Today's Reason to Celebrate

March 20, 2020 was

Snowman Burning Day

Today is Snowman Burning Day! Every year on the first day of spring, students at Lake Superior State University burn a snowman to celebrate the end of winter. The inspiration for this unique tradition comes from the Rose Sunday Festival in Germany. The mayor of each town burns a straw snowman if the children of the town have been well behaved all year. The smoke rising from the bonfire is supposed to ward off blizzards and usher in the spring season.

The first Snowman Burning Day took place in 1971. An LSSU student club called the Unicorn Hunters organized the event and established several traditions including the annual poetry competition. Students, faculty, staff, townspeople, and kids in the community compose poems about the snowman burning and recite them during the event.

To celebrate Snowman Burning Day, check out videos and photos from LSSU, break out your spring wardrobe, and say goodbye to winter!

  • March 20, 2020 is also Spring Equinox | Big Bird's Birthday | International Day of Happiness | National Quilting Day | National Ravioli Day
  • March is International Ideas Month | National Celery Month | National Craft Month | National Frozen Food Month | National Peanut Month | National Women's History Month
  • This week is American Chocolate Week