Like clockwork every night, distant howls can be heard from the comfort of the home at 8:00 pm sharp. Since the United States started battling the spread of Covid-19, this howling has become a symbol for many as the United States and the rest of the world hunker down to prevent its spread.
This type of symbol is nothing new to the country as citizens have found different ways to support one another during times of crisis. Take, for example, the yellow ribbons tied around trees to show support for the troops overseas to the red poppies during World War I to remember the fallen soldiers.
But how did this unusual symbol start this time around? Once stay at home orders were in place, Brice Maiurro and Shelsea Ochoa, residents of Denver, Colorado, decided to create a Facebook called “Go Outside and Howl at 8 pm” to encourage others to stay connected with one another during this time of unknown and uncertainty. Since March 27th, the group has grown over 500,000 members from all over the United States.
“We wanted to do this mostly because people are feeling isolated right now,” said Ochoa, 33, who works at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to AP news, “I think it hit on something others needed.”
“We have been hearing it for a while now, my daughter told me about it and what it was.” said Barb, another Colorado resident, “We’ve gone outside and have participated when we hear it start.”
The howl time has also been used as a time to grieve and remember loved ones who have not only passed away from Covid-19 and other illnesses but a way for people to give their support to first responders and medical workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic.
Since this has all started, according to AP news, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has encouraged his residents to continue howling out each out to support the health care workers and first responders.
“We were hearing it nightly in our neighborhood but have not heard it for a few nights now,” said Wendy, a Colorado resident, on Facebook, “It’s nice to know it’s in support of the medical community.”
This community on Facebook has attracted a lot of people to its page not only for its purpose of getting people to howl, but to give them space to virtually interact with one another. Posts have ranged between asking people to howl certain loved ones to asking people to share their least favorite movie to facilitate a conversation with one another. It has been for healing for a lot of people, especially during this time where they can’t meet up with another and have face to face interaction.
So as the pandemic continues to affect this country and world, consider dedicating a minute of the day to continue this trend and howl for those who have been afflicted by the virus and to connect with one another during this time.
