Happy Valenhog's Day!

Valenhog's Day is a yearly holiday observed in a small district of the Pacific Northwest at the beginning of February.

ORIGIN:  This holiday was originally created as an excuse for a group of friends and family to gather.  After the mandatory Thanksgiving and Christmas functions, the no-pressure New Year's Eve Party was a fun, lighthearted affair.  Guests and hosts alike enjoyed it so much, that more laid-back, yet lively, holidays were sought after.  The romantic Valentine's Day was too much pressure, and the ephemeral Groundhog's Day left a little to be desired.  The timing was right, however, and Valenhog's Day was born out of a desire for fun, good food, and fellowship in the midst of what was otherwise a cold, dark and dismal season.

ETYMOLOGY:  The word Valenhog was first recorded in January of 2011 and represents a Northwestern variant of St. Valentine's and Groundhog's Days.

SYMBOLS: Development of symbols and artifacts associated with this holiday are forming constantly.  The groundhog, commonly seen wearing a top hat, carries a Valentine with him wherever he goes.  Hearts are common symbols of this day as well.

COSTUMES:  Celebrants typically wear as much red as possible.

FOODS:  Foods associated with this holiday include anything red.  Last year's festivities included red chips, salsa, beet soup, lasagna, garlic bread with red butter, red velvet cupcakes, juice, and red wine.  This year promises more in that vein, starring a delectable cioppino.

GAMES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES:  Last year celebrants were encouraged to bring small, wrapped gifts to exchange at local parties.  Gifts were required to be red, groundhog, or heart related.  This year, celebrants are being asked to make fanciful cards to exchange with one another at local celebrations.