnival that is held during the last week of January or the first week of February. The festival includes the election of an ice worm king and queen.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome who may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons.  According to the legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the Valentine legend is murky, the story certainly emphasizes his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Crescent City, CA celebrates Champion Crab Races Day annually at the Cultural Center by enjoying local crab and cheese while sipping good wine. Events include one world championship crab race, crab & seafood chowder contests, local award winning cheeses, a Wall-O-Wine and a coloring contest.

According to the federal government, the holiday observed on the third Monday in February is officially Washington's Birthday, but many Americans believe that this holiday is now called "Presidents' Day," in honor of both Presidents Washington and Lincoln, whose birthdays are Feb. 22 and Feb. 12, respectively. Non-traditionalists believe that Presidents' Day should, in fact, be used to honor all American presidents.

Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.  The 16th annual Spay Day takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2010, with events and activities in honor of Spay Day taking place throughout the month of February. More information on this topic can be found at www.humanesociety.org.

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day is a day for the dogs. No one else can really appreciate the true value of a dog biscuit.  Celebrate today by giving your dog a few dog biscuits.

Polar Bear Day celebrates the world's largest carnivore. A polar bear can grow up to nine feet tall (when standing) and 1400 pounds. They are a favorite at zoos around the country. Polar bears live in the North Pole region, and are native to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.  Need some ideas on how to celebrate today?  Visit the local zoo to see live polar bears, check the nature channels on cable TV or research the history of the polar bear. Did you know that it is believed that all polar bears are left handed?