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#Frogs at Tadpole Playground by David Phillips
rabbitcruiser · 9 days
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World Frog Day
World Frog Day is an annual celebration celebrated on March 20. Unlike other animals, not all of us love frogs for their looks, appearance, and most importantly, their croak. Most often they are tiny creatures, small in body, and will make us scrunch up our faces. Frogs are amphibians that can be found both on land and in water. They are considered to be predators and play an important role in preserving the environment throughout their lives. In recent years, however, frogs have been critically endangered for several reasons. World Frog Day is an awareness day celebrated to save these living beings and provide them with a safer environment to survive.
History of World Frog Day
World Frog Day has been celebrated since 2014. There is no precise mention of the person or organization that started this awareness day; it was created to save the different frog species from extinction. Frogs are tailless amphibians with origins dating back nearly 256 million years. They were valued as food by the people and also have many cultural roles including literature, symbolism, and religion. Approximately 6,000 known frog species have been found, of which 4,800 recorded frog species have been found around the world except for Antarctica. But around 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the past decade. The reason for their population decline is different, as they are disappearing due to both human activity and fungal infections.
Frog populations have declined significantly since the 1950s and around a third of the world’s species are critically endangered, while more than 120 species are believed to have been extinct since the 1980s. The extinction of certain frogs has been traced back to emerging fungal diseases, habitat destruction and alteration, pollution, climate change, pesticide use, and more. All of this led to an increase in malformations in frogs in particular.
Many conservation biologists around the world are actively working to find and understand the causes of these problems and ways to solve them. Frogs are tailless amphibians of the order. Anura. They are widespread from the tropics to the subarctic regions, but the highest concentration of biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests. The oldest fossil of the “Protofrog” appeared in the early Triassic of Madagascar. However, the dating of the molecular clock suggests that the origin of the frog could stretch further back into the Permian, approximately 265 million years ago.
World Frog Day timeline
265 Million Years Ago Frogs are Discovered
The first species of frogs are discovered.
2014 The First Year of the Celebrations
World Frog Day is first observed.
2016 Frog Numbers have Boomed
Local volunteers help to increase conservation work in Scotland.
2020 The Work in Scotland
A becoming population of common frogs is discovered.
World Frog Day FAQs
Why is World Frog Day celebrated?
It is celebrated to mark the existence of frogs, to create awareness of the different species, and to advocate for their protection.
What is the biggest frog in the world?
The Goliath frog is the largest in the world.
What country has the most frogs?
Brazil has the most frogs with a total Amphibian species count of 1,022.
World Frog Day Activities
Get to know more about frogs
Help raise awareness
Start practicing some new environmental-friendly habits
Get to know about the frogs, their habitats, types, and their ecological roles in detail. It’s sure to be interesting!
Help to raise awareness of the decline in the frog population and the importance of saving them in the community. Instead of killing them, ask them to protect this incredible creature.
Help create some environmental changes such as reducing pollution and pesticide usage to prevent them from being killed. What are you waiting for?
5 Facts About Frogs That Will Leave You Baffled
6,000 species of frogs across the world
Frogs can drink water through their skin
Jump 20 times their body length
Some of them are poisonous
They display vibrant colors
Frogs are among the most diverse animals on land, with more than 6,000 species distributed across various parts of the globe.
Frogs drink water through their skin by absorbing it and have a drinking patch located on their belly and the underside of their thighs via which they absorb water.
One trait that stands out among frogs is their ability to jump and can reach heights of 20 times their body length.
Poison dart frogs have highly toxic skin and one species known as the golden poison frog perfects the ability to kill 10 adult males.
Frogs are not just green or yellow — which are commonly seen during the monsoon months — but display a range of colors from vibrant red to dark blue.
Why We Love World Frog Day
It's aimed to raise awareness
It celebrates these diverse and valuable treasures of the ecosystem
It improves people's overall knowledge about frogs
The primary aim of this day is to raise awareness of the different species of frogs and to protect them further. See what you can do on this day to contribute.
Frogs play a central role in many ecosystems. They control the insect population, and they're a food source for many larger animals. Frogs can also secrete substances through their skin. Some secretions are beneficial and researchers have used some of them to create new antibiotics and painkillers.
Aside from the celebration of the tailless amphibians, it's a day also set aside to help educate the general populace on the different species of frogs that exist, their habitats, how they feed, what is causing their ecological decline, and how we can better protect and save these awesome creatures.
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bu-ccd-erc · 7 years
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Animal Statues in Boston: A Guide!
