National Tarantula Appreciation Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Tarantula Appreciation Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Tarantula Appreciation Day is celebrated on August 8th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Tarantula Appreciation Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about National Tarantula Appreciation Day.

📅 What day is National Tarantula Appreciation Day 2024?

In 2024, National Tarantula Appreciation Day is on Tuesday, August 8th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in August; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about August 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on August 8th, we celebrate National Tarantula Appreciation Day. This special day aims to change the perception of tarantulas as scary creatures and instead highlight their beauty and grace. Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas are actually gentle and misunderstood. They symbolize strength and confidence, inspiring others to embrace their own purpose with authority and certainty. Join in the celebration and learn how you can show your appreciation for these remarkable spiders on National Tarantula Appreciation Day!

📜 National Tarantula Appreciation Day History

Around 108 million years ago, tarantulas arrived in India in two different forms: tree-dwellers and burrowers. However, they became extinct in Asia when India separated from Madagascar about 95 million years ago. After this event, spiders quickly filled the ecological gaps and established their niche for survival. Due to the large size and subtropical nature of Asia, tarantulas have adapted to various habitat and climate conditions, resulting in the growth of indigenous spider families such as Ornithoctoninae, Thrigmopoeinae, and Poecilotheriinae. Today, Asia is home to hundreds of different spider species.

Tarantulas also became famous as literary and mythical symbols. In the eighth century A.D., the Roman poet Ovid wrote a poem called “Metamorphoses” that tells the story of Arachne transforming into a tarantula. Dante Alighieri also mentioned this myth in his “Divine Comedy, Purgatorio” in 1308. However, tarantulas gained a negative reputation after Swiss author Jeremiah Gotthelf published “The Black Spider,” a symbolic tale depicting spiders as the devil’s evil doings. It wasn’t until 1952 when E.B. White’s children’s story “Charlotte’s Web” portrayed spiders in a positive light, that the image of spiders was rehabilitated in the literary world.

✅ National Tarantula Appreciation Day Facts

🔖 Restricted international trade of tarantulas
The Mexican red-kneed tarantula is not allowed to be traded as an exotic pet because of concerns about its extinction.

🔖 A producer of silk

🔖 Most tarantulas aren’t deadly
Contrary to what many people think, only a small number of tarantula species actually have venom that can harm humans.

👍 Why Is National Tarantula Appreciation Day Important

Tarantulas are portrayed as peaceful, regal creatures on National Tarantula Appreciation Day. It disproves the widely held idea that they are frightening and toxic. At least not all of the time!

Tarantulas have a subtle grace that symbolizes strength and authority. Even when they aren’t doing anything, their presence is strong and apparent.

Reading about tarantulas, whether in classic literature or recent comic book series, is always entertaining. It’s fascinating how they’re always associated with good versus evil, and their redemption story arcs are always fascinating to watch.

🙂 How To Observe National Tarantula Appreciation Day

⚡ Watch horror movies featuring spiders

⚡ Adopt a tarantula
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to bring a tarantula into your home for the day. They are low-maintenance pets that can be kept in a spider cage. Introducing this stunning creature is sure to add some excitement to your household!

⚡ Share photos and videos of tarantulas
Arachnophobia monster horror is a prominent scary movie subgenre. Watch horror films including “The Giant Spider Invasion,” “Eight Legged Freaks,” and “Through a Glass Darkly.”

📅 When is National Tarantula Appreciation Day?

View all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 American holidays.

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