Groundhog Day
Humans have long looked to animals to predict events such as earthquakes, the future, and the weather.
This year is no different, as on February 2nd, we'll all follow tradition, and be watching closely when the Groundhog awakens from a long winter's nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he can see his shadow...
The day was a tradition brought to the Americas from Germany, from their own tradition at Candlemas. For centuries many European cultures had predicted spring weather by watching the behavior of hedgehogs on 2nd February - celebrating when a cloudy day meant there was no shadow, as in their experience this meant a quick end to the cold winter season. (badgers/bears were also used for predictions)
"If the hedgehog sees his shadow at Candlemas, He will crawl back into his hole for another six weeks."
-- German Proverb
In the US, Groundhog day became popular in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania when a group of weather enthusiasts called the "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" founded Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.
The furry rodent's full name is "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary." and his weather predictions have been recorded in Congressional Records even though his predictions have only been 39% accurate (this statistic is disputed by "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" which claims his predictions are 90% accurate).
Members of the top hat-wearing Inner Circle at Gobbler's Knob will announce the prediction on Saturday morning... Hopefully, Phil won't forecast six more weeks of winter, because I've had quite enough of the relentless chill now!
Old time radio has also enjoyed the fun and festivities of Groundhog Day. Listen to Abner trying to help Cedric with his homework subject about Groundhog Day, and how the little critter knows what date is February 2nd each year...
Joy has listed a handful of shows related to Groundhog Day on a special page, so that you can add them to your playlist, or download them for listening later.
Happy listening my friends,