Happy Slugs Return to Capistrano Day !

Happy Slugs Return to Capistrano Day !

written & illustrated with Hug Me Slug Original Toys

by Elizabeth of ElizabethRuffing

According to legend, on Saint Joseph’s Day, March 19th of every year, large flocks of cliff swallows, gathered together on the last leg of their long annual migratory flight from Argentina, would arrive at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, nesting in the crossbeams, under the eaves, in the corners, everywhere they could attach their gourd shaped nests, all around the old mission that was founded back in 1776.

Visitors from all parts of the world would visit to witness the return of swallows.

Orchid & Light Turquoise

Hug Me Slug Original Art Toy

What no one knew, until more recently, when Thomas and Ruth Roy submitted their official holiday entry form to Chase’s Calendar of Events, was that, when the swallows return to Capistrano, all the slugs leave. It can only be imagined that the slugs fear for their lives, given the huge increase in the bird population.

This day, observed on May 28th, is known as “Slugs Return from Capistrano Day”.

Hug Me Slug Original Toys

in every color of the rainbow !

The famous swallows’ yearly farewell to Capistrano is celebrated on October 23rd, when they are said to circle the mission before heading back to Argentina. This day must be celebrated by the slugs as well, as they can then safely go back to vacationing in Capistrano, which is understood to be lovely.

They get to stay there all winter, swallow free.

Light Blue and Watermelon Pink

Hug Me Slug Original Art Toy

Over the past 15 years, or so, Tom and Ruth Roy have added other humorous holidays to our calendar, including “Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Night”, celebrated August 8th, “Stay Home Because You’re Well Day”, celebrated on November 30th, which happens to be Tom Roy’s birthday, and “International Moment of Frustration Scream Day”, celebrated on October 12th. Chase’s has made them all official, and has placed them in their book, along with Labor Day, and other more serious occasions.

An editor at Chase’s once said that the Roys are probably America’s biggest holiday makers, after the president and Congress.

Green & Purple Polka Dots

with Pink Polka Dots

Hug Me Slug Original Art Toys

So, since their return is officially recognized, be sure to wish the slugs a fond welcome back to your gardens and patios on May 28th. And Happy Slugs Return from Capistrano Day to you!

For more information, please see the links below:

Elizabeth Ruffing’s Hug Me Slugs:

http://hugmeslug.com

An article on the Roys in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.wellcat.com/los_angeles_times_bad_day_day.htm

The Story of the swallows of Capistrano:

http://www.missionsjc.com/preservation/swallowsstory.php

A "Slugs Return from Capistrano" e card:

from Blue Mountain to send to your friends !

http://www.bluemountain.com/display.pd?path=76751&prodnum=3032694