1. Make Way for Ducklings
If you’ve ever read the classic picture book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, you’ll want to visit the Boston Public Garden to see the family of bronze ducks that brings the story to life. This work was created by Nancy Schön in 1987 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Boston Public Garden. The artist breathed life into the ducks; the mother duck leading eight little ducklings on their way to find their new home in Boston. People put seasonal decorations on the ducks so you never know what they will look like next time you pass by. It might seem to appeal to children, but it is definitely worth visiting any time during the year, no matter what age you are!
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2. Frogs of Tadpole Playground
The Frog Pond was first opened in 1894 and it has been a favorite place for kids to learn skating and do other fun activities ever since. You might have seen these strange frog statues at the Boston Common Frog Pond and wondered what they are doing. These bronze statues were created in 2003 by local Boston artist David Phillips, and soon became popular among all age groups. People love these frogs doing human things. You should definitely go and meet them!
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3. The Tortoise and the Hare
In Back Bay, there is another work by Nancy Schön. This time, the artist brought the Tortoise and the Hare story to life. However, this time, Nancy was aiming to pay tribute to Boston Marathon participants and remind the public that “slow and steady wins the race.”
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Get exploring and check out these critters (and other statues around Boston) today!
(Mira Ma, QSB ‘18)
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rabbitcruiser · 1 month
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National Tell a Fairy Tale Day 
Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…
History of Tell A Fairy Tale Day
The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.
The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.  
As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!
By celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.
How fairy tales change over time
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.
Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.
These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.
Why fairy tales are important
As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.  
How to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day
It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.
Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?
Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.
If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.
And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.  
However you choose to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!
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rabbitcruiser · 1 year
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World Frog Day
World Frog Day is an annual celebration celebrated on March 20. Unlike other animals, not all of us love frogs for their looks, appearance, and most importantly, their croak. Most often they are tiny creatures, small in body, and will make us scrunch up our faces. Frogs are amphibians that can be found both on land and in water. They are considered to be predators and play an important role in preserving the environment throughout their lives. In recent years, however, frogs have been critically endangered for several reasons. World Frog Day is an awareness day celebrated to save these living beings and provide them with a safer environment to survive.
History of World Frog Day
World Frog Day has been celebrated since 2014. There is no precise mention of the person or organization that started this awareness day; it was created to save the different frog species from extinction. Frogs are tailless amphibians with origins dating back nearly 256 million years. They were valued as food by the people and also have many cultural roles including literature, symbolism, and religion. Approximately 6,000 known frog species have been found, of which 4,800 recorded frog species have been found around the world except for Antarctica. But around 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the past decade. The reason for their population decline is different, as they are disappearing due to both human activity and fungal infections.
Frog populations have declined significantly since the 1950s and around a third of the world’s species are critically endangered, while more than 120 species are believed to have been extinct since the 1980s. The extinction of certain frogs has been traced back to emerging fungal diseases, habitat destruction and alteration, pollution, climate change, pesticide use, and more. All of this led to an increase in malformations in frogs in particular.
Many conservation biologists around the world are actively working to find and understand the causes of these problems and ways to solve them. Frogs are tailless amphibians of the order. Anura. They are widespread from the tropics to the subarctic regions, but the highest concentration of biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests. The oldest fossil of the “Protofrog” appeared in the early Triassic of Madagascar. However, the dating of the molecular clock suggests that the origin of the frog could stretch further back into the Permian, approximately 265 million years ago.
World Frog Day timeline
265 Million Years Ago Frogs are Discovered
The first species of frogs are discovered.
2014 The First Year of the Celebrations
World Frog Day is first observed.
2016 Frog Numbers have Boomed
Local volunteers help to increase conservation work in Scotland.
2020 The Work in Scotland
A becoming population of common frogs is discovered.
World Frog Day FAQs
Why is World Frog Day celebrated?
It is celebrated to mark the existence of frogs, to create awareness of the different species, and to advocate for their protection.
What is the biggest frog in the world?
The Goliath frog is the largest in the world.
What country has the most frogs?
Brazil has the most frogs with a total Amphibian species count of 1,022.
World Frog Day Activities
Get to know more about frogs
Help raise awareness
Start practicing some new environmental-friendly habits
Get to know about the frogs, their habitats, types, and their ecological roles in detail. It’s sure to be interesting!
Help to raise awareness of the decline in the frog population and the importance of saving them in the community. Instead of killing them, ask them to protect this incredible creature.
Help create some environmental changes such as reducing pollution and pesticide usage to prevent them from being killed. What are you waiting for?
5 Facts About Frogs That Will Leave You Baffled
6,000 species of frogs across the world
Frogs can drink water through their skin
Jump 20 times their body length
Some of them are poisonous
They display vibrant colors
Frogs are among the most diverse animals on land, with more than 6,000 species distributed across various parts of the globe.
Frogs drink water through their skin by absorbing it and have a drinking patch located on their belly and the underside of their thighs via which they absorb water.
