National Serpent Day - National Serpent Day is a day to celebrate the slithery creatures that have held a special place in the human imagination for centuries. From ancient mythology to modern films and books, serpents have been depicted as symbols of power, wisdom, and mystery. On this day, take some time to appreciate these fascinating animals and their special place in our culture.

National Serpent Day 2025 – February 1, 2025

Every year on February 1, National Serpent Day is celebrated to raise awareness about snakes and to help people overcome their fear of them. This tradition has been in place for the last five years, and is used to promote more understanding of these creatures.

History of National Serpent Day

Every year, National Serpent Day is celebrated to appreciate and recognize snakes. These creatures have been known to humans for centuries and have evolved over an even longer period throughout history. Snakes are seen as symbols of medicine, good, evil, fertility, and are considered sacred because of their venom, which has been shown to have healing properties such as painkillers, drugs for hypertension, and even treatments for strokes, heart disease, and cancer. The exact origin and history of National Serpent Day is not known; however, it has been observed for at least five years to help people gain a better understanding of snakes and to overcome their fear. The origin of snakes being considered ‘evil’ stems from biblical literature, in which the serpent convinced Eve to consume from a tree forbidden by God. National Serpent Day is meant to rewrite these negative stories and encourage humans to reflect on their fears. Animal scientists have studied snakes and found they are usually shy and retreat when approached. Snakes will coil up and rattle to warn a person of their intention to be left alone and will only strike as a last resort when they feel threatened.

National Serpent Day timeline

1869 — 1897
Edward Drinker Cope’s Findings

His discoveries of extinct reptile fossils have enabled scientists to gain a greater understanding of the evolution of snakes.

1969
“Biology of the Reptilia” is First Published

This work serves as an overview of the development of amphibians and reptiles.

2001
Modern Research on Snakes Starts

The University of Texas has conducted an investigation into the degree to which the bones of squamates, or reptiles, harden at birth. This survey seeks to measure the extent of ossification, or the process of bone formation, in neonatal squamates.

2015
The Oldest Snake Fossil Ever Is Found

Researchers have discovered an astounding 113 million-year-old fossil of a four-legged snake in a Brazilian fossil site. This remarkable fossil, which dates back to the Cretaceous period, is the first of its kind and provides valuable clues about the evolution of snakes. It also sheds light on the mystery of how snakes lost their limbs. The discovery of this unique fossil is sure to revolutionize our current understanding of the evolution of snakes.

National Serpent Day FAQs

What do serpents symbolize?

Snakes have come to symbolize power, both good and evil; fertility, as they are able to shed their skins and emerge reborn; and, in some cultures, they are even believed to possess healing powers. They are seen as harbingers of transformation and regeneration, representing the cycle of life and death, and symbolizing immortality.

What do snakes represent in tattoos?

Snakes have a long and storied history as a potent symbol of rebirth, temptation, fertility, and power. This symbolism is often used in tattoo art to convey a range of ideas, from the spiritual to the more earthly and material. By incorporating images of snakes into their tattoos, people are expressing a desire to be reborn, to be drawn towards temptation and to experience the power of fertility.

Can a snake love you?

Snakes may eventually become accustomed to their owners and less fearful, but they still do not typically exhibit signs of affection toward humans, such as cuddling or seeking contact. Overall, snakes are not known for being particularly friendly or responsive to human interaction.

How to Observe National Serpent Day

  1. Visit a nearby zoo

    Celebrate National Serpent Day by visiting a nearby zoo to observe the many different types of snakes and discover their unique characteristics. Take a closer look and learn about how and why these creatures respond to human presence, and why it is important to respect their boundaries. Invite a few friends along for the experience and use it as an opportunity to conquer your fear of snakes together. See who has the greater trepidation and, hopefully, come away with a newfound appreciation of these remarkable creatures.

  2. Learn about them

    On National Serpent Day, take the opportunity to explore the snakes that are native to your region. Do some research to discover which ones are poisonous and how to identify them. Additionally, investigate the fascinating ways that snakes have been depicted in literature throughout history, from the ancient medicinal uses of serpents to more modern characters like Kaa in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” and Nagini in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

  3. Celebrate on social media

    If you are a fan of snakes, National Serpent Day is the perfect opportunity to share your enthusiasm with the world. Take a picture with your slithery companion and post it on social media, using the hashtags #SerpentDay or #NationalSerpentDay. This way, you can help others to overcome their fear of snakes.

5 Things You Should Know About Snakes

  1. Snakes have remedial properties

    Since ancient times, snakes have been considered sacred due to their venom's believed healing powers. Recent research has shown that this venom has been used to make painkillers, drugs for high blood pressure, and possibly even treatments for strokes, heart disease, and cancer.

  2. There are thousands of snake species

    Approximately 3,000 species of snakes have been discovered by scientists all over the globe. These species represent a wide array of shapes and sizes, from tiny, nonvenomous varieties to large and dangerous venomous species. Snakes inhabit nearly every environment, including deserts, forests, swamps, and even the ocean. They are found on nearly every continent, with the exception of Antarctica.

