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Show Stork Day. At Haslach, in the Kinzig valley, in Germany, February 22 is a holiday and has been observed as one fpr hundreds hun-dreds of years. Once upon a time, the story teller who explains its origin begins, be-gins, Haslach was .overrun with snakes, and no one knew how to drive them out. One day a great flock of storks appeared, and they were the saviors of the place. In recognition of this deliverance from the pest, which occurred on February 2, the day has been kept sacred and is known as "Stork day." An appointed official known as the "Stork Father" parades the streets, followed by as many children chil-dren as care to join the procession. He wears his "Sunday clothes" and a high hat, decorated with two stuffed storks. Stops are made by this procession at houses along the line and the children receive gifts of sweets and small coins, every householder feeling pleased to show his gratitude to the stork. |