One trait that stands out among frogs is their ability to jump and can reach heights of 20 times their body length.
Poison dart frogs have highly toxic skin and one species known as the golden poison frog perfects the ability to kill 10 adult males.
Frogs are not just green or yellow — which are commonly seen during the monsoon months — but display a range of colors from vibrant red to dark blue.
Why We Love World Frog Day
It's aimed to raise awareness
It celebrates these diverse and valuable treasures of the ecosystem
It improves people's overall knowledge about frogs
The primary aim of this day is to raise awareness of the different species of frogs and to protect them further. See what you can do on this day to contribute.
Frogs play a central role in many ecosystems. They control the insect population, and they're a food source for many larger animals. Frogs can also secrete substances through their skin. Some secretions are beneficial and researchers have used some of them to create new antibiotics and painkillers.
Aside from the celebration of the tailless amphibians, it's a day also set aside to help educate the general populace on the different species of frogs that exist, their habitats, how they feed, what is causing their ecological decline, and how we can better protect and save these awesome creatures.
Source
9 notes · View notes
rabbitcruiser · 1 year
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National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… National Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…
History of National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.
The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.
As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!
By celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.
National Tell A Fairy Tale Day Timeline
3000 BC – 1200 BC Fairy Tales get their beginning
During the Bronze Age, stories are passed down orally through Eastern and Western Indo-European languages. This includes stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Beast, as well as many others.
1697 Term “Fairy Tale” is coined
French literary fiction writer, Madame d’Aulnoy publishes her own book of Fairy Tales and is the first to use the term which, in French, is conte de fées. She is one of many female fairy tale writers during this era.
1697 Charles Perrault publishes his first book
This French author publishes a story collection that not only includes Little Red Riding Hood, but the grouping is subtitled as “Tales of Mother Goose”.
Early 19th Century Brothers Grimm popularize Fairy Tales
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are German academics who collect stories from German folklore and retell them. Many of these stories are similar to those of French storyteller, Charles Perrault, from a century prior.
1837 Hans Christian Andersen publishes The Little Mermaid
Included in the first collection of Fairy Tales Told for Children, which is published in Copenhagen, The Little Mermaid is probably one of the most popular of Anderson’s tales.
How fairy tales change over time
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.
Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.
These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.
Why fairy tales are important
As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.
How to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.
Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?
Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.
If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.
And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.
However you choose to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!
National Tell A Fairy Tale Day FAQs
What is a Fairy Tale?
Also called wonder tales, magic tales or fairy stories, Fairy Tales are a genre of fiction originating in European folklore. These tales often feature mythical creatures such as elves, dwarves, giants, fairies, gnomes, mermaids and more.
Who wrote the first Fairy Tales?
The original stories were passed down orally for thousands of years so it’s impossible to tell who started them. However, some of the first Fairy Tales that were written and published were by French Authors Charles Perrault and Madame d’Aulnoy.
What are the most popular Fairy Tales?
A favorite part of many childhoods, some of the most popular stories of all time include Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty.
Which Fairy Tales are Grimm?
In the early 19th century, the Grimm Brothers spent time collecting stories from people of all classes in Germany. Some of their Fairy Tales include Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, The Frog King, Rumplestiltskin and Little Red Riding Hood.
When is Tell a Fairy Tale Day?
Each year on February 26, National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is the perfect time to spend time reading and making up stories with children.
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rabbitcruiser · 2 years
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National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… National Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…
History of National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.
The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.
As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!
By celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.
National Tell A Fairy Tale Day Timeline
3000 BC – 1200 BC Fairy Tales get their beginning
During the Bronze Age, stories are passed down orally through Eastern and Western Indo-European languages. This includes stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Beast, as well as many others.
1697 Term “Fairy Tale” is coined
French literary fiction writer, Madame d’Aulnoy publishes her own book of Fairy Tales and is the first to use the term which, in French, is conte de fées. She is one of many female fairy tale writers during this era.
1697 Charles Perrault publishes his first book
This French author publishes a story collection that not only includes Little Red Riding Hood, but the grouping is subtitled as “Tales of Mother Goose”.
Early 19th Century Brothers Grimm popularize Fairy Tales
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are German academics who collect stories from German folklore and retell them. Many of these stories are similar to those of French storyteller, Charles Perrault, from a century prior.
1837 Hans Christian Andersen publishes The Little Mermaid.
Included in the first collection of Fairy Tales Told for Children, which is published in Copenhagen, The Little Mermaid is probably one of the most popular of Anderson’s tales.
How fairy tales change over time
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.
Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.
These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.
Why fairy tales are important
As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.
How to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.
Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?
Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.
If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.
And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.
