Whacking Day
- This article is about the holiday. For the episode, see "Whacking Day".
- "Everyone likes Whacking Day, but I hate it. Is there something wrong with me?"
- ―Lisa
- "Yes, honey."
- ―Homer[src]
Whacking Day is a local holiday in Springfield which calls for the townspeople to beat snakes to death with sticks.
Contents
History
It reportedly dates back to founding father Jebediah Springfield, who whacked his first snake in 1775.
However, there have been fallacies discovered in the history of Whacking Day, such as Jebediah Springfield having lead a battle at Ticonderoga on the same day he is credited with founding the holiday. Also, according to the book The Truth About Whacking Day by Bob Woodward, Whacking Day was started in 1924 as an excuse to beat up the Irish. One Irishman who survived the event recounts that "twas was all in good fun".[1]
Tradition
During Whacking Day, which takes place the 10th of every May, the citizens of Springfield drive all snakes to the center of the town and proceed to whack them to death with sticks. The event has included several notable figures as grand marshals, including President Richard Nixon and singer Barry White.[1]
Legality
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The contents of this article or section are considered to be non-canon and therefore may not have actually happened or existed. |
Springfield's Chamber of Commerce no longer recognizes Whacking Day as an official holiday.[2]
Merchandising
The holiday has become so popular in Springfield that sales surround the event. Specialized sticks, called whacking sticks, have been created for the sole purpose of whacking snakes on the day.[1]
Detractors
Whacking Day has been called "distasteful and puerile" by even hillbillies.[1]
Behind the Laughter
Whacking Day is similar to the legend of St. Patrick banishing all snakes from Ireland.
