This
silly holiday is a parody of the holiday called “Swallows Return to
Capistrano.” Swallows Day is supposed to be a lovely day in March
when flocks of cliff swallows arrive at the beautiful Mission San
Juan Capistrano and begin to build their springtime nests. For years
people have had a parade and festival to welcome back the sparrows,
and they traditionally ring the mission bells as well. Unfortunately,
there have been very few or no swallows anywhere near Capistrano,
recently. And I don't mean few or no swallows on Swallows Day; I mean
few or no swallows anywhere near Capistrano at all, ever.
Still,
from what I can tell, Swallows Day goes on, with or without the
swallows!
Today's
“holiday,” Slugs Day, warns people all over the nation that the
slugs are returning from their winter headquarters in Capistrano—but
of course, that's a great big lie! Slugs do not migrate each year,
and they certainly don't overwinter in Capistrano!
Still,
it might be fun to have a Slugs Day today. Try out the slugs links
and games at Wart Games. And here are some experiments about slugs and caffeine.
(You should know that most gardeners consider slugs and snails huge
problems, major pests. They want to learn about them so they can
repel or even destroy them!) Finally, here are some groan-worthy
jokes about snails and slugs.
Also
on this date:
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