Ground Hog’s Day

Today is Candlemas and Ground Hog’s Day. Here in the U.S. we turn our attention to Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil and await his early morning appearance to see whether or not he will see his shadow.

The groundhog's reputation as a weather prophet came to the U.S. in the mid-18th century with German immigrants. But this is really a very old holiday -- one that has its roots in astronomy. February 2nd is one of four cross-quarter days. It lies about halfway between a solstice and an equinox. Today's cross-quarter day was celebrated as Candlemas in England, where it marked the beginning of spring.

Try this old English rhyme -- "If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight. But if it be dark with clouds and rain, winter is gone and will not come again."

From the Holiday Page: Ground Hog’s Day

The ground hog as a weather prognosticator is relatively new. It has only been used in that role since the 18th century. Prior to that, the badger, the bear or some other hibernating animal was used. The Pennsylvania Dutch (of German ancestry despite the moniker) transferred the job to the ground hog.

Should Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow we are supposed to have six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will be right around the corner. In truth, as mentioned in the quote above, Candlemas is a cross-quarter day, halfway between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. So, no matter what good old Phil sees or doesn’t see, we still are only halfway through winter.

But it is a great excuse for a party and the town of Punxsutawney knows that for a fact.

PS: For what it's worth, Phil saw his shadow today when he was drawn from his burrow.

The Official Site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club


Other links:
StormFax Weather Almanac: Groundhog Day

infoplease

NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange