PAUL BUNYAN DAY

This post, Paul Bunyan Day, may contain affiliate links, which means Happy Hive Homeschooling may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

In the Footsteps of Paul Bunyan: A Legendary Celebration

Those living in Bangor, Maine claim that Paul Bunyan was born in the woods just outside the city on February 12th, 1834. We celebrate Paul Bunyan Day on February 12th for this reason.

It’s hard to know which stories of Paul Bunyan are true as many have been handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth and are filled with hyperbole. These are now what we call Folktales. They were often told in logging communities among the lumberjacks of the United States and Canada. 

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the captivating stories surrounding Paul Bunyan, explore his mythical adventures, and share exciting ways for kids to celebrate this iconic character. Additionally, we’ll highlight significant places that families can visit to immerse themselves in the lore of Paul Bunyan.

The Legend of Paul Bunyan

Paul Bunyan, a mythical lumberjack of enormous proportions, has been a staple of American folklore since the 19th century. The tales depict him as a giant lumberman with incredible strength and a trusty blue ox named Babe. The legend of Paul Bunyan has roots in the lumber camps of North America, where storytellers crafted exaggerated stories about his feats, shaping him into a beloved figure in American culture.

Key Aspects of Paul Bunyan’s Legend:

1. Giant Stature: Paul Bunyan is described as a giant, often portrayed as being so large that his footsteps created the Great Lakes, and his kneeprints formed the Grand Canyon.
2. Ox Companion, Babe: Accompanying Paul on his adventures is Babe the Blue Ox, another colossal figure with extraordinary abilities. Together, they embark on a series of remarkable exploits, from creating landscapes to solving practical problems for the lumber industry.
3. Tall Tales: The stories of Paul Bunyan are classic examples of tall tales, featuring exaggerated details and fantastical events that capture the imagination of listeners.

Among some of the stories associated with Paul Bunyan: 

• He started the logging profession in the United States
• He and Babe cleared large forests across North America
• Paul created the Great Lakes so Babe had a place to drink. 
• The Grand Canyon was formed by dragging his ax behind him. 
• Paul could eat 50 (flapjacks) pancakes a minute

Ways Kids Can Celebrate Paul Bunyan Day:

1. Paul Bunyan Storytime: Introduce kids to the tales of Paul Bunyan through storytime. Read classic books like “Paul Bunyan” by Steven Kellogg or “Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox” by Carol Ottolenghi. Encourage discussion about the fantastical elements of the stories.
2. Paul Bunyan Crafts: Channel creativity with Paul Bunyan-themed crafts. Kids can create their own Paul Bunyan and Babe puppets, draw scenes from the stories, or even design a comic strip featuring the legendary lumberjack.
3. Build a Mini Logging Camp: Transform a play area into a mini logging camp. Using toys and props, kids can reenact scenes from Paul Bunyan’s adventures, complete with toy axes, trees, and a toy blue ox.
4. Blue Ox Games: Organize games inspired by Babe the Blue Ox. Consider a “Blue Ox Race” or a “Blue Ox Obstacle Course” to engage kids in active and imaginative play.
5. Visit Paul Bunyan-Themed Sites:
   • Bemidji, Minnesota: Home to the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe statues, Bemidji celebrates its status as the birthplace of Paul Bunyan.
   • Bangor, Maine: The Bangor area boasts the “Paul Bunyan Statue” at the Cross Insurance Center, showcasing a giant Paul Bunyan wielding an axe.
   • Oscoda, Michigan: Visit the Paul Bunyan Historic Site, featuring a towering statue of Paul Bunyan, symbolizing the region’s lumbering history.

Paul Bunyan Day offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to immerse themselves in the magical world of American folklore. Through stories, crafts, and imaginative play, children can celebrate the enduring legacy of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. For those seeking a more immersive experience, visiting significant Paul Bunyan sites provides a tangible connection to the legendary tales. So, let the tales unfold, the crafts come to life, and the adventures of Paul Bunyan captivate young hearts on this legendary day!

Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!

You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!

Return to main calendar HERE

Want Ideas for celebrating in your inbox every day? Sign up for our Holiday of the Day newsletter and get everything you need for easy Holiday Celebrations!