  3. Snakes eat their prey whole

    Snakes are renowned for their capability to consume prey that is up to three times bigger than the size of their head in one gulp, as their upper and lower jaws can move independently.

  4. They are mostly non-venomous

    Experts report that, of all the snake varieties that have been identified, only one in eight have the ability to inject venom.

  5. They sometimes give live birth

    Snakes are not only known for their egg-laying capabilities; some species actually give birth to live young. This process is called ovoviviparity, and it occurs in some species of snakes such as pythons, boas, and vipers. These snakes produce eggs internally, then the eggs hatch within the mother's body before the young are born. Ovoviviparity is a fascinating reproductive method that allows snakes to produce offspring in a variety of unique ways.

Why National Serpent Day is Important

  1. It encourages overcoming our fear of serpents

    National Serpent Day's mission is to help us conquer our apprehension of serpents. It is meant to be a day to foster a positive relationship with this ancient creature. It encourages us to learn more about the species and their importance to the ecosystem. The day provides an opportunity for us to explore our preconceived notions and misconceptions about these animals and to develop an appreciation for their place in nature.

  2. It helps us appreciate their existence

    Snakes are an iconic representation of strength, both positive and negative, fertility, and have provided medicinal benefits to humans throughout history. National Serpent Day is an opportunity to recognize their important contributions to our lives and to show appreciation for their presence on our planet.

  3. It promotes our understanding of snakes

    National Serpent Day is a day to help promote awareness of snakes, with the ultimate goal of helping people to overcome their fear of them. On this day, people are urged to take the time to learn about the species of snakes that live in their local area and to find out more about them. By educating ourselves, we can reduce our fear of snakes and become more comfortable with them.

National Serpent Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 February 1 Wednesday
2024 February 1 Thursday
2025 February 1 Saturday
2026 February 1 Sunday
2027 February 1 Monday
National Dark Chocolate Day
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
National Freedom Day
National Get Up Day
Decorating With Candy Day
National Baked Alaska Day
Spunky Old Broads Day
Robinson Crusoe Day
International Pisco Sour Day
World Hijab Day
Imbolc (Saint Brigid's Day)
National Serpent Day
Federal Territory Day
Abolition of Slavery Day
Change Your Password Day
Heroes' Day
G.I. Joe Day
Hula in the Coola Day
Car Insurance Day
National Texas Day
Tet Nguyen Dan
International Face and Body Art Day
Conservatorship and Guardianship Abuse Awareness Day
World Aspergillosis Day
National Sean Day
National Cameron Day
Day of Remembrance and Respect to Victims of the Communist Regime
Decorating with Candy Day
Yukon Quest
Holiday Hugs Day
Take Your Child To The Library Day
Lung Leavin’ Day
Harry Styles's Birthday
Stormi Webster's Birthday
La Poutine Week
Solo Diners Eat Out Week
National Patient Recognition Week
Women's Heart Week
World Interfaith Harmony Week
National Patient Recognition Week
Shape Up With Pickles Time
American Heart Month
Dog Training Education Month
Great American Pie Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Cat Health Month
National Cherry Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month
National Embroidery Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
National Macadamia Nut Month
National Snack Food Month
Pet Dental Health Month
Black History Month
National Grapefruit Month
Canned Food Month
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
National Bake For Family Fun Month
Bike To Work Month
Humpback Whale Awareness Month
International Friendship Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
LGBT+ History Month
Spunky Old Broads Month
National Library Lovers Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
National Sweet Potato Month
International Expect Success Month
Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month
National Heart Healthy Month
International Boost Self Esteem Month
An Affair to Remember Month
Creative Romance Month
National Fasting February
Potato Lovers Month
Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month
National Time Management Month
Celebration of Chocolate Month
Love the Bus Month
Pull Your Sofa Off the Wall Month
Relationship Wellness Month
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
Wise Health Care Consumer Month
National Haiku Writing Month
From Africa to Virginia Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Financial Aid Awareness Month
Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month
National Mend a Broken Heart Month
National Senior Independence Month
National Arts Month
National Therapeutic Recreation Month
National Women Inventors Month
African American Heritage Month
Raynaud's Awareness Month
National Condom Month
International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
Declutter for a Cause Month
National Parent Leadership Month
Human Relations Month
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Vegan Cuisine Month
Berry Fresh Month
Spiritual Teachers Month
National Fondue Month
National Laugh Friendly Month
North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)
Barley Month
National Self-Check Month
Women’s Role in History Month
Jobs in Golf Month
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
International Hoof Care Month
International Month of Black Women in the Arts
Beat the Heat Month
Ethnic Equality Month
Marijuana Awareness Month
National Goat Yoga Month
National Blah Buster Month
National African American Read-In
Feline Fix by Five Month
Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month
National Avocado and Banana Month
Free Open Source Software Month
Worldwide Renaissance of the Heart Month
Exotic Vegetables and Star Fruit Month
National Weddings Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
National Enrolled Agents Month
Youth Leadership Month