Happy Spine Day! It's More Than Just Keeping Your Back Straight at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve

Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we celebrate all things unique and fascinating – and that definitely includes spines! Today, on Spine Day, we take a moment to appreciate the marvels of these intricate structures that support and define our cryptids, both mythical and real (well, as real as cryptids get).

Spines are far more than just a stack of bones. They're marvels of evolution, allowing for movement, protection, and even heat regulation in some creatures. But spines also hold a special place in folklore and mythology around the world.

Take the Spined Lilin, a fearsome creature from Mesopotamian legend. Depicted with rows of wickedly sharp spines running down its back, the Lilin was said to be a demon that preyed on unsuspecting travelers. Closer to home, some legends of the Appalachian Mountains speak of the Spinejacker, a shadowy entity that would steal a person's spine, leaving them a lifeless husk.

These spooky stories highlight the importance of the spine, not just physically but also symbolically. The spine is often seen as the seat of our strength, our courage, and even our soul.

Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we celebrate spines in all their forms!

• Join us for a special Keeper Talk where we'll delve into the fascinating world of cryptid spines. Learn about the incredible adaptations of creatures like the Mongolian Death Worm (said to have a spiked proboscis) and the Wolpertinger (often depicted with a bristly spine).

• Visit the "Supporting Structures" exhibit to see real (or very realistic!) cryptid skeletons and learn about the unique ways their spines allow them to move and survive.

• Take part in our "Spine Yoga" class (modified for human bodies, of course) designed to improve your flexibility and posture.

So come celebrate Spine Day with us! It's a chance to learn something new, appreciate the wonders of nature (and cryptid-ure!), and maybe even give your own spine a little TLC.