However you choose to celebrate National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!
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National Tell a Fairy Tale Day 
Gather round the fire, and make yourselves comfortable… Tell A Fairy Tale Day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. From grim(m) tales to urban legends, tap the dark corners of your subconscious and see what you find…
History of Tell A Fairy Tale Day
The sharing of magical, otherworldly stories is a tale as old as time. While the term ‘fairy tale’ was coined in 1697 by Madame d’Aulnoy (conte de fées in her native French), it’s likely that some fairy tales originated as early as the bronze age over 6,000 years ago. And for most of history, fairy tales have been passed on not in written form but via the oral tradition, with each generation telling and dramatizing stories to the next.
The fairy tale’s ancient roots can be traced all over the world, from Vikram-Betaal in India and Aesop’s Fables in Ancient Greece to Arabian Nights in the Middle East. It was during the late 17th to 19th centuries that fairy tale collectors emerged, most famously Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. While the Brothers Grimm aimed to preserve folktales in their pure form, documenting them in the way they were told by rural peasants unable to read or write, Perrault and others reworked fairy tales for literary and artistic effect, with some writers such as Hans Christian Andersen dreaming up their own new stories.  
As the fairy tale’s history emerges into the modern day, it’s clear that the genre is still as popular as ever – look no further than the success of Disney movies to see how these stories continue to capture our hearts and imaginations. In fact, the famous Disney castle is inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by none other than the Märchenkönig (fairy-tale king), Ludwig II of Bavaria, himself. Perched on a rocky hill and with horse-drawn carriage rides up to the front door, Neuschwanstein and its elaborate interior abound in myths and legends – the castle is even home to an artificial grotto!
By celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you’ll be continuing the magical tradition that has ensured fairy tales are still very much part of our lives to this day.
How fairy tales change over time
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of fairy tales is how they change over time. Simple plot structures, motifs and archetypal characters recurring across many cultures make these stories rife for adaptation and reinterpretation.
Although nowadays we usually associate fairy tales with children’s literature, you may be surprised to learn that many of today’s beloved stories have rather dark and disturbing origins. Imagine a world in which no woodcutter comes to save Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s belly, or in which one of the ugly stepsisters cuts off her own toes so that her foot fits in the slipper! From the 18th century onwards, many fairy tales were toned down and reworked so that they were more suitable for children.
These stories and the genre itself have also been adapted and reinvented for different time periods and cultures. Alongside original modern-day fairy tales, there are also various retellings, for example in urban settings or different countries. One particularly common type of retelling comes from women writers. Authors such as Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood have taken what are often seen as outdated tropes about women and reinvented them – the damsel in distress becomes the plucky heroine, and the trapped bride leaves her ogre husband for her happily ever after.
Why fairy tales are important
As it is often claimed Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We might not expect such high praise for fairy tales from a world-famous theoretical physicist, but Einstein recognized the importance of the imagination. Fairy tales are incredibly valuable for both children and adults when it comes to learning about the world in which we live and developing our capacity for creativity. Fairy tales have also been considered fertile ground by psychoanalysts. With their twists and turns, age-old themes and familiar characters, our favorite stories may reveal not only the workings of our personal subconscious but also the fundamental elements of our collective psyche.  
How to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day
It should be clear by now that, when it comes to celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day, you really can let your imagination run wild! And while it’s a day that kids will love, it’s also a great occasion for adults too.
Gather your friends and family and take it in turns to share your favorite stories with one another. Time to brush up on your acting skills, as the more dramatic enactments the better – whether you’re good at impersonating a wicked witch or excel at acting out the characters’ quest through the enchanted forest, you’ll want to really make the tale come to life for your audience. And why not sit around a bonfire toasting marshmallows or string up some fairy lights in your living room to add to the atmosphere?
Alongside sharing the stories we know and love, fairy tales are the perfect genre for getting creative and honing your writing skills. Take a well-known story and tweak it to fit a different time or setting, or have a crack at inventing your own. It may well start with ‘Once upon a time’, but it’s completely up to you whether there’s a ‘Happily ever after’! Many libraries and literary organizations will also share stories and creative resources and even hold events to help mark the occasion.
If writing’s not your thing, then there are plenty of films and programs based on fairy tales for you to enjoy. Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid are just some examples of the media giant’s adaptations, while movies and TV series such as Into the Woods and Tell Me a Story interweave and retell various classic fairy tales for new audiences.
And if you feel like going all out, why not host a fairy tale themed party? Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress, put on an enchanted feast of yummy snacks such as gingerbread houses and toadstool cupcakes, and throw some legendary party games like hunt the pea and castle building.  
However you choose to celebrate Tell A Fairy Tale Day, it’s sure to be a magical occasion!
Source
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